Have been reading and posting (when I have something to contribute)
here for about three years. I realize that camcorders are WAY off
topic, but I have searched the NGs every way I can think of and can
not find an NG that covers the subject. In addition, I respect the
experience and common sense of most of the people who frequently
post here.

Wife and I want to buy a camcorder (not a Christmas gift) for our
use. Intended use is to record inventory of house for insurance
purpose, record grandkids (10 regular and one great granddaughter),
pets, deer in the yards, etc. There are a number of different
features available in camcorders, and frankly, we are confused.
Money is an object - we are not looking at HD, but some other
features can also be expensive.

We believe that card storage in desirable over an internal HD; less
mechanical means less trouble.
- cards come in various sizes, but we are thinking of a 4 Gigabyte,
which we are told records about 80 minutes.

Camcorders come with various optical zoom sizes, from 10 X to 60 X.
For our intended use, what would be a good zoom size?

I think most brands have a program, either built into the camera or
that can be installed on the computer, that will download videos
from the camcorder to the computer, or to view on a TV. I assume we
would need to purchase another piece of software to edit videos;
splice vids, insert, delete sections, improve quality, etc.
-We would like a suggestion on some good editing program - nothing
professional, just home use that an old man could learn to use.

Currently, I am looking a Sony model DCR SX40. It has 4 Gigabytes
storage card, and 60 X zoom. Cost is $215 + 8.5% tax. It has a one
year warranty, but if there is a problem, the camcorder must be
mailed into the company. (To me, this is a big problem with several
potential pitfalls). By purchasing a $35 three year warranty, the
camcorder can be taken to the company and they provide a loaner and
handle the repair. I don't know if this warranty includes battery
life, but if it does, it seems like that alone would make it worth
the cost. I realize that an extended warranty depends on the
company staying in business and in your city. This deal is a FRY's,
and they have been here for several years, so probably pretty safe
that way.

Anyway, this is our thoughts at this time, and all comments will be
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob-tx