[RickC]

Got the cheapest MiniDV's I could find - first the Panazonic PVDV 101 a few years ago, now the PVDV53.

Both were fine for shooting kids. All I really needed was image stabilization and a decent zoom. The newer one seems to shoot better in low light, and has a built in light. For $300+ I'm happy.

I've never needed all the bells and whistles on a movie camera. Had one VHS-C that was too fancy and never I played with the buttons because I have 3 kids and no time to learn. I figure I can edit stuff when they're older, or give it to my brother who's a film editor in LA.

The quality is good compared to any of the old consumer analog stuff. And I do have a pretty critical eye - I've shot scenics & people with Nikkormat/Nikon still cameras for 25+ years (still lovin' that Kodachrome). Pretty good bet that except for the bells and whistles, the optics and light sensitive electro-mechanical stuff inside is the same across a company's camcorder range.