HD Camcorder... Which one to buy

[ffmedic74]

Anyone have any good reviews on a HD camcorder under $800 or so. I would like one with flash memory so I dont have to worry about the onboard hard drive going out. Any input would be helpful as a few websearches didn't reveal too much on which one to buy.

[ers906]

I imagine depends on what you want it for. I just picked up the gopro camera for videoing wake-boarding and surfing. and for under 225.00, you can get another for family functions.

[johnboyy7]

Go to cnet.com. I have the canon 200hx (I think) and really like it. Mines the one with flash drive. Takes really clear video. My buddy has a flip and really likes it.

[88mars2001]

Kodak makes a waterproof HD camera that shoots up to 1080P. Very good video and affordable.

Here is a short video the day I got it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgm_pposUOg

[Chexi]

I bought the Sanyo FH1-A and have been quite pleased with it so far.

Pros:

Price: Under $300
Flash SDHC memory
Video Modes: True 1080p/60 (only a very few can do this, and no other at this price point); 1080p/30 (which most "HD" camcorders can do); 1080i/60; 720p; and some others, includin the native Apple iMovie format.
8MP still camera function
Turns on and off really fast
Tiny and light
(others I am sure that I am not listing)

Cons:
16x zoom (would prefer 20x)
No 1080p/24 mode, but 1080i/60 should be able to be played at 1080p/24 on some blu-ray players (I have not tested this yet).
Requires FAT32 format if you save directly to a portable hard drive (i.e., portable hard drive must be formated in Fat32 not NTSF)
Not waterproof (although I use mine to film wakeboarding and wakesurfing all the time and minor spray has not hurt it)
Lens (I'm sure that more expensive cameras have better lenses, although I have not really noticed anything wrong with the videos this camera takes and have received nothing but quotes like, "holy crap that video looks incredible..."
Required a reasonably fast computer to playback 1080p/60 (not really a con of the camera)
It is a better camcorder than still camera (when compared to my 10MP DSLR).

Would I recommend this camcorder? For anyone looking for a consumer HD camcorder, without hesitation I would.