Hello, this is my first post here.

I'm planning on upgrading my current camera (hobby cam (sony DCR-DVD810) to something that will let me shoot clearer videos.

I plan on making a small movie this year and I'm being talking into doing video events for weddings as side work, so I would like a camcorder that will allow me to start doing that.

I understand that for something decent I will need to spend $3000 or more, but at this time I just can't spend that much, which is why I narrowed my search to the HMC70 (I would like the 150, but again price is an issue).

I feel that its the natural progression and maybe if all goes well next year I will upgrade.

My question is: is this camera really THAT bad?

i know manual focus is nice to have but at my level I'm not sure if I will be needing it.

Also I watched dozens of videos that people made using the Sony VX2100, FX1, FX7 Pany DVX100 and I'm really not that impressed. I saw a video that was made by a HMC70 and I was very content with the detail.

I'm planning on making my movie this year, filming 1 wedding for practice and maybe offer my service for free for more practice or to establish my self.

Considering my use is this the HMC70 a bad choice? Thanks for any thoughts.

I've owned this camera for six months. It a good entry level camera. It has all the input and output to handle many video and audio situation. Under good light conditions the footage is outstanding for a camera in this price range. The ball was droped with the no manual focus ring. I think this camera would be more popular if it had one. A 40 to 50 watt
camera light for weddings will work well.

The HMC 150 is the next step and the best camera. I'm planning to purchase this camera very soon.

Nevermind, just picked up a used Sony PD170 from Ebay for $1300 (came w/ accessories) and its 1/3 CDD sensors and 1 LUX performance sold me.