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I am need to purchase a camcorder. I know there is several different recording formats, and cheapass gamers have some unit they like. Price isn't really an issue, I don't want one of the prosumer ones that are over $1k. It will spend most of its time recording family events. I am getting married in may, and we opted to not go with a wedding video option. We had planned to get a camcorder and have a friend do the recording, so good video and audio quality is a must. Any thoughts?

a bump for some late night help

Make sure it has night vision for the honeymoon.

I've owned 2 JVC mini DV camcorders and have loved both. Used them for vacations to Disney World, school events, our 1 1/2 yr old son, etc. Easy to use and great picture quality.
If you decide to go with a Sony read up on them because some of the more expensive models don't have as good a picture quality as their less expensive models.
STAY AWAY from the JVC hard drive camcorders. Wife and I bought one a month ago because of its size and the pic quality doesn't compare to the mini DV format. Actually it looked like shit. Too bad too because they are TINY. Hope I helped.

Recently bought a Panasonic miniDV camcorder from BB; I love it! Great features, good price, and I love that format.

Originally Posted by sevdustflyer Make sure it has night vision for the honeymoon.

I've always been partial to Sony, so if you're looking for hi-def, you can get:
http://www.zoommania.com/hdrhc1.html
Otherwise, I'd reccommend either:
http://www.mpsuperstore.com/Video/discr106497.htm
or
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?
You can also compare features etc. on the Sony site.
You should definitely get mini-DV no matter what, unless you already have a lot of old hi-8 tapes that you might want to transfer later.

thanks for the info...i personally like sony and the carl zeiss lenses, but I am also thinking about cannon, as you can add lenses to it

thanks for the info monkey, i went with Sony DCR-HC90, a bundle from zoomania

Is zoomania reputable? They have very good prices on the sony HD cameras.

Ahh, it appears they force people to buy bundles. No thanks, I will go with B&H.

Honestly don't know much about mini dv camcorders, but I want to get one too. What kind of accessories are musts?

JOSH

the canon ZR series is a great consumer camcorder series... i started with a ZR70, and it does a great job (only so-so in really low light though, so that might be a concern)... but anyway, look into those. they're usually very reasonably priced.