Any suggestions? Mainly going to use it to record my son being born into this world, first words, first steps, first karting experience, first championship, first F3000 ride, first F1 drive...you know, the usual stuff

 

There are so many factors.

For me size was more important than features; I wanted to be able to stick it in my pocket thereby making it more convenient to have on me.

I went with the Sony IP-5 a couple years back. By now I would imagine there are even smaller Mini-DV units for less money.

 

canon zr series are pretty nice for the money. if you wnat to spend more and get a 3ccd, the canon gl is pretty nice too. the sony trv950 is pretty nice also. stay away from the vx2000, good optics, audio licks. i hear its fixed w/ the vx2100 though.

 

looking for pricing - preferrably less than $500

checked out Best Buy and Circuit City, walked away more confused

 

Me too

 

The Panasonic PV-GS9, at around $300-$350, isn't a bad choice for a low-cost single CCD camcorder. They don't get much cheaper, and a smaller camera will cost more. Sony and Canon also have similar products.

At the $500 price point you might want to get a camcorder with a memory card, as this will produce superior still images. Not important if you have a digital still camera and always have both available.

Hope this helps.

RED MX5

 

Hmm....where's the "This tread is usleless without pix" smilie?

 

You mean this one:

 

http://www.canondv.com/zr03/index.html for under 500, cant go wrong with any of these. zr60 is great for just about teh avergae consumers. any special features that youre looking for?

 

Under $500 I would take a pick at any Sony with the Carl Zeiss Lens.

For a little over 500 I'd go for a Canon Eulora series (offers awesome 16:9) or the Panasonic with 3CCD Leica Lens.