Help me pick my Camcorder

So i'm mentally debating myself... for the past 3-4 years i've wanted to buy a video camera. I have a dream of making some hunting videos when im older, just for fun. (just mostly home hunting videos, but edited witha few effects and what not. playin around and just having fun - and if things went alright after a few possibly try and release one, although i dont have my hopes or sightes set on that - it'd mostly be just a video journal for myself, family, and close friends)

anyways. trying to cut back on my rambling, sorry.. Basically what'd going on is every year I miss more and more absolutely INCREDIBLE footage and im always kickin myself harder and harder for not having a video camera, yet i cant help but spend any money i earn on hunting.. But I need to buckle down now, just because like i said I don't want to miss another once in a lifetime experience again w/out having it on film!

So for a little while i've had my eye on that Canon GL-2 but a buddy of mine, still in high school like me but he has his hopes on being a video editer or something (he can do some sweet stuff and makes some sweet film even just being in high school - so i trust him a fair bit on the subject) but he was saying something about the Panasonic 24P and says if he hadnt already bought a GL2 he'd spend the extra bit.. just thought i'd ask what everyone else's opinions are?

If you have any experience or have heard things about either of these.. ANY like sor dis-likes with either, and ultimately do you think it'd be worth it to save up the extra bit for the Panasonic (although not necessary, i know, just in your opinion if you think it'd be nice)

anyways - i'll be up ALL NIGHT reading all sorts of things about both but still would love everybodys opinion that's willing to share.

thanks all;
Weston W. Gleave