Well thanks for posting this topic, my goals are similar to yours, I have a really nice Sony Handycam which has a 40GB harddrive, and is very easy to post video on line, But I would suggest going more professional. Most small camcorders do not have the option to add a shotgun Mic.
Anyway.Beside that.. I too am stuck right now in my decision whether to buy miniDV, Dvd, out of fear they become obsolete, but then as Skyman says, he prefers this type. So I hope to keep asking and will share any info I receive with you too.
Good luck ...it is like I wrote this blog because I am in the same place as you Robot