Im looking for a nice digital camera in the 1000 dollar range and I was wondering if anyone had any sugguestions?

I would suggest the CANON GL1. It's been replaced by the GL2 and you can still find some new GL1s for around $1500-1600. If you try to buy a used one, be very careful and only buy from an authorized dealer (like B and H Photo, etc.)

ALSO, if you decide to spend that type of money, do some research on the retailer themselves. If you type "mini-dv camera" into GOOGLE, you can find a list of all retailers on one site with customer reviews. Read them. You'll be glad you did. That's how I found B and H Photo and have bought my GL1 and many other accessories from them (I'm sure there are other reputable merchants out there too).

Many internet-electronic stores sell stripped-down, GRAY-Market cameras (built overseas with no warranty). The price may be adverised cheap, but in order to get just the basic kit (that you could buy at a reputable dealer), they put a VERY HARD sell on you just to have you spend hundreds of dollars extra. If you don't pony up the money for their 'accessories', then they tell you the camera is out of stock. There are some real horror stories out there.

Be very afraid of eBay . . . at least for large purchases. There are some good deals there and I've bought some 'non-essential' stuff on eBay, but never an important purchase like my main camera! For me, that's just too much of a chance to take.

Again, just an opinion. Good luck.

Mark M
Scooter Productions

Mark M said "Many internet-electronic stores sell stripped-down, GRAY-Market cameras (built overseas with no warranty)". ummmm Mark? Do you think Canon and Sony make any prodcucts in the USA? EVERYTHING they make is made in Japan (which is "overseas") They DO NOT I repeat DO NOT make any "stripped down" models of any of their products. You have fallen right into the USA marketing trap. Here is the definitive answer on the Grey Market: What grey market means is the product was not intended when built for import to the USA, but the big reputable places like B&H or Adorama can afford to import the items themselves, not through Canon or Sony USA. I don't know about Sony, but I am absolutely sure from experience that Canon honors the international warranty on grey market items. I own Canon grey market lenses from B&H photo myself. Indeed, some smaller internet places may try to scam you with grey market bait and switches, but if you are getting stuff from a big reputable firm, grey market can save you a fistful of cash. VIVA LA GREY!

You may be right. I'm only going on what I've read in other forums and from customers reviews.

For me? I sure wouldn't gamble with a huge investment on a product that I may or may not get a warranty for. Some of those "grey market" products do have a warranty - but you have to ship them overseas for repair. Huge expense. At least from what I've read, that's the case.

However, I still stand by my original opinion - anyone spending a lot of money should do the research and make their own decisions based on all the info they gather.

Good luck.

Mark M
Scooter Productions