This is certainly a strange looking camera—for one, the viewing lens does not point directly forward, but up, so when you hold the camcorder you have to hold it down to shoot video. The R10 is a camera that is a great choice for consumers looking for an easy to control, interesting looking camera that offers easy to navigate menus and a simple button interface.

Before purchasing this camera you may want to try it out first, as its intriguing design can be quite annoying to those who are used to the usual camcorders. Because of the way it is made, the camcorder can be uncomfortable to those who are used to the traditional camcorder designs. Also this camcorder has no hand strap, and though it may look hardy, it can easily be scratched. It also does not include a protective lens cover, so you have to be careful when using it or purchase one separately. With the Easy Q mode, beginners don’t have to worry about messing with things that could ruin the camcorders performance, because this mode will block the user from changing anything that shouldn’t be changed. So sticky fingers won’t ruin your experience!

The R10 is a midrange camcorder with a price of about $500, so it is not a crazy expensive camera, but not a cheap one either. It includes photo and video modes, and the menus are exceedingly easy to understand—no confusing colorful icons, perfect for the new user. But ease of use comes with a price, and while the video is pretty good quality and does well with sharpness and motion, it does it best in bright light. So, if you want to do a lot of night or darkness shooting, then this camera probably won’t work for you.

All in all, the R10 camcorder is a wonderful purchase if you are looking for a camera that has an interesting design and is very easy to use for beginners. Compared to other cameras in the same price range, it does very well, though it looses out to other cameras like the Canon HF20 in performance, and the Panasonic HDC-SD20 with its night shooting capabilities. The main benefit of this camera is its unique design and ease of use, so if you are after a camcorder that is mid-range in price, is of a decent quality, and needs very little tinkering to be able to understand its menus, then this camera is perfect for you.