Hi,
Samsung Scd103 is a good pick , selling around $325 or even less.
Slim, compact, miniDv with lots of features , very good for indoor and outdoor as well. Has got Night Pix mode so one can shoot in almost dark (IR shooting),
Samsung also sells similar models in India so battery will be available in future and perhaps service.
Don't worry about PAL/NTSC (all US models are NTSC) almost all moden TV sets sold in India can display both PAL and NTSC, my 1995 SONY TV has this.
Other brands to consider are SONY and Canon (ZR series), SONY very good picture quality but expensive, Canons are good but Drive motor noise is bit irritating.
Servie support in India is possible with both SONY and CANON
Next choice would be Panasonic and JVC both are equally good.
You can check at
www.amazon.com and
www.cicuitcity.com for models, prices and user reviews.
Time is just right as Xmas is approching and Sale and discount war has just begun.
Best way to buy is through Internet and I recommend B&H or J&R also Amazon.
Based on my expreience as well as many of my friend here is US:
1> Camera function in any camcorder is pretty useless, don't even count it, buy it only for movie recording.
2> Count only the Optical Zoom , digital zoom is of no use.
3>Once the initial enthusiasum is over the Camcorder start gathering dust! I got my camcorder last year and used only 2-3 occasions so far , so keep this in mind while budgeting your purchase.
Hope this helps.
Vipul Gandhi
San Diego, CA, USA