Get a DVD camcorder for $170 shipped
If you want the convenience of set-top video viewing and don't plan to edit your home movies, this dirt-cheap Panasonic model could be just the ticket.
I'm not wild about DVD camcorders (for reasons I'll explain shortly), but there's something to be said for the convenience of capturing video on a disc you can pop into any set-top DVD player. If that sounds appealing, Circuit City has the Panasonic VDR-D210 mini-DVD camcorder on sale for $169.96 with free shipping (plus sales tax in most states).
Though an entry-level camcorder, the VDR-D210 offers some nice features, including a 32X optical zoom, optical image stabilization, a 2.7-inch wide LCD, and a reasonably compact design.
Not bad, right? Right--but be sure to read