Today sees big news for Canon: in a camcorder market of intense ‘innovation and competition’, SimplyDV have awarded the HG10 their first ever Camcorder of the Year award.

The judges give three main reasons for their choice. The first is an acknowledgement of the overall Canon brand for having ‘consistently maintained the highest standards of product design, engineering and functionality in their camcorder products’. The second is that, with the HG10, Canon have actually listened to what users and reviewers want from a camera, and acted on it. Finally, they praise Canon’s policy of incorporating ‘professional-level technology and quality in its consumer offerings’ with its impressive features at an affordable price.

What we find particaulrly interesting is the emphasis on the power of the user: not only being deemed worthy of pro features at a price accessible to a non-expert, but also being given a say in how the camera is deisgned and developed. It’s a concept close to our heart, as Canon Camera Buzz is all about Canon owners, potential buyers and all other camera enthusiasts speaking up and being heard.

So do you agree that ‘the needs of the end user come first’ with the HG10? Read the full review and take a stance.