Camcorder choices. Please help!

[videonasty]

I've done a search, but nothing has shown up, so I've decided to post on this reliable site.

Basically I'm looking for a camcorder for my girlfriend, which she can casually video friends/family/parties etc, etc for around the £150 mark .

I like the idea of straight to DVD/memory card, as this would easier for her to manage. So three of the models have one or the other.

I know none of the camcorders I've researched will give her Lord Of The Rings style quality, but I'd like decent AV quality & ease of use.

I've narrowed it down to four & I would like people's opinion on the models & which would be the best for me to purchase for her.

Samsung VP-DX100 DVD Camcorder
Samsung MX20
Sony DCR-HC51 Mini DV Camcorder
Panasonic SDR-S7 SD Camcorder

Any comments, be they harsh or fair, would be much, much appreciated.

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by videonasty

I've done a search, but nothing has shown up, so I've decided to post on this reliable site.

Basically I'm looking for a camcorder for my girlfriend, which she can casually video friends/family/parties etc, etc for around the £150 mark .

I like the idea of straight to DVD/memory card, as this would easier for her to manage. So three of the models have one or the other.

I know none of the camcorders I've researched will give her Lord Of The Rings style quality, but I'd like decent AV quality & ease of use.

I've narrowed it down to four & I would like people's opinion on the models & which would be the best for me to purchase for her.

Samsung VP-DX100 DVD Camcorder
Samsung MX20
Sony DCR-HC51 Mini DV Camcorder
Panasonic SDR-S7 SD Camcorder

Any comments, be they harsh or fair, would be much, much appreciated.

The sony mini dv cam would edge out the others performance wise certainly the samsungs,its a question of which format would suite her.

[videonasty]

Originally Posted by chrishull3

The sony mini dv cam would edge out the others performance wise certainly the samsungs,its a question of which format would suite her.

With the Sony can she/I easily transfer the videos she films to DVD, via a TV & a DVD recorder?

What is the JVC GRD820 like?

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by videonasty

With the Sony can she/I easily transfer the videos she films to DVD, via a TV & a DVD recorder?

What is the JVC GRD820 like?

Camcorders - Which? Reviews best to brows the different cams and check the specs.personaly i would get a sony even though they have not been kind to me, so have a look at them all.Canon dv cams are good as well.mini dv is the easiest format to use in my opinion [editing wise]and even if no editing is required tapes can be transfered easily to dvd recorders with a firewire or even analogue cables.good luck.