What's a good camcorder for me?

At $300 you are looking at consumer level standard definition (SD) camcorders. If you ever do want to edit go with MiniDV. The DVD-based cams are very difficult to edit.

Stick with Panasonic, Sony or Canon.

Look at the size and number of imaging chips (CCD or CMOS). Panny has some nice 3CCD models for consumers. These should give nicer colors in good lighting. But, Canon and Sony use RGB filters and other stuff to achieve a similar result. 1/6" is typical CCD size in consumer cams. Look for bigger. That will give better video in low light (indoor lighting).

Look for optical image stablization over digital or electronic stabilization.

Ignore digital zoom (300x) stats, this is useless. Get a 10-12x optical zoom and you'll be fine.

If you want to use a tripod get a cam with top loading tape.

Go pick up and hold the cams, see which one feels/fits best in your hand.

Stick with Canon, Sony or Panny. Panny GS320 may be in your price range or last year's GS300. Very good 3CCD consumer cam.

Agree With sig....

1) Mini-dv.... Don't be talked into Mini-DVD or HardDrive Rubbish
2) Sony or Canon (had a bad expirence w/ panny)

Check out: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/d/Reviews&level_b=Camcorder&level_c=MiniDV.htm

Dell current is selling the Sony DCR-HC38 w/ 40x optical zoom and nightshot for 279.00 w/ Free Shipping. I picked one up and got it in today, love it. Tax and Overnight shipping ran me a total of 313.00

I highly recommend.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-ZR850-Camcorder-Review.htm

Canon zr850 is what I bought not too long ago. I needed something good, cheap, and had the ability to point and shoot at any given moment since my baby boy will be here pretty soon(it has this great standby power mode). I recommend it!

I currently use the JVC GZ-HD7, Its a great High Definition Hard drive Camera.

Nicolasdec said:

I currently use the JVC GZ-HD7, Its a great High Definition Hard drive Camera.

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The OP stated a $300 budget. I think your camera is about $1000 over they're budget.

showtime said:

thanks for all the help guys. I'm probably going to get the Sony DCR-HC38 for about $300 but I have a few questions before I purchase.

Would you guys say that the DCR-HC38 is worth the extra $50 over the HC28? How would you guys compare Sony DCR-HC38 with the Canon zr850 for the same price?

Also I missed out on the 20% at dell to get the HC38 for $279. Now it's just 10% off so $296. Anybody know another place that may have it cheaper? Thanks.

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Go with the zr850. It's a better camcorder.

camcorderinfo.com said:

The Canon ZR850 ($329 MSRP) packs a punch that cannot be dodged by the DCR-HC38. Both camcorders have the same 1/6” size imagers, but the ZR850 manages to cram in a larger count, resulting in a walloping 1,070,000 pixels over the DCR-HC38’s 680,000. The ZR850 performed well in bright light image and sufficiently in low light. You don’t just get a better image with the ZR850—you get the ability to take stills up to 1152 x 864, along with a non-proprietary SD card slot, and a video light. Now here’s where the ZR850 really uppercuts the DCR-HC38 to the mat for a swift K-O: the thing’s a buck cheaper (MSRP)! Take that noble dollar and buy yourself some cheap thrills at the local five and dime in celebration of a bang-up deal.

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http://www.camcorderinfo.com/conten...rder-Review-32771/Comparisons--Conclusion.htm

marioman38 said:

Agree With sig....

1) Mini-dv.... Don't be talked into Mini-DVD or HardDrive Rubbish
...

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Can you explain why? Picture quality? MPEG-2 on a DVD should produce comparable results, no? Do the Mini-DV tape mechanisms need service? How long do they last trouble free? I am looking to get a camcorder and currently leaning on Canon DC50 (Mini-DVD). I would appreciate your comments.