Affordable Camcorder Advice

I am interested in purchasing a camcorder for the purpose of recording live rugby matches and being able to assess the performances of the players. Mini DV format seems to be the format to use? I also need a camcorder with stability cotrol, a cpu connection for editing, enough zoon to capture players at the other end of a sports field, ideally a flip screen to make capture easier and a camcorder that can record in low light. Problem is that I am on a budget and I need pointing in the right direction as to what I might need not to wast my cash. I am looking to spend no more than £500 and I am willing to buy second hand!

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miniDV is definately the way to go. You should be able to find something that suits you for that budget. I think the only things that are going to narrow your selection is image stabilisation and good low light performance. flip screens, digital connections (Firewire, IEEE1394 and i.Link are all names for exactly the same thing).

A tripod might be a good idea too, most camcorders some with a standard screw mount on the bottom that will accept a regular tripod.

Sorry i can't be more specific, but hope this helps anyway.

I was looking for a reasonably priced digital camcorder myself. When operating in low-light, I was told that I would need a camera with a larger lens.