On Tue, 13 Nov 2001 16:55:50 -0500, Fred Fowler wrote:

>I have been tasked by my company to make a number of product training
>videos, about 15 minutes each.
>
>They will involve general operation of technical instruments using
>live actors and product closeups, features etc... They also have to
>include audio commentary.
>
>I have about $2000.00 to spend on a camera and accessories. I already
>have Adobe Premiere to use as a compositing tool, and a number of good
>sound production tools.
>
>Can anyone suggest a good camera in this price ballpark. I have been
>looking around the web, but all their features are beginning to merge
>into a fuzzy mess... ;-)
>
>I know I want DV, firewire and a good optical zoom. I guess image
>stabilization would be nice, but most scenes will be shot from a
>tripod anyway sooo...
>
>Any help is much appreciated!!!

Several camcorders are (critically...) reviewed at:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
I would look at the 3-chip $1600 Sony TRV-900. Add
a high-capacity NPF-960 battery ($115), an Azden
wireless set, and a Sennheiser MKE-300 short shotgun,
and you are about at your budget, with quite useable
gear for making high-quality videos...