Get the most "optical zoom" you can afford (don't worry about "digital zoom").  Get one that takes the Mini DV tapes (not the hard drive cameras).  All the  major brands make affordable ones.  I have a Panasonic with 20x zoom.  It's not the best but it it's ok and cost under $400. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
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				Bobby Minchew 
Semper Fi 
Aim small, miss large!
			 
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
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