You didn't bother anyone, unless you count making us lust after your budget.

Well, I don't know what I would choose if I had $20k for my top end but in the $5k range my favorite camera was the JVC GY-DV500U. The only thing I didn't like about it was the short recording time of Mini-DV tapes and it is a Mini-DV only camcorder.

However, the brand spankin new GY-DV5000U (three zeros) seems to be much improved with 12bit color and it accepts both Mini-DV and full size DV. If the price is still in the $5k range this camera will likely draw a lot of users.

GY-DV500U

GY-DV5000U

JBJones

You can walk into B&H Photo and Video if you live near New York City. They have almost everything there and you can handle the merchandise.

As far as posting and getting arrogant answers, this forum seems to be much friendlier than some others.

http://www.consumerdvreviews.com/default.asp

http://www.abcdv.com/

http://www.videouniversity.com/

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

http://www.gearpreview.com/

http://www.dvinfo.net/index.shtml

http://www.dv.com/

Many of these have lots of reviews, but you have to sign up to get them. Some of them have very good forums as well.

Be more specific about your requirements and you will get more helpful recommendations.

You may want to post at 2-pop as well:

http://www.uemedia.com/CPC/2-pop/forums.shtml

Be very careful about buying from some of the many online sleazebags that the online low price search engines will lead you to. Check this site for vendor ratings:

http://www.resellerratings.com/

John

Went through the same process about a month ago and decided to get two well proven camcorders for under $10k. Got the SONY PD-150 and the DSR-250. Many of my jobs can benefit from two camera shoots. Wanted the images to match in quality and color, etc. Spent the savings on tripods, lights, wireless mics, mixer, camera & gear bags, etc., all the professional peripherals. Video is my fun AND my business.

Also wanted the convenience of a large and a small camcorder in the same quality range. Many of my single camera shoots can be done with the PD-150. Some shoots require the larger DSR-250 because the controls are easier to quickly access. Also, if one camcorder goes down...got the other one and can do the job.

My customer base is mostly consumers and small businesses. These camcorders produce great images for that market. They are a heck of a value.

My background is photography (and video since 1985). Just started editing on Vegas about a year ago so my NLE skills are my "weakest link". Vegas makes me look good because it is so user friendly!

Can't recommend the Canon XL1 enough. The images I got in " Frame Movie Mode " were truly stunning.

One mans humble opinion.

- Raymond J. Schlogel

ray@austin.rr.com

Ray,

"Can't recommend the Canon XL1 enough."

Don't you mean the Canon XL1S ? Or are recommending the discontinued XL1 because it might be available for a lower price? By today's standards, the XL1S's 270,000-pixel sensors are a bit low in pixel count. The 1/3-inch CCDs are nicely large, though. Its interchangeable lens mount that lets you use your Canon SLR lenses is a great feature. Although the size mismatch between the 1/3-inch CCD and the 1x1.5-inch coverage of the SLR lenses is not ideal.

-- seeker --

Low-end: Consider Panasonic's new AG-DVX100 MiniDV which is switchable from 24p progressive frame (real prog. frames unlike the Canon competitor) to 30p, to regular 60i NTSC, first rate Leica lens system, $4000. I have one and am using it to shoot a dramatic film instead of a super 16mm camera....
Higher-end: Take a look at Hitachi's new Z-3000/CR-D10. $7000. Records MPEG-2 format directly onto an in-camera DVD-ROM which can be initially edited in-camera.

thats what i need to see.
I've looked and looked and can never find any reviews on high end camcorders.
The reason i said 5k-20k is because i know a few 5kish camcorders are very good but at the sametime, i want the best i can get that doesn't go over 20k.
Right now i'm using the vx2000 and it's nice but i want more, guess it's the boy in me, who knows.
This isn't a job for me, just a hobby and would like to buy the best thing i can. Bottom line, i want the best camcorder for 20k less if possible or a list of the best so i can figure out what my needs are from there.
Thanks everyone and keep the list coming!

I have a hard time living with myself, ALL I want is the Pana MX5000

See it at:

www.supervideo.com

Good links Craftech, thanks.