Panasonic's HDC-SD80, TM80 and HS80 incorporate a well-designed touch-screen interface and manual exposure controls--unusual for their price class.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
The TM80 and SD80 are pretty tiny but still comfortable to grip and use. All the models have a manual lens cover switch--the Sony CX130 and siblings' are electronic--but they can also open automatically when you power on the unit. They also have an LED video light over the lens.
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Buttons
Though it operates mostly via the touch screen, there are buttons for select operations, including an optical image stabilization and auto/manual toggle and a power override.
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Modes
The camcorder has a physical switch for still, video and playback, and the bezel for the small LCD is empty. Oddly, I was unable to tighten the grip strap enough.
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Top controls
The zoom switch is a little loose but still pretty good for getting a consistent zoom speed.
