Is it worth the extra $250 ?

I am serious about purchasing a Optura 500, but just read 2 decent reviews about the ZR300 (which is rated much higher by camcorderinfo.com and receieved a solid review from dvspot.com).

I am looking to spend $450-$750, so the Optura 500 fits within my budget (as does the Sony HC 42 and HC 90). I want a small, compact, high-quality camera that will do reasonably well indoors in low light situations. I also want analog to digital pass through and solid reliablity. I will be using in easy mode most often and don't require lot's of manaul controls and extras. I am pretty much a point and shooter looking for better quality....

Here is my questions: Is it worth the extra $250+ to go with the Optura 500 vs. the ZR300 or Sony HC42? Any thoughts on the Optura 500 v. Sony HC90?

Thanks

I can't speak for the Optura 500 or ZR300.

I have the HC40 which is similar to the HC42. The HC90 will provide much better video quality than the HC42. There are some discussions and at least on video in the Sony DCR-HC85 & DCR-TRV70/80 Users forum at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/f8.

I can't really comment much on the low light issue.



Rich