Best bang for the buck Camcorder?

[Zebo]

Hi All -

I need a camcorder for recording family events that is simple anyone can use and shoots well/good quality out of the box HD resolution would be nice.
-Should be flash based storage and have ability to transfer files directly to HDD via USB
-Would like water proof shooting/housing capability because we are on the water a lot

Budget no real concern but I am very confused as some cost $1000's some cost a couple hundred... maybe I should shoot for the middle I dunno.

Thanks

 

[tdawg]

HD starts at about $400 or so, unless you go with something like a Flip HD. I've seen videos taken with the Flip HD and the quality looks very nice, but it's minimalist in regard to features.

I just bought a Sony CX150 and so far I really like it. It's light and small, but produces some great quality video and Sony even has an underwater housing for it (not cheap, but cheaper than the Canon equivalent). 16gb built in storage + SDHC / Memory Stick expansion slot. Was on sale at Best Buy for $499, which is about what it was going for everywhere online as well.

Brief clip of a plane landing taken with the Sony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1Eq7QNllc

 

[Zebo]

HD starts at about $400 or so, unless you go with something like a Flip HD. I've seen videos taken with the Flip HD and the quality looks very nice, but it's minimalist in regard to features.

I just bought a Sony CX150 and so far I really like it. It's light and small, but produces some great quality video and Sony even has an underwater housing for it (not cheap, but cheaper than the Canon equivalent). 16gb built in storage + SDHC / Memory Stick expansion slot. Was on sale at Best Buy for $499, which is about what it was going for everywhere online as well.

Brief clip of a plane landing taken with the Sony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1Eq7QNllc

Thanks a lot. Looks good enough to me. Any thoughts on the Canon's competing models or is Sony just the best deal right now even minus the water resistant case?

 

[tdawg]

I was choosing between the Canon M30 and the Sony I ended up with. I just couldn't justify the additional $100 for the M30 since I didn't see myself needing the additional features. I did a lot of research at camcorderinfo.com and played with the camcorders on display at Best Buy. Of the models in my price range, the Sony seemed the best for me.