Which camcorder?

[KeepCalmAndHaveAnotherMincePie]

We already have an older camcorder that uses tapes that we don't use very often (mostly because our old PC didn't have the right connection to be able to transfer from the tapes), but I fancy getting something a bit more up to date.

I've been looking at the Flip camcorders as they seem pretty easy to upload, share etc, but I've read mixed reviews so not sure if it's right for me. Our house can be quite dark too, so I want something that still has a clear picture in lower light conditions.

I want to be able to:

• upload to my macbook easily
• edit/play around with different clips to put together 'movies' on imovie that I can put music on etc and share/burn to dvd
• watch on HD.

So, do I get a Flip camcorder, another pocket camcorder (any recommendations?) or hang off and hope to pick up a regular HD camcorder (again, any recommendations for something easy on the purse would be good)in the sales at a reasonable price?

possibly worth a "trial subscription" to Which? for a few quid, to see what their members have found, or check T3 mag, or Gadget Show for recommendations.

Would expect them to test in differing light levels and comment without hiding problems they have found.

Thanks NetworkGuy, good idea. I shall do a bit more research before committing my hard earned pounds.

We have a Flip and while it's great as literally point and shoot, and it's easy to load onto the laptop, I have completely failed to find a way of getting the film on a disk that will then play in the DVD player, which has defeated the point of having it, as far as I am concerned. The only jack it has for connection is the USB to go into the laptop and our TV doesn't have one. The picture quality is great, even in DS's bedroom, which isn't always it well but I had totally overlooked the compatibility issue. HTH.

Just found this, which might help? www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B0038WATL2/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I have a FLIP MinoHD and really like it!

I can do a long video or shorter clips and edit them together in certain ways. Shorten, add music, publish online etc. Use a HDMI cable to the TV....

Oh and I can get great still quality pics too!

Defo worth checking out!

Maggie - given it has a USB port,and you have loaded (copied?) items into your laptop, can you not use the laptop to write a DVD for both long-term backup and to be able to play with a DVD player on your TV ?

You'd probably need to check the Flip doesn't make a special format video file that needs their software to play, but even if that is the case, it should be possible to convert to a suitable format for the DVD player.

Now, you only need to find out what your DVD player can handle, and you should be sorted.

Oh, Maggie, sorry, have just seen this post so choosing right format seems important. Wonder what other differences there are between the Flip and HD version (over the 'HD' feature, IYSWIM)?

theres a comparision chart on the actual FLIP site
hth