help finding a good camcorder?

Question

i need a good camcorder under $400. it needs to be able to do the basic stuff, but it doesn't need to be the coolest trendiest technology out there, and it can be used. i don't really know the brands or the different specifications involved with the camcorder-buying process.......
oh, and some good sites to help me find one would be good.

Answer 1

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Try one of those price comparison websites for reviews and product listings. You might also try this reveiw website as well...
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Answer 2

This DVD camcorder costs 500.00$ Make a little more 100 dollars and this camcorder is available for you to buy.

Features:
1/6" Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross
1/6" Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.


20X Optical/800X Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.


Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens
Carl Zeiss® lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.


DVD Format Video Recording1
The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn’t be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation® 2 video game consoles2.


SteadyShot® Picture Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera “shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.


2.5" Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ LCD Display3 (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.


DVD-R, -RW and +RW Compatible4
The DCR-DVD105 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing the ease of use and simplicity found in DVD Media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD Player5.


InfoLithium® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System6
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening “memory effect".


DVDirect Compatibility
The DVDirect Multi-Function DVD recorder models MC3 and VC30 offer direct connection to the HDD Handycam via USB 2.0 and can record all the video on the hard drive to DVD or just what’s new and changed since the last DVD burn. What’s more, the video can be recorded from the HDD Handycam to DVD at up to 3X speed.


Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System
With Sony’s Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.


Stamina® Battery Power Management System
Using the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium® Battery, the DCR-DVD105 can continuously record for up to 8 hours on a single full charge8, providing extra long battery life.


Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon.


Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in camera and playback modes: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel, and Sepia.


Fader Effects
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Overlap, White and Wipe.


Battery Information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.


Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder’s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.


Easy Handycam Button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are “locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

Answer 3

I have never had any problems with Sony camcorders. Also look for open box deals that offer free extended warranties.

Answer 4

Try Overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/?PAGE=CATLIST&PRO_SUB_CAT=875&PRO_SSUB_CAT=999&showQuality=0&CAT_SORTBY=1&CAT_SKUPAGE=60
Personally, I would get a digital camcorder, or a mini-dv or dvd, because they load on to a computer easily.

Answer 5

i like jvc mini dv camcorders, jvc r the best