Thank's for your posts.
I've actually got a Sony DCR-HC28 (bought in America, but it's very similar to a DCR-HC22E) In fact I had an HC22E bought 3 years ago and managed to get it very wet while visiting a sea turtle hospital in the Florida Keys (don't ask!).
I've found this works really well. I like using tapes (rather than using a hard disk or DVD camera) as they seem easier to edit, good quality and the software works well with them.
I have a 20 x Optical Zoom (I don't use the digital zoom at all), plus it has night vision (which I have used for videoing badgers, foxes and hedgehogs).
I'm thinking of moving up to a Sony HDR-HC7E which is high definition but only 10 x zoom.
I'm now trying to use a tripod every time I film anything (improves the quality no end). I've also found it hard to get GOOD QUALITY video onto utube and Google Video - but all my videos are on my blog at
Urban Extension if you feel like a gander.
I find the Sony's good quality and easy to use (as a middle aged woman I don't want anything TOO techi!). Hope this helps.