Finding camcorders with external Mic inputs are getting harder to find on the consumer level. They are out there, but it does take some extensive research to find one at a reasonable price. Look at Canon and Samsung to start. An external Mic plus a in line volume control will help with recording drums. Part of the problem with drum audio is that not only do you have a LOUD sound you also have a large air volume moving across the Mic. The small Mics on camcorders gets overwhelmed and flutters. You also want a camcorder that allows you to set the audio record level Manually. Leaving the audio on Auto will cause the camcorder to cut the audio in and out whenever the sound it too loud. The audio compressor causes this. In manual mode you can lower the record level and stop that from happening.

There are no plans to carry the SD890IS at this time. Keep checking back.

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Sony makes some of the most Light Sensitive Camcorders on the market. With the addition of Night Shot (and Super Night Shot) the camcorder will shot in complete darkness. All camcorders (Canon,JVC, Panasonic,..ect..) should come with a wireless remote, however a Mic Input is a very rare option on consumer grade camcorders these days.
Recording reliability is pretty much the same for all models and formats. Editing is best done on a computer but “in Camera” editing can also be done with some practice. Transfer to DvD can be done with a stand alone DvD burner by connecting with the supplied A/V (Audio Video) cables or transferred to a computer for burning later. Best wishes for your friend.

Sorry to hear that your camera may have been stolen. It's great that you got the Performance Service Plan from Best Buy at the time you purchased the camera, unfortunately the coverage provided by that plan does not include replacement if the product is stolen. The Performance Service Plan is designed to keep your product in great working order throughout the life of the plan. If you have household or renter’s insurance, you may want to check with those providers to see if you are covered under their plans for stolen property. If it was stolen from your car you may want to check your auto insurance coverage.