DESCRIPTION

The camera has 16x optical zoom, which is just average in the Hi8 category. The optics can be supplemented with 300x digital zoom. At high zoom factors, even slight camera movements look exaggerated, so the VMH650A's image-stabilizing function will come in handy.Despite its relatively low price, this model has some desirable features. Just about every variable -- from exposure to white balance (auto focus can be disabled for manual adjustment) -- is set automatically. The built-in titler includes a number of preset titles for typical camcorder events, such as birthdays and holidays.Stepping up to Hitachi's Ultravision camcorders, which also use Hi8 tapes, gets you a flip-out LCD and such conveniences as NTSC/PAL multisystem playback for when you travel abroad.