Last, but never least, is price. It is best to shop around for the camera that best suits your needs and expectations, but remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for." Don't expect to get next year's technology at last year's prices. The average consumer can expect to spend $1000 to $1200 on a good-quality camcorder, but remember about those extras! There are rechargeable batteries and digital tapes to buy, not to mention a storage bag, still-image memory cards, optional lenses, and a microphone or two. You should also consider the cost of editing software, and maybe even a new computer if yours is a relic.
Some of these accessories are optional, some really are not. A storage bag, for instance, is essential, but don't spend a lot of money on one that prominently displays the manufacturer's logo for all the world to see…you might as well put a sign on the front, "valuable contents inside: steal me!"
