I need help in buying a video camera...?

[unkle_sassage]

I want it to be under $400. I am using it to record a 3 day Metal Fest. So everything will be an outside shot. I need it to be able to decently pick up live music (external mic is fine). I am leaning towards a dv or hard drive storage. I have been researching for weeks and havent been able to decide. Any type of help would be appreciated!!!!!

 

[Nu'uanu]

The only way this will work is if you have manual audio control. Metal music will overdrive the built-in automatic audio leveling on pretty much any camcorder making the audio clip and sound really muddy. There are camcorders with external mic jacks and no manual audio control - this will not work.

The cheapest camcorders with manual audio control - of which I am aware - are the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9. They all have 1/8" (3.5mm) external mic jacks, too.