Ok, I know there are are lot of technophiles out there so I'm asking for input. I want to buy a camcorder to start recording my 3 year old and our adventures and of course I'm lost with all the different formats they have these days. I'm not looking to spend a fortune here, maybe up to $500 max. I don't know which is better, the miniDV (tape), DVD, or hard drive models.

I have read that while the DVD models offer more ease of viewing via DVD player or computer, it only records for up to an hour which seems to be a pretty limiting factor. I assume the miniDV models can only be played back through the camcorder which would seem to wear it out faster? But from reading on Best Buy's site it seems some can connect via USB to a computer to transfer video to the computer or DVD burner. Is that correct? I'm nervous about a hard drive models as hard drives can get bumped and damaged easier than if recording on other media.

Besides format I also have to find out what brands are better than others.

Anyone have any input or experiences that would help me make up my mind? Thanks in advance!