Have you ever own a digital camcorder, if not try second hand, my suggestion is base on.
1. new model come in every 3 to 4 months.
2. brand new decent model cost a lot.
3. try Sony old model " must have memery stick model" to see whether you like it , 1 to 2 thousnad HKD will not hurt much, once you get yourself familiar to digital Cam, then buy a good model.