The MV5 is one of the smallest MiniDV camcorders on the market. You might initially consider that the style aspect of camcorders is nothing but a cosmetic luxury. However, size, shape and portability are actually fairly large factors in determining how much use you will get out of your camcorder.

If, for instance, your video cam is something that you can pop into a pocket or a handbag, like the attractive and diminutive Canon MV5, then you're much more likely to take it out with you. The downside of shrinkage is less surface area, which means that sometimes buttons become too small and fiddly to operate or sometimes even rejected altogether in favour of awkward menu access.

Fortunately, the MV5 manages to avoid being uncomfortable to use, thanks to a pleasingly uncluttered casing and easy-to-navigate option screens.

The model employs an unusually small 1/6in CCD image sensor in order to reduce the overall size of the unit. Surprisingly, however, this factor does not appear to adversely affect image quality, and the MV5 is capable of some very sharp detail and vibrant colours.

Add to this a very useful 10x optical zoom and a night shot feature and you have a very accomplished camcorder that can sit in the palm of your hand. The MV5 is only let down by a lack of both megapixel quality stills and memory card slot.

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