Hi,

I am a complete novice but just about to purchase a camcorder before we go on a family holiday. My budget is relatively low, £300 maximum.

I want a camcorder that is easy to use as my wife and children will no doubt want to take control too. I want a camcorder with high optical zoom and something that is fairly light. But do I go for hard drive, DVD, mini DVD or flash / SD card type or even one of the newer hybrids? Which one will suit my needs described here?

I want the ability to play back via my TV and in widescreen to match the TV. I would also like the ability to download to my PC and playback and eventually edit but that will come later. I would also like the ability to send video clips by email.

Can anyone suggest the best way to go and even a suitable camcorder? I know i'm asking alot but after looking at dozens of different models, types i'm still none the wiser.

Thanks!

Tape, tape, tape, TAPE.

Tape is BEST by a parsec.

ALL the rest are much more copressed, rubbish to edit on, cameras can be fragile (not flash).

And optical zoom in a small h held camera is a waste of space without a tripod.

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I have two prejudices - I am anti HDV for consumer camcorders, and I eat mooks who claim to be pro wedding vidders and ask dumb questions.

www.zaskarfilms.com You tube channel 'zaskarfilms'
JVC DV5001e (big cam), Sony PC6E (tiny cam), Vinten pro5, PAG light, SM58, Sony ECM50, Sony C-76, 0.5x convertors for sony, Rode video mic, Vegas 7.