A number of us use inexpensive Canon ZRnn models. I started with a ZR10 and when it messed up a tape, I got a ZR40 which was around $400. That's a discontinued model I believe because others had been introduced. I didn't see any differences between the higher end models except for the size of the memory used to record still photos. I didn't need that capability at all, so I went with the lowest end I could find. It was an "open box" at Fry's, but it was in perfect condition. It looked like someone had just peeked inside and not even removed anything. After Christmas is a good time to look for these as people exchange gifts for different models. Shirley On Saturday, January 17, 2004, at 08:24 AM, Paul Williams wrote: > I'll be spending my morning researching a good miniDV camera (a not > too expensive one) to do the capturing with. Any suggestions as the > first part of my research into this?