Recommend me a good Camcorder?

Hey I need a good/professional camera primarily for home made movies and digital editing/effects, however, I can't go over 1200$. I'd also like to know what technical specs to look after for researching about it.

Thanks in advance.

How about an HV20 or HV30. They record on Mini DV tapes and can record in HD. I have one myself and I love it. Simple firewire to computer connection. You can also get attachment's for it. I have a lense hood and a wide angle. For audio you can put an external mic, and put it on the camera, I have a shotgun mic and the sound is amazing.

Oh and it also does 24p.