This camcorder – the Sony HDR-TG3 – has just arrived at the PC Pro Labs, and it has already sparked heated debate this morning. Not about the quality of its recording, how good its optics are or how small it is for a full HD camcorder you understand, but about the way it looks.

I’m of the opinion that its angular profile, redolent of the Seventies and the days of the rangefinder 35mm and 8mm cine camera has a good deal of charm, and that the titanium casing adds a touch of modern luxury. Having used it briefly I’d say the controls are pretty intuitive too.

In the words of Mr Bayon – PC Pro’s Mr Peripherals – however, it is (and I quote): “hideous”. Even style guru Matt Sparkes admits it “isn’t pretty”.

Call us superficial if you like, but you can’t deny that the way a product like this looks plays a big  part in its overall appeal – unless of course the image quality turns out to be horrible.

So who’s right? Is it hot, or is it not? Is it hideous, or is it pretty? Would you want to part with £529 of your hard earned readies for it, or would you be embarrassed to be seen out with it?

I want to settle this argument once and for all, so leave your comments below and we’ll count the votes later.