How can I compare camcorders easily?

How does video quality of the GoPro Hero2 compare with handheld camcorders like the Panasonic HDC-TM700?

• Scenarios include attached to a bicycle, mounted on a car and videos of my pet. Is there truly a one size fits all?

• Answer:

  The GoPro lacks in sensor quality, which is why it's usually used in high-light scenarios. It certainly wins out in mobility and weight against the TM700 (even though that camera is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand).    If you're going to mount it on the exterior of a car, I would make sure it's weighted down, even more than the suction cup housing that accompanies it.    Conversely, the GoPro lacks nearly all manual control, aside from a few preliminary settings. The TM700 is definitely the better choice in that regard, plus you can dial in your color correction through the camera itself rather than having to do a lot of that in post.     The TM700 will produce more lush-looking video because it's capable of doing such a thing. If your goal is to just set it up and go, the GoPro is your answer. Overall, though, you'll end up with grainier footage.        Both shoot AVCHD (I believe), so it's a matter of whether you want better resolution or versatility. There's a huge discrepancy in price between the two models, and I think it's justified, regardless of how you are judging the situation.