Digital Camcorder suggestions please !

[westy]

I'm in the market for a digital camcorder and would sincerely appreciate any suggestions or recommendations on what to buy in the $ 500-600.00 range, and opinions on the following models I'm considering:

Canon ZR40
JVC GR-VDL120U
Sony DCR-TRV 140

Thanks !

[Deus ex Machina]

http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/cameraList.php

I personally like the Sony DCR-TRV27, but it does run for 735 USD. I really like the 3.5" LCD.

[njeddiek]

For that price range you can get a Cannon or a JVC DV camera that is pretty good. The Sony cameras are great but a bit expensive. I just bought a Cannon ZR45MC for $450 and love it.
You can also check out CNET (http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342639.html?tag=st.re.9870989.dir-cam.6342639) for reviews.

[westy]

The Canon was my first choice but I checked the ratings on Cnet and everyone (20 out of 100 users) complained about the noise from the motor carrying over onto the recorded tape. You experience any of that with your Canon ?

[njeddiek]

Almost all the small DV cameras in that price range have a small amount of noise in the audio. With my Cannon you can only hear it when recording with no sound around you. IMO it is not a problem. I suggest you go to a store a try it out for yourself. I went to the local Best Buys before making my mind up and tried a few different models. The sales person let me record to a tape and play it back.

[Deus ex Machina]

The motor noise is a common complaint with the Canon video cameras. Although Sony is not devoid of of this problem, it is far less a problem. If you find the TRV-27 too pricy, the TRV-18 with a 2.5" LCD might do you fine.

shant,
david