1. For those looking for a decent HD camcorder but don't care about flash memory type or accessory shoe, look at the
Sony CX100: Amazon : Sony CX100 $334 at current shipped price, so even cheaper. It'll do 1920x1080 AVCHD recordings just like the HF200 - at $145 cheaper. It is also a very good entry-level AVCHD HD camcorder that will do a great job in most cases. Even the later CX110 model is $479:
CX110 CX100 is also at $399 at SonyStyle.com. 2. Both the HF200 and CX100 are 'last years' models. The latest from Canon and Sony have even better image stabilization (eg. this year, Canon has their Powered + Dynamic Super Long Range IS vs. last year's Super Long Range IS; Sony has their 3D -pitch, yaw, roll- IS vs. last year's -pitch-yaw- IS), but you'll find that they're more expensive. 3. Tripod or hanging string.
A camcorder on a tripod will give you the best results, but if you have to move about and don't want to use a monopod, attach a long string to a removable tripod shoe. If needed, tie a ring or strip of metal to the other end. Hold ring/strip/end of string with foot, other end is your camcorder held up in regular position. tension string just a little (don't need that much force) and it'll help stabilize it a bit more. Move about? pickup string. 4. Accessories for those semi/pro-video owners.
You'll have to look at the various camcorders first before picking one.
eg. external mics? flash? lights? lanc? wide-angle lenses? etc.
Most importantly, batteries! Will you need long-life battery packs for 2-3+ hours of filming? which camcorder has them? what price?
Some camcorders will take all of the accessories you need, others won't. 5. More reviews on lots of camcorders
camcorderinfo.com 6. Don't expect 'tiny CHIP sensor' camcorders to do miracles with low-light (eg. one candle or two lit; stage dramas, wedding receptions, etc)! It's merely a matter of fact that bigger the sensor, better the low-light image. Here, you'll have to move up to pro camcorders (think larger) that have bigger sensors. Unfortunately, that means $1k+ camcorders, usually in the range of $2-4k.
It's easier simply to turn up the light if you can. All camcorder specs will tell you the size of the sensor they use (eg. 1/5", 1/4", 1/2", etc.). 7. This year's Sony camcorders (some) eg. CX300 and higher have 30mm wide lenses built-in. This is great if you're trying to film many people indoors close(typical camcorders will start around 40mm), vast landscapes and buildings travelling, etc. For those that don't want to buy a wide-angle lens, it's something to consider ($799 at SonyStyle.com). | 
