Pros: Compact Design, Easy TV Connectivity, Easy Computer Connectivity, Ergonomic/comfortable to hold, easy to use, Good Software Compatibility
Cons: Short battery life, Poor sound/audio, Poor Low-Light Performance
The Canon ZR500 is probably the best camcorder available in its price range.
Sleek design and easy to use. Contrary to what another reviewer wrote, I found computer connectivity to be quite easy. All you need is a Firewire port.
The picture quality is average. Nothing spectacular, but acceptable.
My only complaints are that
a) the camcorder produces an irritating buzzing/whirring sound that is picked up by the built-in microphone. However, there is a microphone port on the camera, so connecting an external microphone should fix this problem.
b) the battery life is fairly short and
c) the picture quality is noticeably degraded in low light levels.
If you're a casual user looking to record experiences with family and friends, or if you're a beginner film enthusiast/hobbyist looking to direct short films, I recommend this camera.