Replying to Need some camera (video) suggestions

Just a quick post, need to get to bed.  Here's the deal.  In about a month I'm going to be traveling to Kenya where I'll be going out into the middle of no where to do some mission work.  I'm being sent for pretty much the sole purpose of filming the trip and experience to turn into a product that can allow people to slightly understand what is going on there.  Unfortunately I know close to nothing when it comes to buying a camera.  I know that I want HD forsure.  I'm not really sure on the price range.  I don't want a little handheld camera, but I don't want anything ridiculously big.  Just throw some ideas at me, and try to include a sample filmed with it.  Thanks much.