Mini DV or Hard Drive

I am not one to write emails such as this one. But I am in a spot where I can't seem to find the right answer to allow me to make a decision.

I am pondering then next video camcorder purchase. I will be replacing the Sony HI 8 TVR unit that we have used since 1996. It has given us good service. The reason for the upgrade is to acquire newer, smaller, digital technology and the HI 8 unit has had some damage which doesn't make good sense to spend money on the necessary repair costs.

Here is my dilemma. I can not decide whether I should purchase a unit that captures the images on mini-DV tape, the newer hard drive technology or true DVD disk. I am torn with: a.)whether the DVD, and its moving parts are susceptible to more damage then the moving parts of a tape unit, b.) the rather limited taping time capacity of DVD, roughly 30 minutes versus the 60 or 120 minutes of mini-DV, c.) and some other less significant "hold-ups", d.) do I really need a hard drive since everything will be downloaded to a storage drive anyway. What to do? What are your thoughts on this matter? Which is the better technology play at this time. Also, what is the best video cataloging, editing software in PC (non-MAC) environment, and what are the pitfalls.

Thanks,
Zach