My mom wants to purchase a new camcorder to use at my basic training graduation for the Air Force. I am ashamed to admit, I dont know a thing about camcorders. I did some researched and talked to a few people who recently purchased a camcorder and I’m still very fuzzy. Does anyone have any suggestions? Specific brand and model? Maybe, a general rule of thumb or ruleS of thumb for purchasing a GOOD quality camcorder.

I decided to buy a camcorder, but I have trouble deciding which is the best Lens for digital video camcorder and the brand. I need your expert help to me to choose the rigth camcorder.

Please tell me out of your own experience.
What type of camcorder is the best ?
What type of lens is the best?
Which brand camcorder last long?
What to look out for new camcorders.