[Uday]

I wonder if anyone can help me choose a camcorder. I have narrowed the list down to the Sony DCR-PC120 and the Canon MVXi2 (called the Optura 200 in the US I think). I would like to know the difference in image quality with regard to the type of image stabilisation used. I have read that the optical system is superior to the elctronic system of the Sony, but I would like to know how the 2 systems compare in everyday usage.
How good is the Sony Super Steady Shot and would an amateur user like me notice the difference in the final product(I want to make DVD's of family events)?

Grateful for any advice before I commit large ammounts of money.

[KeyLimePi]

My GF has a Canon ZR25 (electronic stabilization) and I have the Optura 100MC (optical stabilization). While I love the form-factor of the ZR25, the image quality is noticably better on my Optura. This is isn't entirely the fault of the image stabilization, since the Optura has a better CCD, but I still think it's significant.

Electronic stabilization means that a computer chip in the camera is constantly checking and rearranging your pixels, which is usually bad. I suppose it's analagous to digital-zoom vs. optical-zoom.

As to your situation, I would sincerly recommend going with optical stabilization. These cameras are a little pricier and a little bigger, but I can certainly see a difference in video quality, and I'm just an amateur shooter.

[Uday]

Many thanks. I was thinking the same myself and the guys at our local Applecentre also seem to go with the Canon.