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I've never used an A1 but I have a PDX-10 and a Z1. There are some merits to your logic, although I'm *guessing* you will get a nicer image with the A1 by shooting HDV and downconverting in camera as you capture.
The 3 chip vs 1 chip thing has been beaten to death in the A1 forum, and the general impression I've gotten is that it's not such a big deal. But there are some other factors which might make you lean towards the PDX-10, like the fact that the A1 loads tapes from the bottom which means you have to remove it from a tripod. I think that one factor might be a deal breaker for me personally, but others seem to find it acceptable.
The A1 is actually a lot smaller than the PDX-10 which might be either good or bad for you (see the A1 review in the current issue of DV magazine which shows the camera next to a burrito ;-) Evidently the A1 doesn't have completely manual control either, and physical knobs and buttons have been replaced by touch screen controls.
But if you're in NYC then you're fortunate - go to B&H Photo and play around with both cameras. I would base my decision on the look and feel of the camera as much as the image quality personally.
Let us know what you decide and why.
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