[Davidgilmour]

This camera has no EVF. Does that mean that I can not record with the LCD closed? What is EVF?

[redsox_mark]

EVF would mean Electronic View Finder... but it does have a Viewfinder so I'm not sure what is meant.

[Davidgilmour]

I read this review: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm

It says: Surprisingly, the HDC-SD1 is missing some top dollar features — like an electronic viewfinder

and a bit further : The LCD display is very important to the user because, lacking a viewfinder, the LCD is the only way to see what you are shooting.

Does that mean that in order to record you have to open the lcd?

[redsox_mark]

Interesting... and this article on the same web site says it has a viewfinder
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...s-Compared.htm

But from the pictures it does seem like it doesn't have one - so yes you will need to use the LCD.

I would think you could shoot with the LCD closed... but if you do that you won't be able to see what you are shooting (unless you have the camcorder).

I'm a big viewfinder fan - in many situations I find it easier to steady the camcorder for handheld shooting using the viewfinder (and arms pulled back towards the body). Viewfinder means you need to hold the camcorder away from your body so you can see it.. harder to hold it steady. Big mistake in my view (no pun intended) not to include a viewfinder.

[Davidgilmour]

Ok, thanks. I will use the LCD to film important stuff but sometimes I just want to hold the camera and shoot for fun without looking at what I shoot. Especially handy for 'secret takes'
You don't think that they will let this option out of the camera, do you?

[redsox_mark]

I am almost certain they would not force you to have the LCD open to be able to shoot.