I've been reading alot on here and other review websites and such about various HD camcorders in the sub $900 price range. Whats it's really come down to for me is the Canon HF10, Samsung SC-HMX20C, and the Sony HDR-CX12.

The only plus for the Sony is the 5.1 DD audio recording but the MS Duo is a HUGE downside for me. I don't think I would want to pay $900ish for a camcorder I would have to buy alot of stuff for(Memory Sticks).

The Canon seems like a great option especially with its 16GB built in memory, and the Samsung is really cheap for its MP4 recording capabilities. I know a main difference between the two is the MBps, ease of use, and the touch screen.

I prefer Samsung but Canon and Sony are on the same level for me.

But for my real question; Is the Canon that much better for for the slight price difference?

I plan on using the camera at places like the beach, Vegas, and various other random uses. I'm not a hardcore image media nut, but I care about quality of the picture and ease of use. I know both of these cameras are fairly new but hopefully someone can add some input.

Here is what I did I was also looking for a HiDef video camcorder and I chose the Canon Vixia HF-100. It has great reviews. Also the Canon Vixia HF-10 has excellent reviews. The price on the Hf-100 right now is excellent and it leaves you some money for 16gig SDHC cards and a extra battery. Here is review for the HF-100: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Vixia-HF100-Camcorder-Review-35094.htm

Nice review you posted....

The Samsung is on sale for $669.99 at CC right now though and this is what prompted the question. At this point I am looking for huge points to draw me away from the Samsung...It's almost as if my mind is made up even though I have heard the Samsung is more geared for low-end/amateurs, I'm still very interested in it.

While the Canon got rave reviews, the Samsung got mediocre ones in terms of PQ and handling.

Plus the HF-100 is available online at $625 these days (http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/camcorders/m/66160568/search=hf100/st=product/sv=title/)

I'm not sure why anybody would pay more to get the Samsung over the Canon right now.

Samsung was never known for their camcorders...I suggest Canon, Panasonic, or Sony.

What is driving your decision towards the Samsung model over the others?

Samsung was never known for their camcorders...I suggest Canon, Panasonic, or Sony.

What is driving your decision towards the Samsung model over the others?

I would say its the touchscreen and the Samsung name in general(not in cameras...since I havent had one before). I think also editing video on the camera and its use of MP4(also making it easier apparently).

Thats really it though. I would reallllllllyyyyy love to have a camera in the same price range that does DD5.1 recording, but from my choices given it's obviously something I am willing to do without.

+1 HF100

Love it so far, got it just north of 600