DV Camera advice

[ctodd]

I'm planning on buying a DV Camera sometime in the next couple of weeks... I've been doing all the research I can on the internet and trying out cams at the big corporate stores.

Anyway, I wondering if any of y'all have any advice for me. I want to spend less than $1,000. The primary purpose of the camera will be to film 'hidden camera' type pranks and other fun stuff (filming of sketches, mockumentaries, etc). I want the camera to be small, but it doesn't have to be tiny.

I've been thinking about the Canon ZR25MC, the Canon Optura Pi, and the Canon Elura series. Any thoughts on these models or suggestions on other brands?

thanks for any help! :)

-Charlie