Canon made quite an impression with the DM-XM1 three-CCD MiniDV camcorder, but can it do the same with its replacement, the XM2?

Reviewing a high-end camcorder from Canon is comparable to taking a Lamborghini Diablo for a 'test' drive -- critical opinion, however informed, is practically irrelevant. This is basically as good as it gets, with the X-M2 being an admirably worthy successor to the discontinued GL1.

Superb image quality; 20x optical zoom; affordable for a professional unit

No zooming ring; inbuilt microphone below average; standard-def only

The Canon XM2 is the middle child of the camcorder world. Often sighted as too expensive by true amateur ‘point-and-shoot' users, yet overlooked by the budding Spielberg who leap straight to it's older brother the Canon XL2 .

Excellent lens quality; clear image; good colour reproduction; manual overrides; colour viewfinder

Not brilliant in low light; mic could be better; not HD

I too "used" to love and adore this camera. Now sadly the firewire port had gone and I am told this is a common problem with these cameras. Try and buy a second cheaper camcorder to download your footage to your PC. This is because the repair bill is a cool £600 if you need a new board.

Reviewing a high-end camcorder from Canon is comparable to taking a Lamborghini Diablo for a 'test' drive -- critical opinion, however informed, is practically irrelevant. This is basically as good as it gets, with the X-M2 being an admirably worthy successor to the discontinued GL1.

Superb image quality; 20x optical zoom; affordable for a professional unit

No zooming ring; inbuilt microphone below average; standard-def only

great item works very well,old style technology but still capable of good quality video & sound even using mini tapes. the video cam. is somewear between a professiional & ordinary video cams. theres no dislikes presently using this video,performs as needed.

The Canon XM2 is the middle child of the camcorder world. Often sighted as too expensive by true amateur ‘point-and-shoot' users, yet overlooked by the budding Spielberg who leap straight to it's older brother the Canon XL2.

An excellent camera first class image quality. Superb lens, easy to use!

Search "REMOVE THE CASSETTE" on Google before you venture to buy this camera. Have had mine for 3 years and have been satisfied for approx 6mths before all hell broke loose. The problem seems to be in the hardware which feeds the band not only on this model but other camcorders brand CANON.