all digital camcorders

We use Canon in general because of their amazing compatibility with a wide rage of formats. The ZR-Series is no exception. You are able to achieve high quality with ease. The VIC chip makes a big difference when you are importing a lot of video to edit on your PC/Mac. You'll need to pick up a Firewire for $10-15 because Canon doesn't include one in this box.

I recommend visiting http://www.canondv.com/zr90, there you can view videos of this camcorder. That will help you see if this camera is right for you. Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and most every respective brand have similar videos on their sites to help you compare. Of course Amazon.com has the best prices.

Also I find it very odd that nearly every negative reviewer ends up mentioning Sony as an alternative. As a professional I wonder why someone wouldn't mention Panasonic, JVC or Sharp now and then. You would have to spend at least $595.00 to find a Sony that compares indoors or out. Even then you won't find features like Canon's Digic technology.

If you are serious about sound you really need a boom/shotgun microphone no matter what brand of camera you use. An external mic will help you capture directional sound. For voices, wireless microphones will always give you superior results. You can then mix both boom and wireless feeds to create dynamic sound. Unless you are shooting pro video the Canon mic is adequate and features a handy wind filter if you decide to activate it.

I had high expectations for this camera and was extremely disappointed. Sure it has a great zoom and is easy to use, but that doesn't amount to anything when the picture quality is poor. The camera performs decently when in sunlight, but if you're trying to take some video indoors, your picture will be extremely grainy. The low-light/night mode on this camera is worthless, so don't even bother. I would return it if it weren't a 4 hour drive to the store I bought it from and only 6 days left before they won't accept a return. There's also a 15% re-stocking fee if I do manage to make it there in time. If only I had bought a Sony Handycam. I probably would have been much happier than I am right now. If it was possible to give this camera a zero star rating, I would have.

I bought the ZR 90 for its easy use and multi-applications. It delivers!! Okay, I too have read that it needs an add-on microphone. Not for my uses! I use it for digital video and stills and for webcam communications. It delivers!!! I did go to a 64MB SD memory card....but that was an inexpensive,simple matter....one trip to Wal-Mart. I researched before buying and have not been disappointed. Do suggest Canon include firewire cable in the package--can't download video without it. The ZR 90 is everything I expected and delivers higher quality pictures than expected. I have no complaints about the sound.