Camcorder ??????

[Ruth]

I am wanting to buy a camcorder of some sort and am looking for recommendations. I have never owned one so know diddly about them. I want one that shoots good live action and has a decent zoom. Can you guys help me out?

[mark]

Found at each price benchmark all pretty much same performance but a noticable differance is the feel and the menus (must try hands on).

If you want the zoom, stay away from the ultra compacts as to hard to hold still even with electronic stabilization.

Sites (main pages and forums) I found quite helpful were http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/f22 and http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/ide...asp?forumID=43

Mines a little older but happy with a Sony (DCR-HC30) and a wide angle lens.