If all you are going to do is shoot some video, edit it, mabe add some sound and transitions, titles, and send the whole thing back to tape, video CD or DVD, I'd go with a Sony DSR-TRV-120 or recent equivalent, and an [I know, I know] a new iMac from Apple. The Sony camera is a Digital 8, takes standard 8mm tapes, can convert from analog, & has firewire in/out. Runs around $600. iMovie is the simplest way to edit your video, is fast, easy to learn, and is only available on a Mac. The new iMacs have all you need to edit the video, no extra software, and if you opt for the DVD burner option, it comes with the DVD making software too. Cost about $1500. Total DV package $2100. And your quality is good enough for boradcoast, or that independed film project you've wanting to do.
Just my 2¢