You should, if possible, ALWAYS use a tripod for video work. There is nothing more annoying than a picture waving about all over the screen, even at minimum zoom.
I have two camcorders. As a retired full time wedding videographer, for which I used a Sony VX1000. Which is quite large, by todays mini camcorder standards. It has excellent picture quality & sound, but only a 20x zoom. So I recently bought a Sony DCR-HC51. Mainly because it had a 40x zoom.But also because it used MiniDV tapes, as did the VX1000. And since I had hundreds lying about from old weddings. It seemed the logical choice.
I find the mini HC51 almost impossible to use without a tripod. Even a monopod is not entirely satisfactory. Below, is a short video, shot in my local park (nothing special) of which most was filmed on a tripod, except for the last few shots which were hand held. I thgink that you will immediately see the difference."
I agree about a tripod when possible. Even with a monopod, I have trouble preventing shake.
Goldfynche, what do you think of the HC51? I have had a HC19E with a 2x converter, which gives 40x zoom, but there is some loss of quality. I've been very pleased with the camcorder, but dread the day it packs in! I really need a viewfinder, which many of them don't have these days, but I believe the HC51 has a colour one? Would be interested to know what you think, as a professional video user.