Ok, I'm looking for either a miniDV or DVD camcorder for under $400. I need one with the best quality and an external microphone jack. Ease of editing DVD files is not a problem as my sony vegas easily edits dvd files, so if the DVD is better quality, I'd prefer that one since its quicker to transfer. What do you all recommend? Thanks.

[redsox_mark]

This forum is based in the UK... so while we are happy to help most of us will be more familiar with UK/European model numbers and prices.

It depends on the specific model, but generally at a given price range DV camcorders are better quality than DVD ones.

External mic inputs are hard to find... The Canon ZR800 (MD101 in Europe) is very good value and has a mic input. In Europe Panasonic GS230 is another option, but that doesn't seem to exist in the US.

Thanks for your input. I have been drawn to the gs models by panasonic, in the US we have the GS320 and GS300. Would those be comparable? I've read the GS320 is the newest model, but it looks like only the GS300 has a mic input. Anyone else have any good models to look at?

[redsox_mark]

Correct, the GS300 is an older model, it was replaced by the GS320. (We have both here too). Quality-wise they are similar, but the GS320 dropped features (like external mic)... so if you can still get a GS300 it's a good choice.