Buying a Digital Camcorder and need advice

[steppinthrax]

I'm looking for a new digital camcorder. I currently have a DSLR (Cannon Rebel XSI), nice camera by the way. Anyway I've been looking and I have a budget probably around 250 or so. I have the following questions.

1. Which format is best. I was thinking to get flash memory, since it seems to be the most convienent.

2. What optical zoom should I look for?

3. Which brand is the best for digi camcorder. I see JVC, Cannon, Nikon, sony etc...

4. Are the HD camcorders really HD (720 v.s. 1080)?

5. What other features should I look for?

Thank You

 

[Kaido]

What do you want to use it for?

 

[steppinthrax]

What do you want to use it for?

General use, indoor/outdoor. Six Flags, vacationing etc...

 

[Kaido]

General use, indoor/outdoor. Six Flags, vacationing etc...

If you don't need an optical zoom, the Kodak Zx5 is a pretty good choice. It's $140 on Amazon and it's waterproof, so you can take it on slides and in the water and stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/

 

[mitchelt]

Trust me on this one...it is worth every cent to get a video camera with the widest lens possible. I regret not looking more closely at that specs when I purchased my Canon.

You cannot believe how annoying it is to have to hug the wall to make sure what you want to shoot is in the frame.