Panasonic AG-HMC150 AVCCAM or JVC GY-HM100U Compact 3-CCD Camcorder? I will be taping many different types of events everything from outdoor sporting events to low lit theaters. What camera should I go with? Also I have used zoom and focus controls and am not sure if the JVC supports these. Any reviews of these cameras will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

If you are expecting pro-grade video – especially with lots of action, you will not use any camcorder that records to AVCHD compressed video captured to MTS files. HDV is most common, though HDCAM an DVCPRO HD are even better.

If you must be tapeless, then you are limited to the Sony HVR-Z7U using compact flash memory cards (DV and HDV) and Panasonic AG-HVX200 (P2 cards).

Regardless of your decision, if you are unsure about a camcorder’s feature-set, download the manual from the manufacturer and read it BEFORE you buy. When you are comfortable that the camera has what you want, then buy. For pro-grade or prosumer grade gear, bhphotovideo and adorama are good sources – if prices deviate too much from these, you could be getting set up to get scammed.

Be sure the camera you get has a LANC port so you can use a wired remote to control the focus and zoom. This will be needed if you use a should mount systems or camera crane – and is very handy even when a tripod is used. VariZoom makes good ones…