SONY HDR-FX1 or Cannon XL2
 

Need to buy one today what do I get, quality of picture is key issue

Cannon XL2 IMO.

:thumbsup

We are using the 2 sony hd and I got nothing but good things to tell about it .

Go with the Sony

its not true hd and the standard prosumer hasnt been set. You got another 5 yrs before you really have to worry about it. I would go with xl2

I haven't used the Sony, but I like the picture quality of the XL2.

lots of info here http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/