Suggestions needed for a decent handycam

[logistopath]

Someone known to me is keen on buying a handycam. Usage would typically be occasional filming of his toddler and a few parties. We do not need anything hi-fi. All we are looking for is decent picture quality (SD would suffice; no HD camcorders needed), good battery life and a compact and lightweight product. If it is going to be a longer optical zoom camera, it should have good image stabilization.

Our budget: Rs.15K to Rs 17K max.
Anything from Canon, Sony or Panasonic. JVC too is good, I believe.
Mode of purchase: Open to online purchase, including via KMD or Fizzmall. However, the net price shouldn't be more than 17K
Type of cam: We are not really aware of the better format for handycams.. I need your opinions as to which format is better - miniDV tapes or flash or HDD or DVD..?
Thanks in advance. :hap2:

 

[MohitPreet]

Sony Handycam DCR-SR47 (silver) Digital Camcorder reviews - CNET Reviews

very compact size, perfect for ur needs

available on ebay india as well for around 17k!!

bottom line: Just don't expect HD when you're paying for SD.

 

[ashvarybabul]

First need to be decided is-

What Storage media U want in the handycam....

this is neglected be newbies, but is a main issue of quality...

DV - this keeps the video uncompress, thus gives excellent colors, and correct toning,....If U dont want to compromize with color go for DV

Hard Disk - Since it is huge in size, files do get compress but less...

Memory Card - U need high speed cards for better working...[even for family shoots] U can do with those cheap chinese ones....Quality do get effected due to compression.....

DVD - This one is issue it itself, copying, deleting is slow..moreover they give short recording time....But portable and cheaper than cards......But I dont like them since they are noisy, get hot, and effects the quality too much,,,........

 

[logistopath]

@MohitPreet: Will check out the link. Thanks.

@ashvarybabul: I'm more in favour of a miniDV or flash storage cams. I'm not sure how sensitive HDD models are to rough handling; and I don't like the idea of carrying around many DVDs.

miniDV models are quite cheap I guess.