Looking for new Camcorder

[lupi]

I haven't bought one since my digital-8, and am looking to get a new one soon. What do I need to be looking for/avoiding with the current models?

 

[Kaido]

Two questions:

1. What is your budget?

2. What do you want to use it for?

 

[lupi]

had not made one and home movie type stuff.

 

[Kaido]

The Canon HF-100 is a great camcorder:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...F_100_AVCHD_Flash.html

It's selling for $529 shipped at most places right now (Amazon, B&H, etc.). It's a digital camcorder, which means that you use memory cards instead of tapes. It's more convenient because you don't have to import in realtime - you simply have to convert the recorded video files to whatever type of format you want to edit them in. You'll want to purchase at least one fast Class 6 SD or SDHC card (8GB have good prices right now, around $20 a pop). I like this converter app for $35:

http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

It converts the camera format (AVCHD) to an editable format. You will also need an editor. On Mac, there's iMovie HD 09, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro. There's a ton of options for Windows; Vegas is really good if don't already have an editor. Other accessories would be a separate microphone (Rode VideoMic or Zoom HD2 are good options), a padded MiniDV bag, spare batteries (eBay has knockoff batteries with a wall charger & car charger for around $20), and a screw-on UV filter to protect the lens (around $10). At minumum, get the camera, (1) Class 6 8GB SDHC card, and the UV protective lens.