The best camcorder to buy?

Question

I am looking to spend 500 dollars on a camcorder. I want something that records in HD that can record on to both (DVD or to Hardrive). I want something that records with great imagery and is easy to use. What are the choices out there for what I am looking for?

Answer 1

DCR610 / Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

-Uniquely powerful 40x optical zoom/2000x digital zoom

-Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens

-2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel LCD

-Hybrid recording with Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot

-Super SteadyShot image stabilization system

http://astore.amazon.com/jimmy-dcr610-20

or

Aiptek Camcorder AHD720P

-1280 x 720 H.264 Video @ 30fps

-Connect to TV/VCR/DVD player to record video, pictures and audio

-Charge with USB or AC Adapter without removing battery

-5MP CMOS sensor with still images up to 8MP

-2x digital zoom with fixed focus

http://astore.amazon.com/ahd720p-camera-...

Answer 2

The least expensive high definition camcorders wirth spending money on are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9.

But since you so desperately want DVD or hard drive, most of those store high definition video using AVCHD compression - so before you get one, you'd better make sure the video editor you are planning to use can deal with the format. Personally, I would not waste my money on any of the current AVCHD compression camcorders. Too much compression = too much discarded data = reduced video quality.

HDV stored on miniDV tape uses way less compression.