Re self-portrait: Yes, it comes with a wireless remote and the lcd can be turned/flipped towards you.
Re the blanket statement on DVD camcorders: I've owned the Panny GS-250 (one of the best DV cams out there) and replaced it with the Sony DCR-DVD403.
Why?
- Equal picture quality.
- Much better indoor/low light performance.
- I do not have 10hrs to polish/edit every DV tape before burning onto a DVD. Trying to share footage with the family was a painful process.
- DVDs are much more convenient, one less step with sharing the captured fun.
- My wife can use it to capture our child's moments and share it immediately.
- Much better stills than the Panasonic w/ no need for a seperate memory card.
- Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, true widescreen
- Available sport pack (for snorkeling/pool/beach, snow, etc...)