Hey all,

I'm looking for a digital camcorder in the $500 range. I think I have narrowed it down to three choices, the Canon Elura 65 , Canon Optura 20 and Panasonic PV-DV402 .

They all have nearly identical specs, except for optical zoom and the two Canons have higher CCD pixel specs

I'd appreciate any opinions on these three or ideas on other brands I might have overlooked.

Thanks in advance.

George:beatnik:

George R- I have minimal experience with camcorders, but have been looking for one for myself.

Have used my family's camcorders. Although limited, my short take is that Sony does a nice job in low light, but JVC and Canon were adequate (regardless of what is said in user forums about their inadequacies in normal room lighting). Unfortunately none of the models were the ones you're asking about.

From looking at camcorders in the store, I lean towards Pannys. In fact I ordered a DV203, but have not received a bill or shipping number yet (I KNEW that $299 for a new one may have been too good to be true...:( ).

I liked the Panny PVGS-14 and -15 but had set a cutoff price of under $300. The -15 is available for $400, may be worth checking into.

Hey reyneman,

There are so many options out there, it's really tough to make a choice.:rolleyes:

It's also tough to get answers. I've postedthe same question on three sites and youirs is the only answer so far.:wtf:

I think I've decided on the Canon Elura65. Shipped, it comes in under my $500 cutoff point. If I had a little more to spend, I could get one that take 2+ megapixel still shots, too.:cry: However, since I only use the stills I take for sharing with my family via computer, the Canon's 1.23 megapixel stills will be ok.

When I get it and have a chance to play with it a bit, I'll post back whether I made the right choice, or not. :bigok:

Thanks for your comments and insight.

:DGeorge:cool:

I believe there is more posting of 'I heard that this model...' as gospel than real facts from users on camcorders.

I hope the Canon works out for you- I'm still hoping for the Panny, but my hopes are rapidly dimming.

If nothing else, we'll post back and forth to each other, each spreading lies about how our choice is much better than the other's choice;) . We'll invite other ACTUAL owners to post- none of this second hand BS. Maybe we'll get a good war going on which is best:)

Post your opinions soonest...Ray