I've seen so many "I have xxxx, what camera should I get?" that I thought it would be nice to have a in forum camera list. And I also listed some more of the cheaper cameras. So if you have any questions or want another camera added, just ask or tell me about it.

NOTE: CCD stands for Charged Coupled Device. Basically its the chip(s) that are in cameras. You can have 1 or 3. 3 is better quality than a 1 because the camera has 3 chips to process the data coming in, instead of just one. Also when I say 1/6", that refers to the size of the chip. one sixth of an inch. 1/3 or 1/2 is better because it's bigger.

CMOS is the HD version of a CCD. Sometimes they are switched up. Some HD cameras use a CCD while some SD cameras use a CMOS chip.

NOTE #2: All prices are from B&H. The prices sometimes varied between retailers.

I mostly listed smaller, inexpensive cameras because
1) that is what most beginners will get
2) If you want a 1,000 to 4,000 dollar camera, you need to do your own research to make sure you get what you want.

I would really only suggest a Mini DV. They are the easiest. DVD is hard to import, and impossible with a Macintosh, and Hard Drive cameras aren't very compatible with any thing. So Mini DV is the best way to go. Also a mic input is a must. On-board mics are crap.

Mini DV

Click on the links to view the cameras.
Canon ZR800 - $149 B&H Amazon
This looks like a pretty good Mini DV camera. A lot of people here use it.

Canon ZR950 - $259 B&H Amazon
Basically the same as the ZR800 but better quality, but you also pay more. Also no mic input.

Canon HV20 - $799 B&H Amazon
Another camera that a lot of people use. This is a really nice camera though for the price. HD, mic input, works in 0.2 Lux with night mode, hotshoe, HDMI, and 24p. An all around great camera.

Canon HV30 - $999 B&H Amazon
Similar to the HV20 above a lot of people here seem to like it. A Canon 10X optical HD lens, HD video, mic input, and a built in light. The lux wasn't specified by the manufacturer which could mean it doesn't operate in low light very well. It still looks really nice though. Another cool thing about the HV30 is it shoots in 24p and 30p.

JVC GR-D870 - $239 B&H Amazon
This looks pretty decent. 1/6" CCD which is... eh ok but still good. It has a nice 35x Zoom and built in effects but NO MIC INPUT! So, this may not be good for an A camera but maybe good for a stunt camera or a behind the scenes camera or something like that. Also no hotshoe.

Panasonic PV-GS320 $329 B&H Amazon
3 1/6 CCD. That means is has 3 chips that are each 1/6 of an inch big. A little better quality than normal but once again no mic input. But it does have a hotshoe.

Panasonic PV-GS500 $749 B&H Amazon
3 1/4.7" CCD. Good quality, mic input, and a hotshoe that will even power certain accessories. It also has a built in LED light, and a SD card slot.

Sony HDR-HC5 $689 B&H Amazon
This one looks ok. 1080i HD on a 1/3 CMOS, hotshoe, and a touch screen. No mic input but it has an on-board stereo mic. (That still doesn't justify it)

Sony's HDR-HC7 $969 B&H Amazon
This is pretty much the same as the above but more expensive and a mic input.

Canon GL-2 $1999 B&H Amazon
This is a really nice camera. It has 3 1/4" CCD, 20X zoom lens, tons of manual controls, 1/8" and RCA inputs, and a hot shoe. It also has a small shotgun-ish mic already attached to the handle. It has a top handle so you can hold it low easily.