best HD camcorder for novice user

[morpheus305]

Want to get my mom a new camcorder for xmas. I want to get a nice one but its gotta look good and not something huge some nerd would use Have no idea about this stuff so i don't know whats good and if i'm paying to much. She won't mess with settings or anything so anything that automatically adjust this or that will help out a lot.

 

[Kaido]

1. What is the budget?

2. What kind of stuff will be shot? Family home videos?

3. What is the ecosystem? Will your mom be editing the footage on her computer?

 

[morpheus305]

1. 200-300 dollars im not even sure if thats enough money for a good one.

2. family stuff at the house and lake cottage.

3. Very basic editing on the computer. We live in upstate new york.

 

[Kaido]

If you don't need a zoom, then I'd recommend the iPod Touch: (starting at $199)

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...ily/ipod_touch

Filmic Pro, a great video recording app, is available for $3 on the iTouch:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filmic-pro/id436577167?mt=8&ls=1

iMovie, a great video editing app, is available for $5 on the iTouch:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193?mt=8

The latest model shoots 720p video, here are some samples from Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tlo9zBuDg&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=fvwp&v=ALAGi3LSnOw&hd=1

You can double your battery life with a battery case for $50: (protects the iPod, too)

http://www.amazon.com/Mophie-Juice-R.../dp/B004TU1SX0

A tripod bracket is available for $6:

http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-Univers.../dp/B005F7DO0G

A mini tripod with a pan/tilt arm is available for $18:

http://www.amazon.com/Gorillapod-Vid...dp/B0042FZA1S/

A full-sized tripod with a smooth pan/tilt head is available for $150:

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-DV7000-...dp/B0010COA94/

A tabletop dolly (straight & curved shots) with an iPod clip is available for $100:

http://www.amazon.com/Pico-Kit-Digit...dp/B005V7975G/

So the benefits are:

1. Inexpensive 720p HD camcorder
2. Fits in your pocket
3. Cheap accessories
4. Film anywhere
5. Edit right on the device - no need for a computer
6. Send directly to Facebook, Youtube, Email, etc. - no need for a computer

I have the iPhone version of this (does full 1080p, but requires a monthly contract or a very expensive off-contract fee):

http://i.imgur.com/06NoU.jpg

I also have a pocket video blog here if you happen to go this route:

http://www.hollywoodinyourpocket.com/


If you DO want a zoom, check out the Canon HF-R200:

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_r200

Currently $280 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-R2...dp/B004HW7EAG/

Sample video: (select 1080p!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tsUI2tZk9U&hd=1

 

[Kanalua]

Why not a p&s digicam that also records HD video. Really convenient and also is a camera.

Canon makes some good ones in your price range:
- Canon PowerShot SX230HS

Panasonic's Lumix DMX-LX5 is good, too.

 

[morpheus305]

She already has a camera. Just looking for a camcorder.