On Mon, 8 Jul 2002 08:39:47 -0400, "Alan" wrote:

>I've got 3 camcorders, a full size VHS, a barebones VHS-C, and what cost me
>$1200 US 7 years ago, an S-VHS-C JVC GR-SZ7...wish to make the move to DV,
>and would like your advice/opinion as to which camcorder to get...
>Eyeballing the following:
>Panasonic AG-DVC15
>Sony DCR-VX2000
>Canon GL1

Easy choice here - the VX2000 for picture quality, easily...
For more, see (DVC15 is the EZ30U, buried in "big clothes",
as I recall...):
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder-comparison.htm
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/sony_dcr-vx2000.htm

>All seem to be in the $1600 - $1800 US range from the discounters in NYC...

"Real" prices are higher - expect around $2350-2400 for
a VX2000...

>Is there another barebones camera thats cheaper with a reasonably good
>image?

Used only, now, but the Sony TRV900 and VX1000 are both
very good... Look also at the current TRV950, though its
low-light range may be limited... With soft lighting, the
TRV30/50-PC115/120 can be good, especially if used in
"portrait" mode.

>My projects will not require many of the complex features of these
>cameras. Can I get away with something like the Sony units in the $800
>range?

Depends on your standards. For a comparison of various
Sony *imaging types* (you can see what compromises would
be made...), see:
www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/camcorder--comparison.htm
See also www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/vid_pict_characts.htm
as a reference article for judging picture
characteristics in the camcorder comparisons...