"The Sony DCR-TRV30 is one of the best single CCD camcorders out there. The question in my mind, however, is if the TRV30 is overkill for most people. The TRV30 is quite similar to the TRV17 we reviewed recently, with two notable exceptions: you get 530 lines of resolution vs. 500 on the TRV17. Also, you get Megapixel stills on the TRV30 versus 640 x 480 on the TRV17. Of course, the stills don't come close those produced by a decent digital still camera. My advice: if you want to be on the "bleeding edge" of things, check out the TRV30. If you want to save some money, try the TRV17 instead (or something else altogether)."