HD camcorder recommendations/stores

[BPC7]

We are looking at buying a new HD camcorder for our upcoming holiday. We have had many Sonys over the years but never an HD unit without tapes. Can anyone recommend a couple of good quality camcorders that may fit the bill. Budget is £500 max, not a penny more lol

We live in Sussex and apart from the usual chain stores are there any independant stores that are worth visiting. We tried Park Cameras in Burgess Hill but the staff were not interested and the store layout made it difficult to compare products especially seeing none had any batteries in them.