The DCR-DVD308 is a good camcorder but it depends what u want to do with the footage u shot. If u want to edit your video then get a Mini DV camcorder (they are often slightly cheaper). Plus the picture quality is slightly better on a mini dv tape than a dvd. If u dont have a computer and u will never want to edit your video just record and then play in a dvd player then this is a good camera to get. I think though what ever type u get (mini dv or DVD) get a Panasonic camcorder of the same price. These are better because they all have 3CCD chips which means better pic quality and coulor quality.