Im looking to buy a HD camcorder but don't know much about cameras. What is the difference between...?

Question

... 80x and 700x zoom. Whats the difference between digital and optical zoom? Are there any HD camcorders that you would recommend. I would like it to be able to capture beautiful pictures/video and record clear sound. Price limit is around 1,000$ (U.S.). I can go a little over the limit if necessary.

Answer 1

ALRIGHT GOOD QUESTION OPTICAL ZOOM IS WERE THE LENS IS ACTUALLY MOVING TOWARDS THE SUBGECT YOU DO NOT LOSE ANY QUALITY OF THE PICTURE AND DIGITAL ZOOM IS LIKE ZOOMING AND CROPPING A PHOTO YOU LOSE QUALITY THE MORE THE BETTER BUT TRY TO GET A HIGHER OPTICAL ZOOM AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY LOOK ON C-NET TO FIGURE OUT WHICH ONE YOU WANT

Answer 2

Digital zoom is useless and should be disabled when you get your camera.

No camcorder has "great" built-in mics.

Look into the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9.

In addition to the camcorder, you will probably need a rechargable high capacity battery (the battery included in the box does not last long), an external mic or two or three, tripod, sturdy carrying case (I use Pelican)... and a video light... there's more, but this is a good start.