Which DVD Camcorder?

[Blackhawk]

My family and I will be going in Africa in a couple of months and I would like feedback from those who can recommend a quality, easy to use camcorder that has a built-in still camera. I want something compact, takes high quality videos and stills, and is priced under a grand.  

[donb]

On the advice of Mark Land(Muzzy), I purchased a JVC GRDV3000 at the cheapest "compare price" type website. The prices ranged from $499 to over $1000 for this model. I bought from the cheapest source, and I am extremely happy with the camera. I used it last summer in Africa with great results. It is everything you asked for. It is considered professional/amateur quality. I don't think you could do better for the price. Good luck! PS. Mine is a refurb.(possibly a floor model or a Christmas return by an unscrupulous individual, anyway it was fully guarenteed and was in perfect condition, that is, I could not tell it from a new one).

[hood_lum]

I currently use a Panasanic GS250. It has 3CCD tech and shoots stills with a 3.1 mega pixel photo with the built in camera. It is easy to use and has a lot of easy to use features that come in handy. Most of which are indicated with a picture when in use. It came with a mic on a cord that you can control the zoom,turn the rec on or off,or take a picture. It also has a remote that does all of these things and more. It is light and compact. The only thing I don't like about it is the silver color. I used a camo tape that sticks to itself. This seems to have worked well. What ever camera you get make sure that you get a good 3-4 hour battery. I found when buying mine that it wasn't the cost of the camera that got me it was the tripod,extended life battery,case,and tapes that got me. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Adam Ott
Lincoln NE