[Doublej]

I have a friend looking for $500 camcorder recommendations. What's good and what sites have good wrietups on the various models out there?

Thanks

[woodsyi]

This has become very commercialized, but still has good information.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/digvideo.html#camcorders
Your friend has to decide if he wants the most (best?) capability for the money or convinience.  FYI, I got an Optura 500 last year for convinience.  I have a big Sony VX series one that was great for safaries but really inconvenient on parties and day trips.  You are more like to shoot something quick (the window is very small when your 4 year old is involved) if you have it handy with you.