Mission: Buy a HD camcorder within a month/Help!

[Canon GL-2 Guy]

Gents:

I’ve decided in the very short term to buy my own unit instead of borrowing one which is certainly a lot more convenient and frankly, it’s been real close to 4 years since I bought my last camcorder, a Canon 2nd GL-2 which is way past its prime!

Your input, opinions, advice and recommendations on this search will be valued and appreciated.

My budget is roughly 3.5k and then there’s accessories to factor in. Apparently AVCHD (from what I’ve read online) takes considerable computing power & (since I edit) apparently a pain in the neck to process. So, if that is true, I’d most probably have to upgrade my computer + software to CS5 in order to properly handle this format. My wife would not appreciate or approve of me spending 5k +!!

What (HDV or otherwise) camcorder(s) do you own/use and why?

I’m eying the Canon A1S, the successor of the A1 that I’ve been borrowing on weekends since last July.

Pros:

a) 20x lens
b) Excellent, reliable product at its price-point and generally well-regarded.
c) Option of adding a solid state recorder although at an additional cost.
d) I like being able to record to 2 formats simultaneously (tape and SSR)
e) I would already have a flying start with it considering I’ve used the A1.

Cons:
a) Not full HD just HDV.
b) Doesn’t incorporate solid state recording.
c) Been out on the market for approx 2 years. Aging technology. Product life is declining.
d) Not at all impressed with its low light capability as it is a light hog!

I need the 20x lens because I’m positioned/stationed so far away from the action in a large church. So many models are 12-14 maybe 16x which is not enough power to get the required shot since I’m limited to where I can shoot from and how close in.

The just about to be released Canon XF-100/105 series and the newly announced XA10 compact (AVCHD) only sport a 10x which puts those out of the running. There’s not much sense in buying the latest and greatest no matter how good the technology is and specs are because the lens cannot effectively reach and frame the subject due to the distance.

The XF-300 & 305 have an 18x but cost 6.5k and up.

a) What is the quality difference visually between full HD as directly compared to HDV? Slight, very noticeable or somewhere inbetween?

b) What is you impression, experience and insight and advice considering the above for the following 2 Sony models:

HXR-NX5U NXCAM


HVR-Z5U


What advantages and disadvantages would they have over the Canon A1s?

I want to thoughtfully consider and carefully weigh the options before jumping into the HDV water.

Any guidance, observations, information or suggestions are welcomed.

Thank you.

[filmboss80]

Despite resolution numbers you may see in the camcorder specs, AVCHD is more highly compressed than HDV. You're from the US, GL-2 Guy; do you ever watch the HD telecasts of shows like Deadliest Catch, Survivorman, Storm Chasers, or Ghost Hunters? Those are mostly shot on HDV. Is that "full HD" enough for you?