Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: excellent picture quality but disappointing image stabilization

Over the years, I have used many Sony camcorders, including digital. With its HD capability, the little HDR-HC3 is impressive and easy to use. The minuses are not negligible, however. The electronic (rather than optical) image stabilization when combined with the light weight can sometimes make it a challenge to take really "steady" videos without a tripod. Because the pictures are so clear on HDTV, any shakiness becomes all the more obvious. For my applications, this was a serious drawback and I ended up returning the camera for that reason. The viewfinder is also inadequate, in my opinion, forcing one to use the LCD display most of the time while videoing--which is less than satisfactory outside when it's a bright day! Best try this one out before purchasing.