I too, am looking for a new video camera. I have the old 8mm and really need to put it up on the shelf before it quites on me and then I cannot ever watch all my tapes that I have recorded over the years.
The only problem that I have seen with the mini tapes is that they do not have a memory stick port for still pics. The mini dvd do, but there recording time is very limited. Another big sale item that I am looking for in the camera is at least a 40X opticial zoom which is very limited to most cameras out also. On my way to Payton's site, but still will take any advice. Bob