Digital Video Camera Shoppin', looking for advice

Heartlash

Hey all,

I'm in the market for an HD capable digital video camera. I intend to use it on low budget short films (I guess technically videos, but you know what I mean) and recreation. I have a budget of around $800. I'd love to hear from anyone who has first hand experience with one. Additionally I'd love to see any recommendations for retailers or sites with good information on cameras. Thanks to an unexpected production schedule crunch I'm hoping to obtain one within the next week.

Also, I plan on capturing and editing with Premiere (or Final Cut as a last resort). Anything that does so easily would be appreciated, I don't want to have to jump through hoops with a proprietary video format if at all possible.

Thanks a ton!

EggyToast

I have some minor amateur experience with digital video cameras from the mid-00's, and dealing with tape is kind of a huge pain (imo). I think looking into hard drive based cameras would be really worthwhile, and you typically don't need to worry about recording time -- rarely do takes ever go over a few minutes anyway.