[bchcky]

i used to sell video cameras, so here it goes.....i'd go with a miniDV camera. they're the small tapes. good quality, not as expensive as the ones that write on mini cd's. when you go to 8mm you start to lose quality. canon, panasonic and jvc make quality video cameras. sony as well, but you're going to pay for it. the optical zoom will be clearer than the digital zoom will be. and when you say you have a video input on your computer, what type? cause for most of those video cameras, fire wire is the quickest way to transfer the video onto your computer. and how much are you looking to spend?