I'm going to lose my Hi-8 Canon camcorder. I'm sick of analog. Can anyone recommend a moderately priced DV-camcorder?

Stick with Canon perhaps? Look at the ZR series, or the Elura?

In the consumer range, try the Panasonic PV-GS300. It's around $500 and has some good features.

In the prosumer range, you can get a Canon GL2 for $1,700 to $2,000 nowadays.

Also, look around at the Panasonic AG-DVC30 and the DVC-7. Decent cameras for a little less money.

Depends on your pricing.

a) Prosumer (begining) :: GL2 for approximately $1700
b) Mid-range :: Optura for approx. $1000
c) Lower end :: ZR series that can start anywhere from $150.

or the Elura?

Isn't the Elura a DVD camcorder line?

The Elura 100 is a MiniDV camera with a firewire port. It has widescreen capabilities that some people might like.

I've not tried anything in the sub-$1,000 category, but have tried several cameras between $1,000 and $5,000. My preference is definitely for Panasonic cameras. They simply take the best picture for the money. In my experience, you'd have to go over $5,000 to beat the Panny's.

They also have the best stereo sound I've heard in a Prosumer camera, which comes in handy for wedding receptions. It often sounds like I added the real song in post rather than recorded it live.

Just make sure you do not fall for the sales pitch and end up with a DVD camera.

Checking my facts on the Canon Elura (Steven is right, I was wrong), I came across this Canon FAQ which is quite honest about DV vs DVD: Which is better? MiniDV or DVD? <http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Camcorders/Camcorders_FAQ.asp?ComponentID...#190968>