Were ordering materials this week so I can build my dad the deck he wants in our backyard. He said he'd buy me a new camera for doing the labor. I'm looking to get an HD camcorder, but it has to be under about $800. He said he wouldn't be spending $1000 on it, so that's my estimate as to what he's willing to spend($800.) I like Canon because they have by far the best quality lenses from what i've researched, but i'm looking for something that would be good for action filming(for my BMX obsession.)

So far with what little i've looked at these are the ones I was concidering, but I figured i'de ask for suggestions from you guys to see if anyone could find better deals. Or better cameras for around the same price.

This is my dream camera, but I HIGHLY doubt anyone can find it within my price range, hell I can almost guarantee that. But if you know about cameras and could suggest something that kind of compares that's within my price range I would greatly appreciate it.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XH-A1-High- ... 086&sr=1-1

These are the ones i've found so far...
Sony HDR-HC1:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-HC1-Defi ... LFXTH6SQBD

Canon VIXIA HV30:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-HV30-Defini ... LFXTH6SQBD

Canon VIXIA HFS10:
This is the best as far as price and quality so far. 32GB Internal Memory, also capable of holding a 32GB HDSC memory card. $400+ off retail price if i get it used(wich I don't mind really.)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Memor ... LFXTH6SQBD

I don't care whether it's built in flash drive or HD Mini DV(Cassette tapes.) Just want an HD Camcorder that is realiable. I just tend to float torwards Canon, because they have quality, reliable cameras. Sony is my second favorite with my secondary dream camera, the Sony HDR-FX1. But I won't be getting either of those cameras until I have a good job. If I get a job I know I will be holding for long enough i'll just go to B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com
They will send you the camera with a small payment and accept payments. Also if your camera breaks, they will send you a temporary camera(the same one) while yours is being fixed. My friend deals with them a lot and they are good to their customers. They sell anything electronic. If ya want to make payments on a HUGE HDTV, there ya go lol.

Anyways, your suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and I have a little while before I will be ordering it. Gotta at least start building the deck first haha.

800 bucks? thats the cost of a high end flash right there.

Trust me, I know. It's a small ammount to be wanting an HD camcorder with, but it's possible to get something simple. I can find the XH-A1 for like $1500, with is a GREAT camera, with a lot of possibilities. But right now I just don't have the money and my current camera is about to bite the dust. I wouldn't say this camera is temp, because I could use it once I get a really good one as a secondary angle, but I just need something for this summer. I see a lot of people making decent quality videos with the last of the 3 cameras I posted. So it will work for now. But next year i'll be investing is a top notch camera.

I dont think you're smart enough to use one.
Type money next round
Caniboid: Money

It's one of the few things I excell in actually. Maybe not knowledge of cameras in general, but i've been filming and editing for about as long as i've been riding (9 years.)

And WTF does typing money do Kano? I'm never gonna type it so you might as well inform me.

Get the HV30. ITS an great camera.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contr ... elid=18385

That's all you need.

man... and i thought you wanted advice on where to hide them...

Planning to pick that rebel camera soon

I want to trade my Xi for it. Badass F*CKING camera, and with HD video recording.... PSH!

TYPE MONEY NEXT ROUND

I have a Rebel xti, but that camera is F*CKING sweet! I'll be looking into that. So far it looks really good from what i've read, and it's got a good price! I still don't know if I want to invest in that though. Honestly with the ways you film when you're riding, it would be akward to hold and zoom and all of that shit with one hand(while following another rider on a bike.) With a normal camcorder it's easy to hold it really low to the ground, and use the thumb area of your palm to zoom in/out. It's a lot of smaller things like that, that I have to consider :/ Makes the final edit come out much better.

Just got for camcorder if you're into video production. I'm more of into photography myself, less hassle and work ;p

Ya that's what i'm gonna do. I already have a pretty nice camera for photography, just need something for filming. I've always like editing footage. Got a new HD editing program, and i'de like to be able to use it the ay it's meant to be.