I use 2 cams, my main cam is a canon xha1 ($3300), the second cam I use is a sony hc21 ($300). The little sony is a good consumber cam and works well for what I use it for. I try to get 2 camera angles on most hunts, the handicam is pointed at the hunter and the fancy cam at the critter. I've filmed with the handicam in a crunch a few times and it's surprising at how good it looks. If you have $600 to spend total, then I'd look at the sony handicam that is currnetly available, should be less than $350, also look at getting one of the cheap camera arms like the gorilla arm. Splyurge and get a lanc controller so that youi can easily zoom and use the manual focus on the camera. Bogen makes one for $189. You should be able to get all 3 for $600 and then upgrade the tree arm as soon as funds allow, then if you want to go further, upgrade the camera. Canon and sony have some consumer hd cams that are pretty awesome for around $1000. Your friends and family will love watching the vids!