[bih]

I want good image and sound quality and decent battery life. I don't want features like video effects(I'll use software), nice LCD's (I'll use the viewfinder), remote controls or still image capture.

I'm a newbie, I've never owned a video camera. Can you add different lenses, like zoom or wide-angled, to most cameras? (I'm not really sure what I'm talking about here)

I'm considering the Sony DCR-TRV19.

Suggestions?

[Weezer]

The TRV-22 will give you much better features and performance than the TRV-19 will. The 19 has poor low light performance, and also does not have passthrough (analog->DV).

[TheBum]

Another reason to avoid the TRV-19 is that it has a black-and-white viewfinder. Most of the time you can use the pop-out LCD, but if you are recording in very bright lighting, the viewfinder comes in handy. I had an analog camcorder with a B&W viewfinder and always wished I had splurged for color.

Take a look at the Canon ZR series camcorders. I've had a ZR40 for over a year and it has served me well.