Gonna bite the bullet...
 

After thinking for a while I have decided to go ahead and get this camera and I am going to get it from BHPhoto. My only question is should I get the camera by itself or go for their kit that they are offering. This is what it includes and it is selling for 1700 bucks:
HV20 HDV Camcorder with DLX Starter Kit, Kit Includes: 2 Spare Batteries, 3 Mini DV Video Cassettes, Polarizing Glass Filter, Haze Glass Filter, Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphone, Camera Mountable VHF Lavalier System, Steady Stick Compact, Tripod with Head and Case, Video Editing Software, Coach Case and Extended Warranty

The only problem I have with the kit is that I already own Vegas and after talking with customer service they cannot sell me the kit minus Vegas for a little less money. (Figure I would try at least). I am not a professional more of a hobbyist with a dream of maybe have something on public access for now, besides my family of course.

Just wondering what you all thought.

hmmm
 

I just looked over the bundle on their website.
BH is a good company, so I'd trust their bundles more than some, but make sure you need all that stuff.
The tripod is one that's recommended here and elsewhere (for a low-end tripod, that is), the Rode mic gets decent reviews, not sure about the lav but it's a good brand.
Price each part individually and see what it comes to. You may do better to just get the camera, tripod and the shotgun mic individually plus some tapes. Not sure, though.

Hope that helps...

on second thought
 

Did you notice it's Vegas 6 - not 7?

I added up some of the items (both mics, tripod and vegas) and am still only at $470.
Bundle doesn't seem to save you money, so it comes down to whether you need all that stuff. And as a hobbyist, I'd say you certainly don't need 2 microphones and all those filters.

You can also get the camera cheaper elsewhere:
http://www.hv20.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6


Jason

Thanks for the tips guys. I just bought it from CIrcuit CIty, and out the door with some Sony MiniDV tapes it came to 1037. Thanks.