[DonRotolo]

I agree, the MiniDV format is excellent. I also agree, buy as much lens as you can afford - ignore "electronic" zoom, go for "optical" zoom as a better indicator of lens quality.

I have a canon, it has treated me quite well these five years.

Find a price you can afford, then see what's available for that price. Online offers some excellent deals. I can recommend Abe's of Maine (even though he is in Brooklyn, NY) even though they are kinda pushy with the extras, good prices.

Don