Before I begin, I understand that there are better cameras out there. I'm really not interested in them, so here is my question.
I have an opportunity to get a camcorder that I'm going to use to get my feet wet videoing hunts. The choice I have is between a Canon Optura 50 and a Panasonic Pv Gs120. Both are discontinued models. Both are very close in price.
The optura has optical stabilization and a manual focus ring. It only has one ccd but is pretty large at about 2.2 mp.
The Panasonic is 3ccd but has electric stabilization and no focus ring.
Both have microphone and headphone jacks.
I am leaning toward the canon, but don't know if I should go for the 3ccd over the other features.
What does everyone think?

Hp, I would say it depends on where you will be hunting, The 3ccd will give you a much better picture but without being able to manually focus it will be a problem in the woods. If you do more field edge hunting I would take the 3ccd but if you hunt more woods I would go with the manual focus ring because other wise the camera will focus on whats the closest thing to it IE branchs.. Walt

Well, the panasonic does have manual focus, but not with a ring on the lens. It will focus manually from the back of the camera. This is ok, but not as good as the ring. Any other suggestions?

go with the 3 ccs because the 1 ccd still splits it into three smaller sections