Ok.. so I'm going on vacation and I need a new camcorder. I want a MiniDv, entry level camera. $250/$300. I've been looking for a week now and read a bunch of reviews and I'm just more confused than I was when I started. I just want to know which one any of you would recommend. I really love night vision I want that, and a high optical zoom (not too worried about digital), decent picture (for the price), and the ability to connect it to my pc! Any suggestions from people who know what they're talking about would be greatly appreciated! I would very highly recommend the Panasonic PV-GS300 The Canon ZR500 looks like a good entry-level camera. I don't own one, but it would be my choice. It'll hook up with a USB cable, has an input for an external microphone, powerful zoom, and will even do widescreen. In your price range the Sony DCR-HC36 looks good.
Product Description from Yahoo! Shopping:
Sony's DCR-HC36 MiniDV Handycam camcorder stands out with high-end digital imaging features at an affordable price. Super NightShot infrared system enables you to capture natural looking video in low light conditions. The Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera "shake" for smoother video recording. Tele Macro Mode zooms in for close-up shots to bring out the subject in vivid imagery - making it stand out above the background.
This fully-equipped camcorder comes with easy solutions to transfer images and video recording to your computer. USB Streaming allows you to broadcast live video to family and friends, and i.LINK DV interface provides a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices. | 