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Camcorders: Choosing What to Buy and Use?

I came across a good article about camcorders and the current options afforded for storage media. It outlines the options available today with the pros and cons of each – very helpful! Here are what we have to choose from:

1. Hard disk drives
2. Flash drives
3. MiniDV digital tape
4. Mini-DVDs

I’m glad I read the article because, although I know of each of the technologies available, it presents a good list along with pros and cons, some of which I hadn’t thought of. Lately I’ve been thinking about looking into the options available for a low-cost camcorder and there are certain categories I have been considering:

1. Affordability – With the economy the way it is (and can be), there isn’t much money to throw around. Whether or not I can afford the camcorder is a major on my list. I make a habit of shopping within my means.
2. Durability – I love being active, when my schedule allows me to be. I enjoy things like hiking, biking and different and assorted sports like ultimate frisbee and the like. I would love to be able to video tape some activities like those. Also, traveling can be an issue. I would like a camcorder to be durable enough to be kept handy while on the road, etc.
3. Size – This would go along with the point I made about traveling. Something I can either carry in my pocket or pack in my laptop bag would be nice.
4. Video quality (and perhaps features) – These days, it wouldn’t take much to find a camcorder capable of taking HD video. I definitely want that feature! There are other features to take into consideration like optical zoom and maybe stabilization technologies but I am a more simple fellow. No, I don’t mean “stupid.” I mean I don’t require much in this category to make me happy. Maybe a bit of zoom, good resolution, and a clean resulting video. Easy-peasie to please!
5. Learning curve – Even though technology-type stuff usually comes easier to me than some, it would be nice if I wouldn’t have to read much of the instruction manual (I HATE those things, even when they ARE written in my language!). Maybe it’s my fear of asking for directions, IDK. I just think that since I’m not looking to be a professional videographer, I shouldn’t have to do a lot of studying just to run the thing! Plus, if it’s easy enough to run, I can have any stand-by video tape for me. KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

I’m coming to a conclusion and I think my decision is going to land close to one of those Flip camcorders. I love the simplicity, size, and proposed high video and sound quality. Check them out for yourself.

If you have one, or hav e ever used one, let me know your thoughts. Also, if you want to, send me some footage from one so I can get an idea of the quality!

Are you in the market for a camcorder? What aspects are you considering? What resources have been helping you (ie. websites, magazines, stores, etc.)? Comment are open!