Help selecting new camcorder

[shredman]

Use: Home movies for family events, kid's parties, etc..
Requirements: Compact size so I can carry it around, high quality video for watching on 55" HD tv, acceptable and easy format for using with Powerdirector to make movies.

Right now I'm using a creative vado, which is small and easy to use. However, the video is very shaky as it has no image stabilization. I need help also with which format to pick? From reading the forums it looks like rendering in Blu-Ray not in my near future, but I still want good looking video on the big screen tv in my living room. Also, it needs to play nice with Powerdirector or a program like it.

I saw this new camera and am wondering if it fits the bill:Sanyo VPC-GH2 High Definition Camcorder and 14 MP Camera w/12x Optical Zoom

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-VPC-GH2-Definition-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B0036TH75I/ref=wl_...=3IX8VHRQLSHF5

It records in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Movie Recording Format. Will that be ok? Do I need the ULTRA edition of Powerdirector 8 for that?

Other than making one movie with Powerdirector 8 Trial program this week with stills and video from my Vado and Canon S3IS, I am a complete noob. So please be gentle!

[Atak_Snajpera]

That camcorder is a toy. You should buy real camcorder like Canon hf21 or even better Sony HDR-CX550V. Cheap camcorders have terrible white balance and poor low light performance (ugly colour noise)

[edDV]

It records in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Movie Recording Format. Will that be ok? Do I need the ULTRA edition of Powerdirector 8 for that?

You will find difficulty editing other than AVCHD or HDV. Make sure you research editor support before you buy, not after.

[shredman]

Hmm, well, thanks for telling me it's a toy. The cameras you recommended instead were over $1000 while the camera I asked for advice on was just over $200. I'm not sure I want a $1000+ camera for the uses I spelled out. I can't imagine taking it to the beach with my two toddlers or taking it on a boat, etc.... So, I guess I am looking for a suggestion around the price of the sanyo. It's older model VPC-CG10 got a nice review at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sanyo-Xacti-VPC-CG10-Camcorder-Review-36742.htm The two cameras you linked to got excellent reviews...great suggestions, but maybe just a little too expensive for what I want.

Thanks for the suggestion on the editing. I will post on the cyberlink forums and make sure the camera I buy will work with powerdirector. Still haven't chosen an editing program. Considering Vegas, Corel X3 Pro and right now powerdirector is my favorite based on the 30 day trial.