Oh I should also say it doesn't have to be a handycam, I was using that as an umbrella term for some stupid reason.

These won't meet all of your requirements, but in your price these are close.
Canon FS200
Canon R100
Canon HF M31

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Yes, you're asking for a lot for that price. Double the budget a bit and you can get this great little camera which will do just about everything you're asking for: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666294237#accessories

I've also successfully plugged in an RF receiver using an XLR to mini plug I bought from B&H video, which is a necessity if you'll be shooting sitdown interviews.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

quote:

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Originally posted by certified instigator

These won't meet all of your requirements, but in your price these are close.
Canon FS200
Canon R100
Canon HF M31

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I would add HF M-300 (or M-400), since they are even cheaper, but come without internal memory. Over the past four years (since the first HF camcorders), the x00 models (HF-100, HF-200, HF-S200, HF-300, etc) have been cheaper (even if you add the price of the SDHC cards you'd need to buy to match the memory) than their X0 (HF-10, HF-20, etc) equivalents. Canon loves to charge twice the value for that built-in memory (I guess they consider it the convenience charge), so it is always cheaper to get a HF-X00 model (just with SDHC slot) and buy cheap cards online. Just do some research online for best prices.

The newer M-400/40 line has larger sensors with fewer megapixels than the M-300/30 (and prior models), which makes for lower noise levels at low light.