I’ll admit, I’ve got a hard-on for the Canon XL-1S. I’ve seen the video quality, and worked with one a few times, and I love 'em. However, there’re other ones out there… the Sony VX-2100 has gotten good reviews, and there’re always rumors of the XL-2. Plus, if I recall correctly, Panasonic also has a 3-CCD camcorder out there.
It’s not just me (actually, a friend is probably gonna buy it), but the point is I want to have a camera, hopefully for products that will wind up in festivals. I’d prefer to not use film - too expensive right now, and I’d rent the camera if I were using it, anyway - and would prefer to avoid anything much more expensive than 3-4 grand (as I’m also gonna need to pick up some other supplies, like a car mount, some wireless mics, a mini-dolly, etc.).
So, anybody got some first-hand experience with any prosumer digital camcorder? Any horror stories? Any rumors or insider information that I should be aware of? Upcoming products? Twisted limericks? Dirty jokes?