Well, MiniDV camcorders still have superior video compression compared to hard disk camcorders, so that might be a consideration, but recording to hard disk is convenient. Currently it looks like your best buys for around $1000 are the Sony HDR-HC3 a...
A Canon HV10. $1,100. HD. You can upload to computer/
You can inquire at one of the authorized Canon Service Center in Cebu: