Starting Camera...

[atreidesduke]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could help me out. I'm very interested in directing and have been for the past year or so now and it's only recently that I've had enough money with which to buy a camcorder. Only problem is, I have no idea what's good or not. I don't want to give over my cash for something that will either not provide me with what I want or will be defunct within the next few weeks lol.
I want to make films on this camera and I would like the camera to be able to record 16:9 ratio. I can spend from £100-700.

Any help, advice, etc would be greatly appreciated!