I have been told on 3 occasions that Panasonic mini-DVs are the best available. I tested a couple before making my purchase.

Sony was very dim and dull, although it works very well in near to complete darkness. You do get some shadows as opposed to nothing on the other brands - IF you need to film in darkness and appreciate seeing shadows instead of nothingness. JVC mechanisms wear out really fast.

I bought my Panasonic NV-DS33 about a year ago, it's works very satisfactorily. The only function it does not afford is the memory stick capability - to store still images. So I store all my still images on the DV cassette along with the video. They download easily through FireWire anyway. It's the size of a mini semi-cuboid traveller's dictionary, and weighs as light as a normal automatic camera. But remember that with DVs you probably have to lug along the charger, plugs, connectors, spare batteries (lots of), cassettes, etc. I bought a wide angle lens so that takes up space too.

There must be more improved models lying around now. I would suggest you try out a Panasonic or two before making your purchase. Also, the memory stick option would be a great plus if you intend to take lots of still images - they download a lot easier. But then again, I have managed to get great still images from DVs for web-use (using the Progressive mode), but forget about printing them even on the best printer-film paper combination. You have to get a good digital camera if you ever want to print out good stuff. Or you could print using pictures from your DV - but small 3.5" ones.

A word of warning: most DVs come with softwares to download only still images. If you want to download your videos, they usually sell additional original software that cost a lot more. I know it doesn't make sense, but that's how it works.

I got around it by getting a new desktop with Pyro Digital Firewire, as well as the ATI All-In-Wonder package. They work marvellously well. Also remember to get a CDRW to burn burn burn those videos and send them along with your Christmas cards this year!