I currently own the optura 100mc..great little camcorder. I am ready to upgrade with a price under 2k.

Mostly what I use it for is hiking, family video, of the kids, indoors and out, ..

So a good low lite performer is a must,
also one that can expose properly...i.e. when I video waterfalls, the white does not get blown out in the video.
And good quality video of the kids and their doings.
Preferably prog. scan
image stabilization


Can you guys recommend a good newer model that will do this? Even the GS70.
I have read a lot of folks like the pc333...
how does it do in these areas?

ANy other recommendations? How about another canon? I am Not against a good 3 ccd either, would prefer something smaller than the vx....I am not a professional. WOuld like a large ccd also, if it is a single ccd. What is the largest single now? as I understand that helps with noise...and the megapixels...
Also if you recommend, could you put the US model number of the ones you recommend?
thanks..t

I believe you are kind of stuck with the 3-CCD models with the VX2000 or VX2100 being the best of the low-light units.

If you are limited by budget to lower end cameras, make sure you get decent manual control over exposure. Consumer 1CCD Sony cams will overexposure in high contrast lighting situation. The spotlight exposure mode is supposed to fix this but it doesn't go far enough. The exposure controls are "steppy" and kinda hard to work with (depends if you get the newest models with LCD touchscreen or jog dial). It's far from perfect. The Sony TRV22 has very good low light for its price point, but nowhere as good as the VX2000.

You might want to try some of the older model 3CCD cameras from Panasonic. B&H has the PV-DV853 on sale. The MX3000/PV-DV952 is good *if you can find it*.

If you're ok buying used then you might be able to swing a VX2000. The VX2000 gives much better low light than every other camera in its price range. You have to watch out when you're buying used though.

Is the 2000 such a bear to lug, given a proper bag, and not 1001 accessories?

It is pretty heavy. It's not my first choice for just
travel/family/birthday-type recordings. I only use the VX for pro work. For personal I use a 1-CCD Panny PV-DV53. The good low-light reach
makes it fine for even normal indoor home
taping.