First Camcorder purchase - advice needed!

[RoddyKFC]

Hi all,

I'm looking to take my first step into camcorders but i'm a bit confused about the different types/storage methods, etc.

Been looking at the hardrive cameras and the cameras that use memory sticks, etc.

Probably only looking to spend around the £200 mark.

Any opinions on differences/advantages between cameras with hard drives as opposed to memory stick types?

Only be using it for filming family, etc. Will i be just as well getting a decent cheap one or will i end up disappointed with features, etc?

I know i'm not being very specific here but just looking for a few options that maybe some fo you have bought and are happy with so i can check them out.

Thanks for any help!

[discover]

if you have a HD tv, it would make sense to buy a HD camcorder, but remember for £200 you will probably get 5x optical zoom or less.
personally hybrid or SDHC/MSPD is better than just a hard drive. if you get just a hard drive camcorder and if it ever fails, you've pretty much lost all your recordings.
with flash memory you can always make up backups and store safely.

[RoddyKFC]

Yeah never thought of that cheers. Is there anything specific in regards HD res/Features that i should look out for/avoid?

[raymallon]

hard drive - does give a good amount of storage, but can eat battery life and be susceptible to knocks.

sd card - less power-intensive than hard drive, and less prone to knocks.

flash memory onboard + sd card - best of both worlds

reckon you'll be hard pushed to keep to your budget. i was about to buy either the toshiba h20 or p30, but went for the panasonic sd20 in the end.

beware of the sony sd camera at around £30. a memory stick pro card with a good enough transfer rate for video will cost you upwards of £50. also, it's not High Def.

[RoddyKFC]

Can i be cheeky and ask how much yours was/where you bought the sd20. Looks good. I think i could squeeze a bit moreout of the budget. Be disappointed to buy a cheaper one and not be happy with it!

[raymallon]

£330 - Currys. they're like hens teeth now though i think.