[HazelGirl]

I'm already gonna repalce my digicam (Nikon) which I love, but just want one with better pic quality. Additionally, I want to purchase a small camcorder. I'd be using it to record my travels, including things like tours I may go on or events whether held at night or int he daytime. I'd be storing them and editing them on my Mac. I want something easy to use, good visual and audio quality, and reasonably small and portable. I don't know what I good price point would be, but I am willing to pay a LITTLE more if I know I will have a good camcorder. I'd be traveling internationally. I'm hoping to be able to get something for no more than $400 max but throw some suggestions my way. By the way, I never really used a camcorder so, again, ease of use is a big thing. TIA

[BryanBowie]

Theres a nice amount of choices for you out there for a Mini DV cam, thats got good quality video and ease of use. Im a video nerd, and use a Panasonic PV-GS14 as a backup camera to a larger setup. I think youll like something like this, its just basic, easy to use, its got a simple dial to choose "Video" "Playback" "Photo" etc, just select, and push the record button. Also has an easily navigated "Menu" on the LCD screen, with enough little effects and filters to keep you entertained, on top of it, theres a built in light with 2 brightness settings, which is useful especially if youre not into having a big ass light on top of a tiny DV cam haha. Anyway, I put some links below to this particular DV cam, as well as some links to comparible newer cams. But for the money you cant quite beat a setup like that, Canon always has good entry level DV cams as well, theyre my personal favorite, I just happen to be given the Panasonic (which Im selling for $200). Tip: Avoid JVC and Samsung DV cams. Check the link I put below to BH Photo, the best photo/video people out there, Im sure youll find something on the page I sent. Good luck, let me know if you need and questions answered in more detail.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=search&Q=

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...der-Review.htm

[HazelGirl]

Thanks a bunch! You say that Canon makes good camcorders too? I was thinking of replacing my Nikon digicam with a Canon (I would either ge ta Nikon or a Canon for digicam) and IF Canon also makes good camcorders, I could get a "matching set"...that is, one Canon digicam and one Canon camcorder :-)

I'm gonna take a look at the sites you gave me! One thing besides ease of use and affordability and quality is portability. I relaly hope I can get one that's great for travelers like myself. Thanks again, for real.

[BryanBowie]

No worries. Yeah, Id say check the BH Photo site, youll get something well worth your cash there, on the link I sent, look at the Canons, the Elura models are good, and theres some panasonics, you dont need to worry about portability, theyre all tiny, and one i saw on BH panasonic comes with the BH kit all for 274 i think it was, thats a nice deal. As far as a camera, Im a Nikon guy, never canon, thats just a war thats been going on forever in the photo game though, personally I use a Nikon D200, but all Nikons are just amazing, you dont need a matching set, but if its a preference than go for it. It depends on what level Camera youre getting, Id only worry if youre using a digital slr, if its just a point and shoot, then go for whatever youre into, and dont listen to anyone, its personal choice on that level you know

[HazelGirl]

Grazie! Thanks.

[ecking01]

Get the Canon ZR500 no doubt. Easy on the budget and is one of the few camcorders in the price the price range that actually has a mic jack.

Canon ZR-500 Mini DV Camcorder

camcorderinfo.com best under 300:
CamInfo Selects 2006 - Reviews - Consumer Camcorders - Camcorderinfo.com

It's review:
Canon ZR500 Camcorder Review - Canon MiniDV Camcorders - Canon Camcorders - Camcorder Reviews - Consumer Camcorders - Camcorderinfo.com

If and when you need a better mic check out the rodevideo mic.

edit: oh yeah and if you're looking for a nice quality digicam that's not an slr check out the Canon powershot A640 or 630:
DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot A630/A640

Let us know what you decide when you decide!

[HazelGirl]

Thanks y'all!

[mduell]

Canon Elura 100