Help me choose a new digital camcorder

[GoLowDrew]

http://www.walmart.com/search/search...h_constraint=0

Here is my list.

Requirements:

1. Basic regular camcorder to take home movies.

2. Good in low lighting focus. My current one seems to loose focus when the lighting is not good. (not sure if it was a defect that I just lived with).

3. An (spot) light to help light objects. 50% of the home video will be taken at home. So a lighting source will be nice.

4. I guess tapes are old school. I went from 8mm to DV tapes. Nothing against it, but SD cards types seems to be nice so I can upload on the computer. And also do a computer back up. Don't mind tapes. Just open to new technology.

5. Cost? I don't know. Not the cheapest. Not the most expensive. Can I get the above for $300-$500?

Please select a recommendation for me. I would still do research, but it would be a guided start. Thanks.

[ankaka]

Check on the Kodak Zi8. I have that one and it does beautifully. You can change between 1080p, 720p 60FPS, 720p 30FPS, and SD videos. It even has 5.1MP stills, but I don't use that. The best thing about it is the external mic jack, which allows you to use a better microphone, which Flip cameras do not have. As well as an SD card slot, which allows countless hours of recording.

[Vision33r]

Most of these cheapos blows, nobody is buying them anymore.

Smartphones are replacing them. The iPhone 4S or latest gen Android phones can shoot very good quality video and some have good low light performance too. You don't need any light attachments you can use the built in xenon led lights on smartphones.

The iPhone 4S not only takes videos better than most camcorders, it shoots great stills, and have awesome video editing. Instant cropping, with iMovie you can add filters, scenes, and special effects.

These cheap crap you see at walmart shoots very grainy videos and very little video editing built in.

Otherwise go with higher end video camcorders.

[xlynn]

If you want a good HD camera within a decent price range. Check on the Kodak Zi8. I have that one and it does beautifully.