looking to make the move to HD, basically narrowed it down to either the XL-H1A or the EX1 [although i'd take suggestions on other models as well--Z7U, etc]...with the exception of my Sony PC1000, i've mainly used Canon's in the past [XL2 & GL2] for traditional film work, documentaries, and concerts
haven't used either cam in the field, but here's my pros/cons list based on specs & reviews...
XL-H1A Pros:
interchangeable lens system
tape-based recording
uncompressed SD/HD-SDI output
XL-H1A Cons:
doesn't shoot in true 24p [its 24F mode is interlaced]
bulkier & a good bit heavier [by ~3.5 lbs]
EX1 Pros:
1/2" CMOS sensors
XDCAM codec [imo better quality than XL-H1's HDV codec]
shoots in true 24p
over/under-cranking feature
uncompressed SD/HD-SDI output
EX1 Cons:
fixed lens [and only 14x zoom at that]
SxS recording media [16GB card = 50min recording @ $500+]
if anyone has & wants to throw in their .02, i'd greatly appreciate it...cheers for the help!