As you've probably seen, just about every software program is updated annually. And products are no different. But often the latest version is not as good as the previous one.

Why?

Sometimes the developers forget the basics.

Here's an example.

I was buying a new MiniDV Camcorder. I got the latest compact unit from Cannon. In fact, I just saw them advertised in one of my video trade magazines. Yes, they are called an entry level DV Camcorder. So you don't expect the best electronics or lenses.

But Cannon usually has good lenses and I don't feel that we need a professional video camera for CDs and streaming video.

Except when I got this brand new latest version of a Cannon MiniDV Camcorder home I discovered that it was missing some useful tools;

Like:

• No external microphone connector. So the only way to record sound was with the built in microphone. And I can tell you that is unsatisfactory.

• It was missing the s-Video connector. This is useful if you want to use this Camcorder as a anaolg converter to put Hi8 or sVHS videos into your computer via the FireWire.

Are those two missing items enough to make you send the camcorder back?

Yes. I immediately took the camcorder back to the store. And while I would probably have accepted the lack of the s-Video connector, I could not live without the external microphone connector.

The strangest part... Cannon's older camcorders that these new ones were replacing had both the external microphone connector and the s-Video connector!

Why did they leave these two critical elements out?

Probably to cut costs.

So remember, don't assume that because the product or software is the latest that it has more features. And you might even get a special deal by buying the discontinued model. My older camcorder came with a free copy of some digital Pinnacle video editing software. And the latest camcorders (the one I took back) didn't. The free software was worth $87!

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