Best for vhs transfer and other uses

Hey everyone, I would like to buy a camcorder instead of a DV bridge. Are there any you all recommend? I would like it to have Firewire (so i can use it also for a broadband camera) the highest possible optical zoom (not "in the world" just for the type of models.) and a good sized LCD. Any and all bells and wistles would be great like nightshot or some digital camera capabilities. I would prefer a reasonable price if possible and i don't mind second hand if it would save me a bundle. THANKS A MILLION