camcorder help?

Sony makes a good camera for normal consumers. If you are only going to use this for home movies and not for very high quality nature shots or action shots, pretty much anything is going to work for you. However, you are depending on this camera to work for the special event, so stay away from strange brands that you do not recall ever hearing a commercial for. the big boys on the block are Cannon, Sony, Panasonic, and JVC. JVC is usually the cheapest, cannon has the reputation for being the best, and sony usually makes a decent product. I have had two Sonys and have loved them both. You will want one of the small ones, which contrary to decades past, will actually be the CHEAPER ones. Do not get a hard drive recorder, a DVD recorder, or an HD video camera. These features will be many times more, and most will end up making your overall experience less convenient. If you think that you will be presenting the videos you make today on super futuristic HD televisions in 30 years, maybe think about getting an HD model, but my standard digital tapes (mini DV, which is what you will be looking for) still look good to me on a larger screen. If you are in the United States, you will probably be spending about 200 to 275 for a good entry level camera (give or take depending on the region and holiday sales, etc). Look on craigslist for some good deals, but test it out in person, make sure it is an awesome price (since you will likely need to buy battery, at about 25-35 bucks), and never buy a used video camera without testing it (eBay). I just got an entry model sony video camera on craigslist for about 75 dollars USD. Only buy a used one if you cannot afford a new one, return policies are your friend when it comes to electronics that cost more than 50 bucks.

Hopefully this is the best answer. If it is, please pick me, I am really looking for some points/ respect on here.

;)

I recommend getting a Panasonic PV-G320. You can find these new on ebay for between $400-500. They take the best videos at an affordable price. They're mini-dv cassette and have a 3CCD lens. Most consumer cams only have a 1CCD lens (1 chip for processing). To make DVDs you need a decent computer and a dvd writer drive. Of course you can just save the cassettes and watch them on your tv using the included cables also.

I made this video using that camera

http://www.mediafilms.org/csj_jcn_300k.wmv

I agree with Spectre - go for a MiniDV camcorder from one of the big four. It's important that you try them out for yourself as whatever you choose has to feel right for you, with the controls intuitive and in the right place. I'd get the camcorder as soon as possible so that you're familiar with it well in advance. I'd also look at including something in your budget for a decent editor and learn to use that, too.