Great question,

Depends how it will be used, if its in extreme weather conditions, then keep your price down to 400 dollars, we use a TRV 900 for our show, and its been the main work horse, but with getting into rugged area' s we use inexpensive camera' s go to Wal-mart and look at what they have, for that price you have many selections to choose from but here is my list of possibilities: Our show purchases from B&H and they have had the best prices, their phone number is 1-800.642.5917 and tell them what your wanting to spend, can answer any questions you have
Cannon ZR-60 Mini DV $569.95
Cannon Elura 50 mini DV $ 629.95
Cannon 8600 Hi-8mm $299.99
JVC GR-D200 compact Mini DV $499.95
Sony DCR TRV19 Mini DV $595.00
Stay with the mini DV tapes, its easy to carry and work with if you have someone editing your tapes, if you have any other questions let me know.
Dr. Mike [email protected]