Yes the zoom on this particular model stinks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I manage to work around that though.

I have found it hard to find a rugged camera with everything on it that costs less than $800. And I am not comfortable taking a $800 piece of equipment into the backcountry. I took my digital rebel once and I was a nervous wreck the entire trip -- mostly because it rained the entire time.

I would be really interested to see if somebody has found a full featured camcorder that is both rugged and less than $800.