Canon Elura 70 right for me or what else? Help!

Alright.. Here's my story.

I would like to video record drumline's mostly outdoors during the daytime. So I would like a miniDV camera. So from what I see I need a decent camera and since audio will be important I would like a mic input on it. For the money I think the Canon Elura 70 is the best for me in the under $500 range. link


Is this a good choice? What else should I think about getting. This will actually be my first video camera.

Here's what I've come up with so far

a bunch of miniDV tapes (what kind should I got for this camera)
firewire cable
maybe a external mic (not sure what kind)

show I be thinking about any UV lens or anything? I have capture software.

Let me know if you have any ideas.