What videocamera to buy?

I could use any advice, tips, etc on buying a video camera for making an
independent [fiction] movie. A friend and me want to a make an indep.
fiction movie, so we would each buy a camera so we have A and B cameras.
Digital filmmaking is a whole new world. We figure HD is the way to go,
right? As for camera features, I am guessing an external audio input a
must. What other camera features should we be looking for? Are the some
recommended models to consider? Looking to buy ~May 2007.
~Beowulf

--
If you have walked all these days with closed ears and mind asleep,
wake up now! -- Gandalf