Looks like a compromise is a must but I thought Id ask here first.

Is there a high quality camera that shoots in standard definition to any type of media that is relatively easy to edit AND has recording potential of 4-8 straight hours without interruption?

It would seem the MiniDV like the Canon HV20 has easy editing capability but has a maximum recording time of 2 hours. The hard disc formats such as Sony HDR-SR8, Canon HG10, JVC Everio GZHD7 and the new Panasonic HDC-HS9 just revealed at the CES 2008 show have great long recording times but (as I understand it) record in MPEG-4 which is difficult to edit even for those highly experienced (which I'm not). I have around a $2500 budget.

Do the DVD models offer solutions? Ive heard they make editing difficult and picture quality suffers... (Credit to Mr. Steve Nunez for his suggestion on checking out the new Hitachi - I will certainly do so)

The JVC HD7 records in the same format as HDV. You'll have to check and see how many hours fit on that 60GB HDD.

If you go with any of the new SecureDigital cameras, you can get about 1 hour of recording per 8GB. 16GB cards are available now and you can pre-order 32GB cards, which will be released in May.

Editing these files in their native format is proving to be much more limited and computer-intensive than HDV, but as they're the wave of the future, I expect more and more resources to be available. However, there are free programs that will convert the AVCHD (securedigital HD files) to the equivalent of HDV. Then they can be processed in most any editing program.

Personally, I'm a fan of removeable media like tapes or SD cards because if I fill it up, I can swap in a new one. However, I get the feeling you want to let your camera sit and record for four hours uninterrupted. Just remember, wherever it's sitting, it needs to be plugged in because none of them have a battery that lasts four hours.

Look at HDD-based camcorders from Panasonic, JVC and Sony. The HD6 and the SR12 have 120GB HDD.