Here's a simple guide that I use to buy camcorders and
other electronics, maybe it will help you make the best
choice for you:

Step 1: You need to decide what you're going to use the
camcorder for- Action, video of the baby, sports or
video you will put on the internet?

Once you have decided what the camcorder will be used for
start looking at the features of each camcorder and what
they are especially designed for. The camcorder makers do
a good job in explaining the features if you are patient
and take the time to read them.

Step 2: Next, you need to develop a list of the features
that you need - for instance, if you want to do close
ups of the baby, choose a camcorder with a macro feature.
Now add the features that you want to the list - such as
digital still, different fade in and outs, night mode,
macro features, the amount of zoom you want, camcorder
size, whether you want a built-in light or not. The
biggest decision you have to make is if you want an LCD
color view finder and how big you want it
to be. The LCD screen drains batteries quickly but allows
you to actually enjoy watching the event in real time.

Step 3: Decide the format of the recording media that you
want.

The different formats available are:

MiniDVD - can be popped into your DVD player to watch
MiniDV- easily edited on your Desktop computer
Digital8-easily edited on your desktop computer
Hi8-Low cost media to record family get togethers
VHS-C-low cost media to record family get togethers-works
in VHS tape player with adapter.

Step 4: Take the list of features that you want and rank
them in importance from 1 to 5 with 5 being the most
important - something that you don't want to compromise on
and 1 being something that would be nice but is not a deal
killer.

Step 5: Look at your budget and decide what you are willing
to spend because you will be tempted to spend a little more
to get some features that may be nice. Stick to your guns.

Step 6: Here's the biggest tip - Call an authorized service
center that repairs camcorders and ask them which camcorder
they recommend. They will know which camcorders are crap and
which ones are well made. An authorized service center can
be found by looking in the yellow pages under
electronics repair.

Step 7: Now Make a visit to the electronics store with your
list and a clear budget in mind. Tell the person helping
you what you want and how much you are wanting to spend and
have them lead you to the camcorders that fit your
requirements. Ask them which one they recommend. Most
associates are knowledgeable about the electronics they
sell. Make sure you ask them which one they own, what they
like about it and why they bought it.

I hope this helps you make a good choice and get the
camcorder that best fits your needs and at a price that
won't require you to take out a 2nd mortgage on your house!