..and wanted to solicit some opinions.

I'm debating whether or not to get one with a built-in HD, or with flash memory. I'd like one with a 15x zoom. I'd like to keep my cost around $800.

Can anyone recommend a stellar product?

I am in the same boat on this one.
I will be waiting for responses as well.

unfortunately, not too many hd consumer camcorders have 15x zoom... you are lucky to get 12x with this crop of cameras... canon hf11/hg20/hg21 or the sony sr12 have been commented on extensively out here, there are dedicated threads for both models.

i'm partial to canon, but you can't go wrong with either of 'em, they are miles ahead of minidv camcorders.

Very true... can't say enough good things about the SR12, but i know the Canons and Panasonics would be good too. I remember thinking how sharp and colorful my TRV900 (3CCD MiniDV) looked - coming from a Hi-8. Now it looks like nothing compared to what's out there now, and the single CMOS AVCHD cams are like less than half the price that was! No expense in buying tapes either!