Camcorders have improved in quality without cost increase. A 5.0 megapixel camera now has 12.0 megapixels
for the same price. The sizes have decreased without compromising quality. Don't judge a camcorder by its size. Today, some smaller camcorders can actually out perform some of the previous larger ones.
Some camcorders include a new feature called "Antishake". This feature tends to sheild the camcorder agaist unusual movement. This makes it much easier to capture complex items and sites.
Today, the average camcorder is smaller, more reliable and has advanced features with decreasing prices.