Video Camera recommendations

I have one of Sony's HDRXR260 models, and have used their Handycam line for years, and Iove them

something with 60fps if you plan on analyzing mechanics.  Take a look at the GoPro and similar.

Don't know your budget however the newer Digital SLR Cameras now feature HD Video capabilities (up to 60 frames per second).  Might be a good 2fer option if you have a need for quality digital shots to go along with video.

I got one the new JVC EX310 on sale at Costco a few weeks ago and am happy with it.  I did some research first and thought it was an inexpensive way to get something that was easy to set up and use (I have a DSLR that can take great movies but isn't that good at games).  It is small, light, takes 60 fps movies and you can leave it on a tripod and control it (off, on and zoom) using your smartphone.

I know a few folks that swear by the Kodak Playsport ZX5 @ $99.  I haven't bought one yet, but I'm saving my allowance every week.

I got a Canon, which comes with a great program for downloading and editing videos, (including direct uploading to Youtube), and it has three expansion ports.  It was very easy and editing only takes a few minutes.  I had a Sony and a playsport, but I did not find them easy to use as it relates to editing videos.  To me all the videocameras have similar ability to take good HD videos, but most important is the ease of editing and ability to add storage.

I've found that HD capability isn't really that important, higher frame rate is (60fps).  I use motion pro to analyze my son's pitching and hitting mechanics and at 30fps the frame rate is to slow for decent analysis.  Recording at 60fps (even at 720i) is much more usefull.  You need more frames per second, not pixels per image in your source material if you plan on slowing it down.  Get an SD card and try out a couple of camera's at the store, bring the video back home, and see what it looks like slowed down

So much depends on your budget.  I would be looking for something with 1080p60 HD minimum.  Image stabilization is also a big differentiator; some are much better than others.  A remote might also be a nice feature since you could place the camera in a good spot and get out of the way.

Slow-motion video capture (as opposed to playback) is great for pitching and hitting analysis.  Be warned that real slow-motion comes at a cost in resolution.  The faster the frame-rate, the lower the resolution, and the more light required.

I would definitely look at the GoPro.  Lots of features and also waterproof and shockproof.  The HERO3 Black will record 720p @ 120fps and WVGA @ 240fps (8 and 4 times slower).

Also, most DSLR cameras come with video now, but some people find a camera more cumbersome to work with than a camcorder.  If you’re just mounding it on a tripod, that’s not as big of a deal.  I own a Canon SX40 HS point-and-shoot camera.  It records WVGA @ 240fps and VGA @ 120fps.  You really need outdoor lighting to take decent video at those speeds, but you’re not really looking for super sharp images in slow-motion.

We use a Samsung HMX-W300 Pocket Camcorder with a Twisty Tripod or gorillapod. Great for instruction. Very durable and waterproof. I actually hang it on the L-Screen and film front views with little worry. Built to last!

Thanks for the varied replies!  I intentionally did not post a price range because I don't have one, and I wanted to see a variety of options.  keep them coming.

I'm impressed with the on line reviews of what a $100 unit will do!