Well, I've run into the funds to buy a new digital camcorder, and I was wondering, what should I go with. I I'm willing to spend around $350 for it. Any suggestions? I'd like the option to transfer it to computer so I can edit it, etc. Thanks!

You joking, right?
DIGITAL Camcorder.... for 350?

I know nothing about camcorders, (that's why I'm asking you guys) I don't know how much a decent one would cost. Howabout $400?

Yeah I'm seeing some for as low as $300 at Best Buy.com. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something to record family moments with, and to just toy with and experiment with.

I have lots of experience with canon and Panasonic digital video cameras.

Canon - IMO the best way to go. Great picture quality and colors. Not so great sound.

Panasonic - Sturdy, nice overall camera. Better sound than canon, but not as great color.

Digital camcorder... I'd say at least 800. And IMO you'll be lucky if you get a half decent one for that price.

EDIT - Actually quick froogling shows some for alot cheaper. 400 could get you one.

I've been researching alot into the feild of digital cameras. I can't say if camcorders are anything similar... but I would not get the cheapest one you can find. I'm spending 600 on a new camera. The difference between this camera and 200 dollar ones is huge. Granted, they still both take pictures. But this one has better image quality, better focusing, better color balance, faster shutter speed, etc etc...

I don't know what you'll be doing with your camera, but if you want something you can't complain .. Save up a bit more.

yup, Canon is the way to go. That's what I'm getting for my camera.
And two future posts, woo!

Pay $30 to buy a one time use digital camcorder then hack it so you can use it indefinately.
http://www.mrbill.net/cvscamera/

QM

exept for that those suck, and it's a still piccture.

ive found the average is about 500-800 for digital(not counting the commercial types, or ones with loads of extra features).

the one im thinking about buying (my friend has one just like it, so we could use two for the same movie without getting different picture quality(not as if most 3CCD cameras wont already look very much alike anyways, but still))

http://camcorderinfo.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=7368169/promo_id=44/cb_limit=5/modeid=consumer_camcorder_review/fd=1/

That's a bit high IMO. Most people would be very happy with a 1ccd $300 camera. I've made ALL my movies with an early panasonic model, and I haven't had any problems. Your really only get added features with more money, not too much quality difference.

Also, it comes down to the person behind the camera. Someone who sucks can have a $5000 camera and make horrible movies, and someone else could make amazing movies with an old camera.

[QUOTE=Squirrel King]exept for that those suck, and it's a still piccture.[/QUOTE]
I never said it didn't suck, but it isn't a still image camera. It most certainly is a digital camcorder.

QM