I had a Sony TRV 11. Great camera and big $$$$ at the time. Lasted for about 40 hours of taping, coincidently 1 week longer than warranty, then became a service nightmare.
Just picked up a Panasonic PV-GS15. Highest true optical zoom around for the price. Small size. Nice features. Color and low light not as good as the Sony but you can address the saturation in post.
Go here, great info.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/
My best advice, go to Best Buy or another major retailor and try them on. Pick them up, access the menus, get a feel for what suits you. You may find the one that you decided on based on reviews is not comfortably funtional for you.
They are kind of like shoes, they need to fit correctly or you won't wear them as often.