I am looking for a video camera/camcorder to use to to record high school sporting events, theater performances, concerts, and interviews (both inside and outside). Budget <= $1,000 I need an external mic input, sd memory card slot, tape or hard drive is ok - maybe not having either is ok? Image stabilization is important (if that is offered on video) I have used iPads and $300 video cameras to record plays in our theater and often have trouble with light contrasts on the stage (blue, hazing, flare?) . The most important objective is to get a camera with the largest sensor possible, in order to make the best capture possible. Most of the special effects can now be added in after the fact. A 30-40x optical zoom is important.

Help?