Please Help me buy a decent camcorder to record my new born angel. The more I search more I am confused.?

Panasonic, Panasonic, Panasonic! You should look for a camera that is similar to the one listed below. The Panasonic PV-GS300 is listed below and is a great camera for around $500, which is, I know, a little more than you want to spend right now especially with a new baby. (You really can't buy a descent camcorder without spending $500.) If you are still set on purchasing something more around $250...look for some camcorders that have similar specs like the PV-GS300 which is listed below. I believe Panasonic has a few cheaper, more affordable models, but I firmly believe that by spending a little more money now will put you ahead in the long run. $250 for a sub par camcorder or $500 for an all around great camcorder? (And I am not a sales rep for Panasonic...I just believe they have the best out there.) •10x Optical Zoom and 700x Digital Zoom (The higher the optical zoom, the better. With digital zoom, you loose quality when you zoom in, plus you probably wouldn't be able to use a digital zoom more than 100-200x.) •2.7” Widescreen LCD Display (123,000 pixels) •3CCD (3 x 800,000 pixel, 1/6” CCD image sensors for best quality and clarity photos and video. The same kind of system used in professional broadcast cameras means crisp color reproduction, thanks to a separate CCD for reds, greens, and blues. (most camcorders, the cheaper ones just have 1CCD) •Recording system NTSC •SP and LP recording and playback modes (most MiniDV tapes are 60 minutes, but in LP you can record 90 minutes on these tapes) •Video and Photos can be taken in 16:9 (widescreen) or 4:3 (regular) •High-quality Lecia lens (37 mm) •5 preprogrammed auto exposure modes for a variety of shooting options •OIS (optical image stabilizer…minimizes shake and vibration distortion) This is a helpful tool, but if you want still images use a tripod. •Soft skin detail mode (softens details to reduce skin imperfections when shooting close-ups) •MagicPix (allows full color recording in low light) •1-touch navigation with easy joystick control •3.1 MP photos in Photo Mode with build in flash that can be turned on/off. Photo size is determined by what mode you have the camcorder set at. (video/photo and 16:9/4:3) In Video mode, the photos are smaller and quality is not as good as taking a photo in Photo mode. o.2 MP photo size is 640 x 360 o.3 MP photo size is 640 x 480 o1 MP photo size is 1280 x 960 o2 MP photo size is 1600 x 1200 o2.4 MP photo size is 2048 x 1152 o3.1 MP photo size is 2048 x 1512 •Min shutter speed is 1/30 sec •Max shutter speed is 1/8000sec •Built in Stereo Microphone •Stores photos on SD Memory Card (slot located on bottom of camera) •Stores video on MiniDV Digital Tapes •USB 2.0 and Firewire IEEE 1394 compliant •DV, AV, external mic, and USB ports (the included AV cable has RCA and S-Video outputs) •PictBridge (direct printing from camcorder) •Includes MotionDV and Quick Movie Magic software What’s in the box? •PV-GS300 Camcorder •RCA/S-Video cable •AC cable •Battery and charger •Remote control •Hand and shoulder strap •USB 2.0 cable •Software What you will need to purchase. •MiniDV Digital Video Tapes. Most stores sell these tapes between $7-10.00/tape! Check out eBay for good deals on tapes...you can probably find them for around $3.00/tape. •Carrying case (Circuit City and Best Buy have a good selection, but expect to spend about $20.00.) •Firewire (DV) cable. You don’t necessarily need this, but the quality is supposedly better when transferring tapes to DVD. I haven’t noticed any difference between the two and I prefer to use the included RCA cables with my DVD Recorder.) Stores and Prices www.jr.com They had it for just under $500.00 (including shipping). Definitely check out this site. They offer great customer service, competitive prices, and fast/cheap shipping. They are located in New York and are a very reliable, trustworthy store. •Circuit City…around $500. •Best Buy…around $500. Panasonic makes the best. Plain and simple. If I were you, before you make an expensive purchase, do some research...look at customer reviews at www.bestbuy.com, www.circuitcity.com, or at any other review website. Most of those people that answer reviews do it for your benefit...they let you know if it is worth spending the money for a certain product. I have owned a JVC (miniDV), Sony (miniDV and hard drive), and Panasonic (miniDV and hard drive) camcorders and I have to say that the Panasonic are the best. They have the best quality...best design...are the easiest to use...and are more durable than JVC and Sony. I use them for my business, which is why I have used and tested so many different kinds. ***PLEASE...go to the stores and try them out...don't make a purchase online without actually holding one and testing out its functions. ***And also be careful...if you do a google search to try and find a store that sells the camcorder that you are looking for, for the cheapest price...do some research and check out that store before you make your purchase. There are many great deals out there, but at what cost? A lot of places will advertise a cheap price but then will try to get you to buy more equipment for your camcorder that should already be in the box! WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS! I can't stress that enough. GOOD LUCK!