I am no expert, but after being without a camcorder for several years, I just ordered a Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV camcorder. I paid $348 plus sh&h, but I noticed yesterday that the dealer had increased the price tp $358. This is not the best Sony makes, but not the cheapest. The next level up was $100 more and I didn't feel I needed the upgrade. It has a couple of low light levels, and is way more camera than I needed at a reasonable price. I bought from Digital Photo Club http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/valentines-day-gift-ideas.asp
I'm looking to buy a modestly priced ($500 tops) digital video cam. I'm thinking of Sony because all the reviews I've read have been pretty good for the reasonably priced models--especially picture quality. I need something that has stabilization and good picture under lower light situations. But I've been very alarmed by all the mentions of the poor software packaged with the cameras. Is this still the case? Is there a way around that (as in better software, purchased separately)? At least some of the stuff I'll be recording will be posted to a website. It doesn't have to be Warner Brothers quality, but at least decent. Anyone more savvy than me--that would be most people--have any recommendations? Thanks!!

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