Recommendations for a camcorder?

[lost in space]

Our international student support group is looking for a camcorder. Decent image quality, ease of use and a mic input are major needs. Anybody know of any standouts in the $400 to $800 range?
Thx

[Gareth]

In that upper end of that range, you could look at the Canon HF S200, S20, S21. S200 is SDHC only, S20 has 32GB flash built-in, S21 has 64GB flash built-in and adds a viewfinder (versus flip-out LCD only), but the S21 is probably over $800. Canon's "S" line has a larger sensor than cheaper cameras (1/2.6" versus as small as 1/5") for better image quality and low light performance.

Or check out the Panasonic HDC-TM300.

These are all last years models, which is why they hit that price range, but you can probably find them new still at some retailers. The mic input is going to push you into higher priced models since that's a feature the budget cams have stripped out.

I like the reviews at: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

[macphanatic]

Panasonic HDC-TM700K is at the upper end of your price range and has the best low light capability in it's class. I had only had Sony camcorders up until getting this Panasonic. Definitely worth the upgrade.

[Article Accelerator]

lost in space wrote:
Our international student support group is looking for a camcorder. Decent image quality, ease of use and a mic input are major needs. Anybody know of any standouts in the $400 to $800 range?

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...sg-1123804
http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...sg-1125296

[wowzer]

I have the panasonic tm-300. Its great for birthdays---the low light performance is the best in class.

[lost in space]

Thanks, folks. I'll talk it over with the group director.