buying a new one, which is best
 

We are buying a new camcorder this week. I hear a lot of talk about the HD camcorders. The Canon XL2 looks nice. any input and why it would be best would be great, thanks
M & B

Canon XL2 is not HD / HDV, but they have an HD model coming out soon.

Sony seems to be the thing right now.

FX1 and others... good data and reviews here:

http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/

Under $2K, HC1 if you can find one. (HC3 is a tad too amateur).

Under $3k, FX1

More costly, HVR units.

I've been reading and checking into this stuff a bunch lately and the FX1 seems to be super popular -- has enough options to be "Pro", but not so complicated that you need tons of pratice or help to get great stuff.

Jimmy