I've been doing a bit of searching, but am having difficulty finding a camcorder with the following criteria:

[1] Firewire (IEEE1394) output. (Planning on doing editing on a Mac)
[2] External microphone capability.
[3] Ideally under $1000

Unfortunately, manufacturer (and retail) websites are difficult to search for this combination. The firewire part is pretty easy (since evidently only miniDV camcorders have it), but determining cameras that have external mic jacks is difficult.

I am NOT asking someone to search for me (so please spare me the "have you tried Google...." tirade). Just thought I'd ask to see if someone knows off the top of their head a camera that will fit my bill.

Thanks!

Canon HV20 has Firewire and it supports an external microphone. Its right around $1000 and can easily be found under that if you look around.

Some cameras come with adapters you can purchase to allow one to connect an microphone (or two) via XLR. At work, we have a Panasonic AG-DVC30P, with the dual XLR input accessory. I have a canon elura 90 miniDV cam that has a mic input, but it's on 1/8 inch, not XLR. It was $500.

Thanks, all -- that is most helpful!

You can download the owners manual in PDF from Canon's HV20 website (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=14869) if you want to look that over.

Thanks. After being pointed to the HV20, I placed an order for one (newegg.com) and am excitedly waiting for it to arrive....