Camcorder under $500?

[mshan]

My dad currently owns a Sony DCR-TRV310 digital 8 camcorder.

He is looking for miniDV upgrade from that camcorder and doesn't want to spend more than $500 at the most.

What are the current highly recommended mini-DV camcorders at a reasonable price?

Main critiera would be picture quality and simplicity of use (as point and shoot as possible that gets the best picture quality automatically would probably be best for him).

I am building him a video editing computer around Adobe Premiere Pro 1.0 / Matrox RTX.10, so compatability with this software / hardware is also another necessary criteria.

 

[Baked]

Can't get anything easier to use than a Canon ZR series MiniDV. They came out w/ a new ZR line-up, 4 models from ZR100 to ZR400. The ZR400 is only $458 (Amazon.com) or cheaper. I have the the ZR65MC from their previous ZR revision. Great MiniDV. I have no problem w/ it. Some people say Canon MiniDV have low lighting problem. I don't know what they're talking about, don't have that problem on mine.

 

[Snakexor]

sony hc-21, even though i bleed canon, i cannot being to say how much better of a camera this is than the canons, and yes the canon indoor problems are tru...mostly a browinsh tint to everything

 

[gsellis]

You realize that a miniDV in this price range is not going to really improve video quality, right? Since both are DV, the picture format is the same. If he can move a little out of the 500 range, I would try a Panasonic GS150. That will change the color quality, although video by birthday candle light will not be so hot. Otherwise, no opinion on a Canon less than $3000. I know guys who swear by the Optura line, but I have not seen a huge difference. The Pannie has an advantage over most of the small format cams in that it toploads. Really important if you use a tripod.

edit - Reviews can be found here.