Hey folks - what a great thread, seriously. It's caused me to think about a lot of things I haven't considered before. I must agree with the general idea - the "camera shake" that is overused in modern movies becomes quite annoying (ie. the bourne supremacy... motion sickness anyone?)

One thing I have to contribute, if only because your friends over here "across the pond" can relate to it:

I think The Office, both the original BBC series and the current North American version, make brilliant use of the camera. This has to be one of the most convincing documentary-feel tools I've seen - the camera is often turning to catch a character just walking into the room, subjects take a moment to come into focus, people are filmed between blinds and through windows. I realize that this type of show isn't normally applauded for its camera work, but I can't help but point out that it really does a good job. The show doesn't "feel" like a sitcom, and the camera work has a lot to do with that, I think.

Thanks again for the great thread guys