If youre looking for a digital camcorder, you will be spolit for choice. There are so many models out there - Canon, Sony, Panasonic, JVC - just to title a few brands. It is tough to generate a decision because of the variety and the cost. Digital camcorders are not cheap. and easily run into the $500 to $2000 price range. You wouldnt want to fork out so much money for a camera that does not meet your expectations.

Lets take a look at the various factors to consider when purchasing your first camcorder.

Analog or Digital Format?
The first decision you have to make is this: do you want to work with video in an analog format (VHS-C, 8mm and Hi8) or a digital format (MiniDV, Digital8, MicroMV, Digital Tapeless and DVD). The digital format is all the rage now, just look at the digital camcorders flying off the shelves offline and online. Of course, a digital camcorder is slightly more expensive than an analog one.

If you simply cannot decide whether to go digital or analog, just think about the intended usage of your camera. If you intend to capture video into the computer and do some video editing, then my advice is to go for a digital camcorder. If you dont mind lower quality video, then save your funds and get an analog camera. You may still import video from your analog camera into your computer using an analog-to-digital conversion device (albeit with some loss in quality).

Whats Your Budget?
As with all purchases you build, you positive need to think about your budget. A low-finish digital camera like the Canon ZR200 will set you back about $400. A super duper high-finish model like the Sony HDR-FX1 will cost a bomb at $3000. Be sure to compare prices and get the best deals matching the features you want in your camera. Of course, the more you pay, the better features youll get - thats a known fact.

Other Features
The features and attributes to ruminate on when purchasing a camcorder incorporate:

* Firewire/IEEE 1394 support
* Lens Quality
* LCD Size
* Optical Stabilization System
* Digital Still Image Capability

To me, only the first attribute (Firewire support) is definately critical. Never buy a digital camcorder that does not have Firewire support (a rarity these days anyway). The other attributes like lens quality, LCD size and optical stabilization are nice to have but should not matter if you are just an average home user.

The last attribute - digital still image capability - gives you the ability to shoot pictures just like a digital still camera. I personally think theres no absolutely need for this feature, as it jacks up the price tag way too much. Id prefer to get a basic videocam and a proper digital still camera separately if I want to both shoot videos and take still pictures.

Conclusion
So while it seems you are blinded by the vast array of choices available for digital camcorders, my advice is to focus on your budget and intended usage of the camera. I know some professional wedding videographers who utilize their digital camcorders to shoot wedding videos. These guys positive need the best, high-end models. If youre a average home user, beginning with a lower-end to mid-range model. You can always upgrade to a better model later as you get more experienced in digital video.