My old video camera died an unfortunate death in a fire, so I now have
to buy a new one, but I am a bit swamped with all the alternatives. I
have worked out that I don't want a DVD one, so it comes down to a
choice between Mini DV or HDD.

Does anyone have any advice as to which way I should go, or advice on
any particular models?

My old one was Hi-8, so I guess anything would be an improvement, but
I really can't decide which format to plump for. Any advice would be
gratefully accepted.