Thanks to everyone for their helpful advice.

Choice emailed a report yesterday.
Included in it was an in-depth look at Digital Video Cameras.
They tested 24 I think.
Here is the summary of recommendations:

What to buy
Brand
Price
PANASONIC NV-GS150 
<http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105002&amp;catId=100282&amp;ti
d=100008&amp;p=2#panasonic>
$1539
PANASONIC NV-GS250 
<http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105002&amp;catId=100282&amp;ti
d=100008&amp;p=2#panasonic250>
$1979
HITACHI DZ-GX20E 
<http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105002&amp;catId=100282&amp;ti
d=100008&amp;p=2#Hitachi>
$1799
PANASONIC NV-GS75 
<http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105002&amp;catId=100282&amp;ti
d=100008&amp;p=2#panasonic75>
$1319 (BestBuy
-- 
Rod BLITVICH   Head of Learning Technologies Balcatta Senior High School
Apple Educator of Excellence 2002 - 2003
Amy and Sam's Dad 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]                0409 681 256
http://www.apple.com.au/education/hed/products/ibook/balcatta.html
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I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.