A recent standard definition shoot that pitted the tiny Canon HV30 against the full-size professional Sony DSR-390. The superior 3CCD Sony with a professional lens and full manual controls is the Goliath to Canon's David. In SD mode, the differences in sharpness and dynamic range are pretty evident. But where the HV30 shines is its stealth size and ease of use. I can put it on a monopod and get the dutch-rolls and crane shots that would be much more difficult with the Sony. Of course, the Sony is strictly SD, so I can't to a head-to-head HD compro.