like the nice chap stated above the hv-30 is great option. some good package deals on B + H which i completely trust. Also the hv-20 is about the same for cheaper. Now under 500 your crazy. Just drop a little more and get the hv20 or hv30. bhphotovideo.com
it will pay off not to low ball on this decision. I've played with the sanyo handheld HD cameras, and they are pretty cool, but they're nowhere near as good as an HV30. For HD, 24p/30p an hv30 is soooo cheap. Just save up some extra money and buy new. You won't regret it.
