[cushioncreeper]

Well, I think I've managed to narrow down my choice.

panasonic HS300 or Sony HDR XR500

Both seem about the same price, Panasonic gets rave reviews but the Sony has a great pedigree (SR12) and I think the extending viewfinder will be great.
Only downside I can see with the sony is the specialised memory stick is a tad (cough) dearer than SD cards.

Any thoughts on which one might be better? (bearing in mind I need it mainly to follow action on a rugby pitch so it'll have a dozen seasons chucked at it inthe space of an hour or so!)

The other thing, as both of these weigh in at the better part of a grand, I really would like to at least hold one in my hand before parting with my hard-earned. Local shops will not stock anything so expensive - one admitted the item would be sat on their shelf forever. Those that do list the panasonic will order it in - once I've paid.

Seems rather strange that this industry expects us to part with shedloads of cash without even a sniff of the product - if I were only spending £500, no problem. I can hold one to my heart's content but that seems to be the barrier.

My reason for wanting to hold one in my hand is simply that I have hands like shovels & whilst technology is great, it comes at a price - difficult to use comfortably.
Whilst my current camcorder sits in the palm of my hand, it is difficult operating the zoom and record buttons as they are not comfortably placed - I appreciate it isn't possible to please everybody but I can't be the only bloke who has these problems? - or does everybody buy over the internet & hope they get on Ok with it?
Where can I try before I buy?

[A n d r e w]

Amaz*n are pretty considerate when it comes to returning goods under the distance selling act. It means forfeiting the freight costs, unless there's a fault with the item, in which case they'll pick up the tab. Infer from that what you will.

[cushioncreeper]

Nice one, although how would they feel if they knew it was simply a 'try before you buy' or having it on approval?

Hmmm
Just wondering if I could rent one from somewhere?
(nips off to google)

[Magic Man]

That is in some way what the distance selling regulations are for. Since in a shop you can ask to look over the items in question, check them out etc. You can't for online purchases so the distance selling act allows a no quiblle return if you decide for whatever reason the item is not suitable.

Don't get suckered in by some companies saying that you must pay a restocking fee either - no you don't...