check out sony's HC series. I would recomend sticking to mini dv format for the time being. I just don't think the technology is there yet for hard drives or DVd's. Plus the mini dv handi cams are really affordable. I've got an older hc21 and love it. It's been used and abused and between recording and playback, it has several hundred hours of use. I use it to rewind, ffwd, play and record. It gets used lot!! I think the series is up to about hc38 now..... They run around $350, you may be able to pick up a discontinued one at wally world for $250 or less.