IF you can afford, go with Digital 8. I have TRV320 which I bought three years ago. Try to get one with model # higher than 3xx with mega pixel for digital camera, if you want to use you PC for editing. Also, larger capacity memory stick. Get a 1394 port and wire. Don't be impressed with digital zoom. Look for better optical zoom because, you can hardly use digital zoom. Been there and my eye cried. Use the zoom slowly so that you do not change the size of the aircraft to fast.

I am using regular RCA output from 320. It is still good, but a little less quality compared to 1394. Any VIVO video card (ATI) can handle recording directly from Digital Camcoder. Also, get a long stand for camera (as tall as you eye level). I have been recording a few Pattern contest flying without the stand. It is a really hard job to hold the camera and looking at the small viewfinder.

Most of times, I give the MPEG files as present to the guys I meet at pattern contest. I try to get my fiance to record my practice flying and see for mistake I made. it is a good thing.

Hope this helps.