With megapixel still-shot resolution (1,280-by-960), MPEG-4 capability for capturing short e-mail–ready clips, the ability to double as a Webcam, and an 8MB SD card, the JVC DVM96U stands tall on features. Too bad it's an ergonomic nightmare.

At first glance, the DVM96U looks like a vertical cousin of the Canon and Sony camcorders. But the design couldn't be more counterintuitive. Instead of the zoom control being placed on top of the camera, it's built into the power switch on the back, which is tough to get used to. Worse, the photo button is positioned where your thumb usually sits; we took several pictures by accident. Even the VCR controls are strangely placed, on the side of the camera opposite the 2.5-inch LCD.

Our videos looked crisp, and the still shots were close to perfect. But we had to be careful taking stills: The built-in flash underneath the lens can easily be obscured by a wayward index finger.