Advice needed for first time video camera buyer

[WhateverItTakes]

I plan on buying my first video camera in the next couple of weeks in preparation for the new longhorn my wife and I will be welcoming into our lives. I'm looking for advice in regards to what features I should look for, what brands are best, ect... My planned budget is somewhere between $400-$600.

 

[RC Didnt Offer]

Digital?

 

[Bottom Line]

I bought a high end Panasonic camcorder earlier this year. I don't know a lot about the entry level market, but here is a link to a discussion board about Canon consumer camcorders. Maybe it will be a good starting point in your search.
Canon Optura discussion

BL

 

[cbs]

There are a lot of good Canon and Sonys out there. When you find what you want, check out B&H Photo at whatever their website is. I saved a couple hundred there over Circuit City or Best Buy when I bought my camcorder 2 years ago. We've since bought other stuff there and always been happy.