Looking for HD Camcorder Recommendations

[lukeman3000]

I'm looking for high-quality and relatively small/portable HD (as in high-definition) camcorder. I'm not interested in it being able to take still pictures.

I'd like to spend sub $500 as well. Just to give you an idea of one that I was looking at, I was considering the JVC GZ-HD620. I like everything about it, except for the fact that it compresses the video, although I don't know what kind of end effect that has on the output (maybe it's negligible?).

A hard disk or flash memory would be nice (just plug into USB, drag and drop), but I'm not ignoring mini-dv based solutions either (or whatever tape format is being used these days).

As far as what I'll be doing with it -- well mainly just taking some home videos, videos for youtube, and making some fun videos on the side here and there. Probably nothing professional, but that doesn't mean that I don't want high quality video. At the same time, that doesn't mean I need the HIGHEST quality video, which I know I won't be getting with my budget and my desire for the camcorder to be relatively small.

So if you think the GZ-HD620 would fit the bill, or wouldn't, let me know. If you have another suggestion, let me hear it as well!

 

[Luxor]

This is much better reviewed (and rated).

Does everything you asked for, and more ---
and you can choose between colors, Silver or Black.... below your sub $500 too

Check the reviews (and pictures) if you don't believe me.....


Panasonic HDC-SD60K SD Based Hi-Def Camcorder with 35X Intelligent Zoom
$339.00 + shipping free
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0035LCZSG

To add:

"As long as you don't pay list price, the SD60 is the least expensive option for a real, zoom-capable HD camcorder that delivers HD-quality video." -CNET