I Seek Camcorder buying advice

[MetalSymphony]

So my birthday is coming up in Early April, and the Fam has been bugging me about what i'd like to get as a "Big Ticket" gift from them.

I've been thinking about starting my own Web series for awhile now, and i have a few idea's ranging from a Review show (i've been inspired by the likes of TJOmega and ShukuenShinobi) to a Drama and others.

Anyway, i can't do any of those if i don't have a decent camera with a good mic. One that takes decent quality Stills (like no lower than 5mp's) would also be cool.

Any advice/recommendations are welcome.

 

[TJOmega]

Only one word of advise: Research, research, research. If you find a model off a wbesite or at Best Buy that looks good, jot down the maker and model number and search reviews online and check YouTube for samples of it's video quality. The main things to watch for, ease of control, zoom quality, mic quality (especially things like wind reduction), and how many manual adjustments like white balance you can make. Also, make sure it has a mic jack in case you want to improve microphone quality with a shotgun or clip-on microphone, and if you're looking for that make sure it has the ability to attach an added mic because it's not always a given. I cant recommend a good model as my own camera was a last-year model even when I bought it, let alone a year and a half later, but what model is good for you will depend on what you'll need it for, so you'll have to do the leg work yourself.

 

[HaiTien78]

The guide I used which led me to my Canon Vixia HV 20

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYvbu2mu8LA"]YouTube - Camera Buying Guide![/ame]

 

[MetalSymphony]

~snip~

Thanks TJ.
I'll keep that in mind.

The guide I used which led me to my Canon Vixia HV 20

YouTube - Camera Buying Guide!

Thanks, though i can't stand that guy.......

I might pop back in here to get another opinion from HJU on certain model's and ect, so look for it.