Hi, what a learning curve! I am on a similar quest for my first camcorder, and thanks to this thread and other research, I think I have a better idea of what I want, but all the jargon and tech talk is making my head reel...I can't think how to pose a succinct question - there doesn't seem to be a beginner's section anywhere.
Basically I want a cheap - 150 - 200 pounds camcorder, tape based, to film outside in the country (all weathers) which will do macro detail and landscape well, capture sound such as birdsong (realise now I will probably need an external mic) and obviously I want to edit footage and put text/music/narration on top, to make half hour films which I can burn to dvd. I already take pretty good stills with my limited, bottom range digi camera, and as an illustrator I'm fine with decent composition and creative stuff, eg. making things look pretty and interesting. So I don't think I need anything too expensive (and can't afford it anyway) but I don't want some cheapy auto-based family friendly thing which I might want to hurl through the window...

After all that, I think my problem is that I am finding it all very confusing and difficult to know what is right for me.

I think you need to make your mind up

Could you increase your budget a bit? Are you willing to take the risk and buy used?

£150-£200 will not buy much more than what you don't want.

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I know, I am dithering about this for England! It's just because this is a pretty new field for me and I know relatively little about it. I wouldn't mind used, that is a good idea, thank you - I'd feel safer if I went to somewhere like Jessops, (rather than eBay).
I was thinking about the budget issue, and you are right, if I don't go for second hand I would have to increase it - I am coming to the conclusion that I might wait until I have more dosh, and get something which is really right, rather than get something unsatisfactory and cheap.

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

PG

I think you are wise to wait a while until you can afford what you really need. It will cost you more in the long run to buy cheap now and then get frustrated at the lack of settings and control available and have to upgrade in the near future.

I did this once (not with a camera though). I bought cheap. liked the subject and learned a bit more about it and got a bit better. Do that and your original kit is just not up to scratch anymore and you need to buy again. It does happen but it is frustrating. nowdays I try to buy (if I can) better than I foresee I'll need - in case I get better and need that stuff.

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I'm not young enough to know everything!

I have been recommended the Canon HV20 (£7-800)and was wondering if anyone could recommend something cheaper but of a similar spec. The most important features are:
1) Mac compatible
2) External mic input

This camera would be a present for my boyfriend to replace his current camera (Sony - not sure of make) which he uses to make short films and stop motion animations.
I would appreciate some model names as I currently have nothing to go on
. My budget would be about £3-400 pounds for the camera as he already has other equipment such as mics and tripods etc.