Video Camera

[Al Dente]

I am looking to purchase a new video camera.  I currently have one that uses the mini cassettes.  I am going to be using it to video and also for a blog.  I am very naive to these things, but I do know that some use a hard drive for memory and others use SD cards.  What are the pluses and minuses for both, and any suggestions as to which to purchase.  Budget is $500.  Thanks for any help.

[OS]

One of the biggest advantages or Having the Mini DV cassettes is that you always have a back up of your videos!!  The SD cards are expensive and Videos on your computer take up alot of room if you filming alot! Thats why most in the outdoor industry still use the Mine DV set up.

[silverm3s]

Are you going to be using outdoors? If so I'd go with something waterproof. Here are two options I'd go with. If your looking for a budget camera I'd go with the Kodak ZX5. If your looking for something with a little more I'd go with the sony TX5. Search youtube for examples from both. Hope this helps.