I recently bought a camcorder for my own personal use. Despite having always bought Canon kit before, I went for the Sony HC35 mostly because it was by far the most comfortable compact camcorder I have ever used. It fitted perfectly into the palm of my hand with all controls readily available. The firewire in/out connector was on a docking station, but I was prepared to put up with this.

Sadly the picture quality from the HC35 was the worst I have ever seen. It has currently been sent back to Sony service for repair. There was massive fringing on any moderately contrasty areas. There was also very noticeable stepping in lines. Although not present in quite the same degree, the other examples of this model at Currys exhibited poor quicture quality.

Avoid this camcorder.