What Are They Thinking?

Today's video camera manufacturers continue to sustain the trend of pushing expensive and useless toys to market. The Canon HR10, reviewed in the May 2008 issue of Videomaker, is a perfect example.

The camera boasts high definition recording, extreme portability, variable shutter speeds and even the ability to shoot in 24p. (24p refers to 24 frames-per-second, the frame rate of motion picture film.)

And while you're able to create a high definition film look, inexplicably the camera lacks very basic features - like a mic jack, an accessory shoe or even a headphone jack - even though these would add little to the sticker price. Priced at over $800, the HR10 is an expensive bauble with limited value for either the serious or casual shooter.