Blackjack,
Just my feelings based on personal expirence with my camera. As I mentioned it is a JVC and I paid well under a grand for it.
Just buy a good halogen shop light at the harware store for under $50. I am assuming you still have access to some type of power at the house, and extension cords. This will give you plenty of light for the camera. Depending on your needs for quality, my camera has a built in light which works well in the house for parties, etc.
If you dont want to buy a camera. You are welcome to use my 8mm camera for as long as you need. I dont use it anymore, it's just sitting. I can mail it down to you and mail it back when your done.
Check out this site for prices on cameras. I bought mine through here and everything went fine. The only thing that pissed me off was they jipped me out of my "free scooter"
Oh well, probably would have broke my leg riding the dam thing anyway!
http://store.yahoo.com/worldwidedirect/camcorders.html
Regards,
Mike