What video camera is better to buy?

So what video camera should I buy?

• So I'm buying a video a camera and I'm asking the people to recommend me. I'm looking for a camera that is in between a standard camera for amateurs and professionals. Here is my criteria: (If there is no camera below or near my criteria price, then give me the best camera near my price). Important: Price is near $400 (may be higher). Sound Quality should be good, preferably mic is in front. Records at resolution of at least HD 720p or 1080p. Storage medium is anything but Tape (Is HDD better than Flash?). Can be mounted on a tripod. Optical zoom minimum 2x (4x above is also good). Good battery life, minimum 3 hours (higher is better). Optional: Flexible for indoor or outdoor use (For lighting). External mic input. Can be used to take still photos. Not heavy for handheld. Image stablization.

• Answer:

  I use a Canon Vixia HF R200 === Battery Life is 50-minutes.. I use 4-battery's.. === The camera is very good.. Its my fourth camcorder.. === Here are some examples of a recent project../ === http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHzOHsG8fVs === http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePnNr_zuVi8 === http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmSohiPhv_k