It has come down to two cameras:

Canon Optura 40


Panasonic PV-GS150


The major difference between these two is that the Panny uses 3 CCDs (one for each primary color) instead of just one. This theoretically result in better video quality, but the single CCD Canon's video quality compares really well to it. I can get both of these cameras for right around $500, although the Optura would be a refurb at that price.

I cannot decide which one to get. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.