In August I bought a Panasonic PV-GS 150 for about $450 and the extra kit w/ 6 hour battery, deluxe case, SB card, lens, care kit, 5 DV tapes for an extra $120.

It's a great little camera - the picture is just so crisp and clear.

20X Optical Zoom.

There's a little beep when turned on but not audible enough for anything further tha 3 feet away to hear.

Noise-free operation.