I have a Sony HDR-XR160 that does a very good job. It is HD with 5.1ch Mic, a wide angle 29.8mm lens, steady shot, and has very good low-light.
There are a lot of very good reviews on the camcorder, just type in Sony HDR-XR160 Review.
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I use a Canon HF G10. However it is around $1000.
I think all the camcorders are now HD.
How much bells and whistles do you want on it?
Funny you mention this model. We were looking at Sony camcorders last night. Does this one take still images too?