heey
take the everioG series. the 2megapixels version with 30GB hardrive cost more than 400 dollars. but the lower models (the 800.000 pixels and the 1.01 megapixels with 20GB hardrive) are not that good
I have a JVC – GZ-MG77 (release midd 2006, newer models have only a internal sliding lens cover, nothing hard/software).
it’s a 2.2megapixel, 30GB hardrive with 16:9 widescreen and makes perfect shots, very nice. well worth it.
30GB hardrive is also fine, very fast and silent. and it’s a small, but steady camera.(it’s not that lightweighted)
you can transfer the files very fast to your pc and they are MPEG2 files, (MOD = MPEG)
you can set some things manual what is also fine (like white balance and focus and more things)
mine is almost the same as this model that is released this year:
https://camcorder.jvc.com/gseries/255.asp
good luck
Bart