Zoom is more than sufficient. Based on my experience I prefer less usage of the zoom. As more usage during the shoot will lead to shaky video. It will help anyone even a child to shoot videos that are virtually jitter free. Digital zoom falls in under the same discussion path and thus one should not consider it during the comparison as an extra feature over another.
Most important feature is the light sensitivity.
Secondly in a world of hi-tech audio video gadgets are easily available, one must see if it is a Stereo camcorder. This significantly adds the value to the quality of a video. Titler is a good feature that this camcorder has, as well as the 6 AE programs, and 8 picture effects. The most amusing and fascinating is the picture effect. The fades are cool.