What is the best camcorder for web videos and kids sports?

The biggest difference between camcorders is mostly about how they handle low light situations. So when you pay more, you'll get better quality (most likely).

The bigger the sensor, the better it can handle low light situations. But you'll only get bigger sensor when you pay more than 1200 dollar for a camera.

Anyway what I actually wanted to say was that it's best to get an external microphone. You could get the RODE videomic for when your filming events. I would get another microphone which you can hold in your hand for the interviews. You'll get way better sound and background noise will be less loud than with the RODE videomic or your built in microphone.

The RODE videomic uses a mini-jack for the sound, if you go for a camcorder below the 1200 dollar price it will most likely have a mini-jack connector for microphones. But most hand microphones use XLR plugs. So you'll need a female xlr to male mini-jack connector. You can get those at a music store, just ask them to make one for you.

A camera which you could use is the canon HV40. It still records on tape, but tape has less compression and is easier to edit. The only problem is that when you record one hour, you'll need to play back and transfer one hour. You'll need to play back the entire tape at the normal speed. So it can take a while. But HDV is way better than AVCHD. They sometimes also use it for television. AVCHD is never used for television broadcast.

MY SUGGESTION IS FOR

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

Record High Definition video (1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio)

Easily upload recorded footage to YouTube with built-in USB and software

Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB; Rechargeable batteries and charger included

Vibrant 2.5-inch viewfinder; Watch footage on HDTV with included cables

Edit and share videos with included software

The following are good pocket cameras:

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

Kodak PlayTouch Video Camera (Latest)

Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera

There are so many good products in the market its really difficult to choose one but I made up my mind to choose this and guess what I am very much satisfied

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes

*Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom

*Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on

*Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required

*Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software

*Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-UltraHD-Camcorder-Minut...

Also check out at Ebay there are really good deals going

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

i had used Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation which is really good. i hope you also like it.

* All-new MinoHD is the world's sleekest HD camcorder

* Captures 120 minutes of stunning HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed

* Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software

* FlipShare software makes it easy to email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still-image snapshots

* Large, 2-Inch anti-glare color display to play back and delete videos

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-MinoHD-Camcorder-Genera...

kodak playsport. its a point and shoot camera that films in 1080p, slow motion 720p, regular 720p, and wvga. also, it films up to 9ft. underwater and has an amazing battery

JVC Everios are hard to beat