My wife is looking for a decent quality but not "professional" class video camera to take general pictures and some wildlife photos. She likes to take pictures of hummingbirds etc so a fairly high optical zoom would be preferable as well as image stabilization. She would like something that interfaces easily with a computer so she can do some basic editing. I have not looked into video for several years. Does anyone have some suggestions for a quality camera that might stay between $500 and $1000?
Thanks.

Canon HV20, HV30, or HV40 are all excellent HD video cameras. I have/use an HV40 and love it!!

Scott,
Thanks for your suggestions. Will give them a look see.

I recently picked up a reconditioned CANON Vixia HFG10 on their web site.

These cameras are basically warrantee returns that have been fixed. The manual had some notes in it, but otherwise the unit appeared new.

Base price was around US$700. This unit is one jump below the pro-level units and is more substantial than their consumer level gear, even though it technically in that category.

Has most of the bells and whistles of their pro-units, except for the handle and microphones.

A terrific buy at a very good price.