What is the best HD camcorder for around $300 or maybe a bit more with the best optical zoom?

Q. I want a camcorder with good quality, but nice optical zoom as well.
My cousin has an SDR-S26 Panasonic camcorder with 70x optical zoom, but it's standard definition.
Why can't companies make HD camcorders but with huge amounts of optical zoom like my cousin's?
Thanks.

A. It's a gimmick. It may have 70x zoom but you can NEVER hold it in your hand and zoom it in 70x while it's still watchable. (it will be shakey and out of focus)

So no there are no 70x zoom HD camera's its just a gimmick.

Original Question

whats better in flash camcorders, a higher number of optical zooms or a higher number digital zoom?

Q. Thinking of buying a panasonic flash camcorder with 70x optical zoom and 3500 digital zoom. Is this any good?

A. Higher optical zoom is better. Optical zoom is the only true zoom. Digital only crops the image and then enlarges it, so you lose image quality.

Original Question

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