I won't ask why you need a camcorder that's good in low light. I'll just assume it's legal.
In any case, Sony still rules the camcorder market for low-light performance. Other manufacturers can't match its infrared Night Shot and Super Night Shot modes; though they produce greenish, grainy video, they get the shot when other models go dark.
I even relied on the Night Shot view to climb the stairs up to my apartment during the blackout of 2003. Given your needs and budget, I'd suggest the
Sony Handycam DCR-HC40. If you'll be shooting those low-light videos close up, you can also get away with the
Canon Optura 40 with its video light. It's a better overall camcorder, though it's also a bit more expensive.
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