Canon Optura 10 1.33 Megapixel MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

Rating:
Summary: It's not the motor noise that's annoying...
Review:     I just bought this camera a month ago, refurbished, directly from Canon, and the motor noise can be heard, but it could be heard on regular Hi-8, Digi-8's, too. But there's software that can remove the motor whining noises (Studio v9.0 can, and that's just off the top of my head, so I'm sure there are more). And from my experience, it wasn't even that loud (I usually record in situations where there's a lot of audio feedback, so I couldn't even hear it).
    What I'm having "trouble" with is the battery life. I thought maybe I got a refurbished battery, too, but it turns out I didn't. I read the manual, and my battery life is actually on par with Canon's estimated shooting time. So I'm seriously contemplating getting the fat battery (535?) for more life so I can shoot more, but for most of us, in many a shooting scenario, the best alternative will be a $1.50 extension cord so we can just use it without the battery and not have to worry about battery life, etc. Also, I'm not too thrilled with where the scroller button is, because while the menu button is directly on top of it, the effects button is "inside" (where the lcd screen would be when it is closed), so there isn't a quick, easy way to access it, but I guess I can't really complain that much about it since I've only had it for a week, and I will probably get adjusted to it.
    This is my first MiniDV camcorder, and my first digital camcorder from my Hi-8. I've used other brands and makes before, and found this very competent and user-friendly. There are other models and makes, within the same price range, that others might find useful. As for me, out of experience, what ever I have, I just get adjusted and used to, and I found it very promising so far. I only gave this a four because of the horrible battery life most Canon digital cameras and camcorders are notorious for, but we can all manage.

Rating:
Summary: Everything ok except...
Review: except the motor noise heard on the tape, its really annoying

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Buy
Review: I have purchased this product after checking no. of other makes and models like jvc,sony etc etc.Features I like the most are
1) 16x powerful optical zoom Sony has only 10x even in top models
2) 1/4 inch ccd, excellent indoor video quality.
3) Rock solid image stabilisation, no shaky videos.
4) Excellent point and shoot.
5) 1.33 megapixel still photos.
Features I do'nt like are
1) Little bigger and heavy, but good for stable video.
2) Motor noise is heard in recordings.
2) Video conferencing available only on windows xp.