This is going to be my first camcorder, so I'm very new to all of this. I'm looking for a camera that's good for making films, music videos, etc. Something with a good stabilizer, and picture quality. It'll also need an external mic input as well.

I know HD cameras generally cost quite a bit, but I don't want to spend a whole lot, $600-$800 would be the ideal price, but I am willing to go a little over.

I hope I'm not being too vague here, if you need anyone information, just ask away. Oh, and also, I live in Canada, Vancouver to be specific, so if anyone knows of anywhere in town where I can buy a good camcorder, then that'd be awesome. If not, then could anyone point me to a good online service.

Thanks.

Did you care to read any reviews, including ones on this site?

I just purchased the Canon HG10. Its an HD model with hard drive. I absolutely love it and has recieved high ratings. You can check out the review on this on the this site. I got it for $700 on buydig.com.

I did, but I also wanted a second opinion. Not to mention some of the things the reviews talked about were a bit alien to me.

That's actually one of the few that I had my eyes on. I heard a lot of good things about that and the HV20. Where did you get yours?

I'm looking at some reviews and the HV30 looks like. And the price isn't too bad either.

If I were buying my first camera right now for casual use, I'd go for the HV30.

BTW, don't put too much emphasis on a "stabilizer." They are largely useless. They're meant to even out variations from your breathing when you're standing still, not for anything like shooting while moving. As since you should almost always be shooting on a tripod, you'd need to turn it off anyway to avoid jerky pans and tilts.

I got mine off buydig.com with express shipping. Came out to $716/shipped from east coast to west coast. I love it! This is my first HD camera as well. My last camera was VHS tape based so you can see how long its been since I've had one. I did consider others in the sony family and panasonic family but the reviews on this sold me. Plus it was only released late last year so its still a pretty new model.