Originally Posted by alanw

Any MiniDV camera available today is going to take great video and be easy to use, it isn't like there is a big difference in picture quality until you start spending some really big bucks on a 3-chip and/or interchangeable lens model.

You're best off if you figure out exactly what you want the camera for, figure out what features and specs that requires, and make a decision that way.

I have both a very compact camera and a high-end 3-chip model, each of which serves a different need. The compact one is a Sony V20 and I have recommended this to other people who have purchased it as well.

I just saw it at Fry's for $499 last week. It's very small, has a terrific touchscreen UI, nightvision, and great battery life. You can buy the step up model with USB streaming (pretty worthless), better still capability (you won't use it) and a color viewfinder for about $100 more but I really don't think it's worth it.

The touchscreen UI is, for me, the best feature on this camera. Fiddling with tiny buttons while you're trying to shoot something is a nightmare and this completely solves that problem with big buttons and very easy to use menus. That alone is enough to put this camera in front of all the others in my book.

So go spend $500 on the Sony if it will meet your needs. Figure another $70 for the extended 5-hour battery and $40 or so for a case.