Hi,
I am looking for a digital camcorder (not necessary HD). Need input on brand and price. Consumer Electronics rated Cannon camcorder as the best to buy?
Any input is greatly appreciated..

Regards,
ketan

I prefer the Sony camcorders. I don't know how much you have to spend, but here is a site I have purchased from, multiple times and have good prices.

http://www.butterflyphoto.com/

for a little more, you can get HD cameras. i have a year old mini-dv camera. panasonic. i like it but would prefer to have HD at this point. remember, starting in february, it's all HD.

i've also heard very good things about flip. at amazon

miserly said:for a little more, you can get HD cameras. i have a year old mini-dv camera. panasonic. i like it but would prefer to have HD at this point. remember, starting in february, it's all HD.

GOSH Another misinformed one...

On FEB, analog TV transmissions will seize. Transmissions will have to be in digital form, which DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL BE IN HD!

rsuaver said:The problem with HD cameras is what do you with the content afterwards. At this point, burning to blu-ray is very expensive. Filming in HD to downgrade it to DVD rez, it's pointless...

I suggest a GOOD 3CCD camera is still the best bang for the buck today...
I agree with you that handling and watching HD right now is not as straight forward or inexpensive as standard def. But I think the most important factor to consider is the subject matter you are recording. If you are shooting your kids when they are young or your great grandparents telling stories, I would definitely go HD as these are family treasures that will be watched more in years to come than this year alone. Bluray will probably be betamax by then.

If you are shooting skate videos or general fun stuff I would go standard. I agree that the quality and bang for the buck is great right now. Last week Frys had a Samsung mini-DV camcorder for $159 and of course the Flip type cameras are dirt cheap.

BTW, I have small kids now so I am probably a little biased.