For school events the most convenient choice would be Flash Memory based units. Flash will also be easier to transfer video and faster to re-format. The memory captured footage is already in a editable format and there is less transfer time to the computer. MinidDV is a realtime transfer and you may have to have a Firewire (IEEE 1391) port on your computer to connect to the camcorder.

You will get the best picture if you can connect using the HDMI connection. A High Def
Camcorder, recorded in HD, will still give you a slightly better image than a Standard Definition and some cropping may occur. But for best results try to match components.

There is no adapter to covert a 8mm tape to VHS (1/2 inch) tape players. The formats are completely incompatible. If you can, get a Digital 8. These camcorders will also play back 8mm and Hi 8 tapes. This would allow you to plug into a stand alone DvD recorder or connect to a computer and capture your footage.

Sporting events means fast, ever changing action. The camera you need to get this shot is a D-SLR. The Nikon D40x package would be a good choice. It comes with 2 lenses. One for close up shots and one for getting in close to the action from far away. You can also add more lenses as your needs grow. The D-SLR camera gives you complete control in manual mode and full auto mode, just like a compact (point and shoot) when you want it. You can also change the sensitivity of the sensor (ISO) to freeze the action as it happens. This also helps make more stable pictures. D-SLR cameras are also much faster when you push the shutter button and have rapid shot to catch the full range of motion.