Budget HD Camcorders

Yesterday I was asked for a recommendation for a budget hd camcorder, mainly for their kids sports.  After researching, these were my three picks:

Canon VIXIA HF M500 Full HD Camcorder

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838772-REG/Canon_M500_VIXIA_HF_M500_Full.html

$339.00 (rebate offer -$100 till march 2, price listed reflects that offer)

Sony HDR-CX260V High Definition Handycam 8.9 MP Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom and 16 GB Embedded Memory (Black) (2012 Model)

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX260V-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K5507M

$350.00

Panasonic V500 Full HD Camcorder

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=compare.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=838811&is=REG

$312.00

Comparison chart:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&A=compareChart&Q=&ci=1871&items=%3B%3B838322-REG%3B838772-REG%3B%3B842231-REG%3B838811-REG#removeItem=842231

these are my top recommendations for each brand.  i would pick the sony and canon over the panasonic and i would choose the sony only because it takes better still photos by a long shot!

there are cheaper ones if you just step down the ladder in that group i.e. 

Sony HDR-CX190 High Definition Handycam Camcorder

Price: $179.99

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=838315&Q=&is=REG&A=details

My basis:

these are the three brands i would go with... i think JVC is good but i am totally unfamiliar with them...

The main things you should look at are:

1.) sensors

2.) shutter speed/f stop

3.) optical zoom

4.) HD capability

5.) computer capability