Could you guys list some camcorders that produce acceptable footage for Pond5?

A camera is not enough. You would need: a studio, lights, props etc.

The cheapest camera: http://www.blender.org/download/get-254-beta/

It is worth learning as it has even a compositor and a NLE incorporated. Also, like in still images, there is a trend towards animations. If I were you I would bet my entire free time on animation. Of course, it takes a good computer to run fast renders, but using your brain you could optimize renderings.

Good luck!
Christian

Great thread. All of us have a learning curve I see. During the 3.5 years I have been submitting micro stock video I have experienced market change. The bar to entry is indeed higher - as the volume of images presented to buyers is larger. Unique content and your understanding of what may sell is more critical than the brand of camera. HD of some kind (for pond5) and/or a higher end camera for iStock (as they reject artifacts).

if you are good enough at restoring footage and removing compression you can use a flipHD or gopro camera.

The Vixia HF10 ($500) was used to shoot many parts of the hollywood film crank2.

However I have seen people with the most expensive cameras around produce ultra-Crap footage, so don't think the camera will do all the work for you. It wont matter if you use a vixia or an aaton ....