Originally Posted by trashymedia

Our biggest issue was trying to decide on a true 3 ccd camera (like the Z1u which was our other choice) or the new 3 cmos sensor. In our mind having a "1 chip" camera was a big of a concern, as I believe this is the latest camera from Sony. The other thing we were trying to consider was whether to go with the built in mike or the external microphone. We have been using a pd170 for about 2 years and love the sound quality out of it. We do not pick up ambeitn room noise like we did on our old VX2000 (which is for sale BTW if anyone is interested in a excellent condition 3 chip camera). With the correct lighting (as with all video) this camera really shines. Plus you can shoot in DV, DVcam, and HD. We usually down convert everything for the web, only because it is so limited right now. You can't go wrong with this camera, as it does EVERYTHING you would ever need it to. Shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will send you a video we shot recently...