Recommendations for small HD Camcorder

[scoob101]

Looking for some pointers for a decent HD camcorder, hopfully in the budget price range.

Requirements are:

720p resolution
Small size
*must* have good image stabilisation
reasonable optical zoom (5X or more would be nice)
PC friendly file formats (currently use windows movie maker)

Cheap as possible!!!!



Any suggestions???

[Tuoyo-E]

Don't think you are going to find anything with picture friendly formats. HD camcorders now all basically use M2TS which is anything but PC friendly. You will find that editting your footage can be a major nightmare.

My recommendation would be the Canon HF100. Amazing device.

[A n d r e w]

What are your PC's specs, and what do you consider a "budget price range"? This information would help us guide you in the right direction.

[scoob101]

Don`t want my PC`s specs to govern the buying decision - 720p video is 720p video - If it struggles during video editing then I`ll upgrade when money allows, but a 3gb dual core laptop with an average (non gaming) video card should be able to struggle through.

In terms of budget, my ceiling is around £300 - I appreciate I`m not going to get anywhere near top of the line for that, but thats all I can justify to the wife!