camcorder?

[clori]

I don't know much about camcorders. I would like to get one mostly for recording little plays etc that my dd going into first grade does from time to time. I am looking for relatively small size and weight, decent in low light (auditoriums etc), image stabilization, and if possible ability to take still shots and use secure digital/compact flash cards (I own both). I'm in the very beginning thinking stage with no set budget but probably under $400 with less the better. I am thinking about canon zr600 but honestly don't know what to look for. With digital cameras I am definately a point and shoot person if that makes a difference with camcorders. Any ideas?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

please refer to the sticky about choosing a camcorder, it may help you with lots of your questions.

 

[MOmousefan]

Clori - I purchased the Canon Elura 90 last year to take to WDW. It is turned out to be great camera. I shot 7.5 hours of video and the camera performed flawlessly. The one area that Canon is weak in is low-light and my results were marginal. It was slow to focus on the indoor attractions and the videos are grainy.
On the other hand, the outdoor shots are great, the sound is good quality and the camera fits my hand very comfortably. I am very satisfied with this camera. It does take still shots, but they are 1.3 MP and not as good as my Powershot S70, but in a pinch I would take a picture I could not have taken otherwise.
This is an example of a still shot:

The following link is a video we made using the Elura 90 and Windows Movie Maker:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=579459408888728809&q=wdw+in+under+two+minutes