it doesnt matter if its high def or not. JVC is not really a well liked company for cameras. Consumer high def isnt quite here yet, give it a couple years to progress more. Just go with something like panasonic dvc30 for that price, or a gl2, or a vx2100, but i doubt you can get one that cheap. Also, if you have your heart set on HD, go with a more respectable company. I've heard only good things about the sony FX series. I think you can pick up either a fx7, or fx1 (whichever is the cheaper model) in the low 2000s. HD is sick and all, but the technology isnt here yet. How do you plan on playing it on your tv? or having other people play it? not many people have the means to play hd dvds yet.