We've been wanting to replace our cutting edge digital camcorder for years now... OK, it WAS cutting edge in that it was one of the very first digital camcorders like 10 years ago or something...
Anyway, I like the idea of a hard drive based unit so that I can stop buying dumb tapes. I don't need HD quality, but don't want garbage either. Small camcorder size is important too as our current one (while small in its day, is HUGE anymore)...
I keep reading reviews of the sub-$400 hard drive camcorders and they almost all get "OK" ratings, but nothing great unless I jump up to $800 or so...
I would think that just about any current camcorder has to be better quality that our 10 year old model, but I haven't shopped for a camcorder in, oh, 10 years...
We currently have a Sony DCR-TRV520 with the following basic specs:
460k Max Resolution
0.25" CCD
Non-Progressive Scan CCD
25x Optical Zoom
Image Stabilization
NightShot (not needed on the new one)
PCM Stereo Audio
My wife likes the JVC Everio GZ-MG330 that she saw at Wal-Mart, but places like C/Net give it a rating of 3/5 stars or "good".
Its basic specs are
680k Resolution
1/6" CCD
35x Optical Zoom
Any recommendations?
