I need to buy a video camera -- any advice would be appreciated.

[driver8]

I am looking to buy a new video camera to replace our old Sony -- something in the $500 range.

Does anyone have a camera that they can recommend or a resource that I could use to help me make a decision?

Thanks!

[HopeHoops]

1. Stick with Sony. Get the 40x optical zoom.

We have two of them (one is my daughter's). They kick ass. Optical zoom is the only thing that matters. Digital zoom is fluff that the computer can do and it only degrades the quality of the image.

Ours were both under $300.

[driver8]

2. That is great advice -- thank you!

Can I ask you another question? What formats do your cameras use? Our old camera uses tape, but we want to move into the "digital age".

[HopeHoops]

4. Stick with tape.

It is inexpensive and reusable. I have friends with direct to DVD who hate it. They get choppy results sometimes and the media is expensive.

Don't get me wrong. I've got an HP mini (10.2") that is all solid state (no hard drive) and I love it. Each thing has its place.

[ipfilter]

6. Tape is still the king with camcorders.

And it's digital too.

[MrCoffee]

3. In a different vein, I love my Flip Ultra

It's not a great camera, but for shooting video of the kids goofing around, it's the only thing I ever use anymore. The ultra deluxe JVC with all the bells and whistles is collecting dust in the bag.

Picture quality is outstanding and the sound is perfectly adequate, all things considered, and it's so freakin' easy to use and upload video you'll be shocked.

It's not a spectacular camera by any stretch, but for everyday "we should really videotape the kids doing this hilarious thing", I can't recommend it enough.

[driver8]

5. I have heard great things about "the Flip."

My wife wants something that is easy to carry to all of the kids' functions and this sounds like it would be perfect.

Thanks!

[logosoco]

7. I won a Flip video camera.

Easiest darn thing I ever owned! It holds about 2 hours, the quality is very good. Even I figured out how to get the videos to the computer and I normally have to have my kids walk me through everything! It has like a one page instruction book. It is very compact and great for carrying in my purse.
I even figured out how to get a "snap shot" from the videos. Now if I can just learn to stop saying "I want to get that on tape!"