In response to SizzleSticks review - I just got back from Circuit City where I was checking out the PV-GS85. It most definately does NOT have a manual focus ring.

So far so good. My only complaint is when I went to bestbuy/Costco to ask about the product they lead me to believe that it was an actual DVD recorder and not recording on tapes. The device is very small and light weight and easy to use. Would recommend...

its better then i thought it would be so far no complain it works fine and i will recomend to any one with 250 budget

I bought this product after noticing that this was a one of the best sellers in Amazon, i was not dissapointed. It has got everything amateurs and families need to make great videos at home. The controls are well placed and i love all the features. I am also pleased with the fact that i bough this over the costlier model which other in the reviews have spoken about, the missing feature of manual zoom hardly makes a difference. It supports SD Card which is cheap, it has a light which works well up to 6 feet, zoom is good, colors are good.

Downside would be the stabilization does not work all that well when you are zooming in real close, no night vision support except for the light, its not all that light weight but acceptable, but then if you need those you should go for a costlier model at more than double the price.

Overall a great product and would recommend.

Actually, in responce to "Movie Star"s review, there is a difference in the GS83 and the GS85. The PV-GS85 and PV-GS80 both have a manual focus ring located on the lense. The PV-GS83 does not have the manual focus ring, but you can still manually focus it by using the 'Joystick'. The manual focus ring that is on the GS85 and GS80 is worth the extra money for someone that is going to need it, like an amature videographer, but for someone that just wants this as a family camcorder, then you do not need the focus ring and the PV-GS83 would be a great choice.