Any up to date advice onbuying a camcorder?

[soulstar11]

I need a new camcorder, and am a bit stuck as to where to start. I've narrowed it down to either HDD or removable (card) memory, but can't find any up to date info on the benefits or pitfalls of each of these (other than the very brief Argos guide). On-line guides are comprehensive, but I can't find anything later than early 2008

The video camera will be used mainly for home, holiday, family event type stuff, then transferred to p.c , and disc. Preferably easyish to use, and I could spend up to about �400. Anyone have any ideas / advice?

Any will be greatly received.

[beso]

The downside of HDD is once it is full you have to delete of download to keep working. Not so good in the middle of your overseas holiday. You can always slip in another card if you can afford enough of them.

Don't underestimate the old DV tape format. Both the cameras and tapes are very cheap. Remember it is a digital format does not suffer from noise like an analog tape format.

Dollar for dollar the picture quailty is better than either HDD or card.

Both HDD and Card types use MPEG compression which can result in strange visual artefacts. Try panning at various speeds across a repeating pattern of vertical lines such as a paling fence or a row of palm trees.

I would expect the card to be the most robust as the HDD is a precision mechanical device. Presumably they cusion them fairly well.

Cards will continue to get cheaper. Make sure the camera has the ability to read higher much capacity than are currently available.

[squarebear]

We have a JVC camcorder which holds 36 hours on the hard drive. The chances of that filling up are remote, as we are unlikely to record that much on holiday.

[soulstar11]

Thank you both very much.
Beso your point about the removable memory being more robust swung me. I've gone for a Toshiba which takes an SD / SDHC removable card. This format is also less likely to be lost by me / the Wife.

Thanks again.