So I'm looking to pick up a video camera here soon. I used to be really big into the whole "video editing" field and I just want to get back into it. I've heard that Hard Drive is the way to go now, so I was thinking about getting a Sony Handycam dcr-sr47. Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for when it comes to buying a video camera? Or just reviews on there own video camera? I'm not wanting to spend over $500 dollars.

I'm on my second mini-DV camera. I got that one because I drowned my first one (forgot the boat plug) and had a bunch of mini-DV tapes.

If I have to get another, it will be a hard drive model with lots of optical zoom (40-60) and stabilization.

I use mine for stills more than video and the remote operation is a plus for self photos when fishing.

I have the Canon ZR850

I would recommend a HD Flip Video, small, light, and get the job done in HD as well. For a decent price.

I just bought an Olympus 6020. It's waterproof down to 16ft. Takes 14 megapixel stills, and shoots 720 HD video. You can drop it from 5 ft and it's also freezeproof.

I would recommend a HD Flip Video, small, light, and get the job done in HD as well. For a decent price.

Another vote for the HD Flip.  I just bought one, and it's honestly more fun to use than a regular camera.  Fits in your pocket and takes awesome video!

I have an HD flip, nice toy and relatively good HD video.  I also have a JVC Everio HD with a 120 GB drive and its significantly better, but much more $$$.

I have a HandyCam and love it.  I took it on my elk hunt to Idaho last fall.  This was my absolute first time trying to video in the outdoors.  The zoom was nice (although I should have had it on a steady stick) and the mic actually picked up bugling at a significant distance away, up a mountain.

I'd recommend it to anyone.

Thank you for your feedback guys. Now on the Flip camera, is it capable to upload and edit your recordings? I don't see why it wouldn't be able to, but I figure I'll ask because that is the main reason I'm getting a camera to begin with.

it has a usb connection that comes out of it, no need for cables.

Thank you for your feedback guys. Now on the Flip camera, is it capable to upload and edit your recordings? I don't see why it wouldn't be able to, but I figure I'll ask because that is the main reason I'm getting a camera to begin with.

The Flip doesn't have an image stabilizer so i sprung for a Kodak HD Zi8. Takes video in 1080 and 720. The quality is pretty good too. Probably comparable to the Flip, but with less camera shake.

does the flip take stills as well?