Like you Justin, I've been using a small consumer video camera for several years. But this is the first year, that I've been able to use a professional setup to take good footage. With a video camera, hunting now has turned into a whole new dimension. My wife has been out every day hunting with me so far. She's the camera "Wo"man.
This year I am using a Sony PD-170 camera with 501 Fluid Head. I have a custom built camera arm, which extends out about 4 1/2 feet. I also use a Varizom LANC controller, with Sennheiser wireless mics.
Here's a picture of Casi looking for deer, and ready to video tape. This is the only stand I have, where I am above the camera. Otherwise, the camera is always above me.