Hey Steve, thanks for the run down. My camera still hasn't come in yet, but I've found another that may be a better match for me. Best Buy gives the option for full refund for up to 14 days, so I'm not sure if we'll keep the GZHD7, or go with this Canon. Check out this one and tell me what you think:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=16206
That Canon can shoot in 60i, (30p) or 24p Cinema mode. It sounds like it has some pretty sweet options. Overall, we are just going for that "film" look, which, it looks like this one delivers. On the GZHD7, we really loved that it had the accessory shoe for an external mic, and a manual focus wheel, but it looks like the Canon has those too... The focus wheel is much smaller, and is located on the side, so that may be inconvenient...
One other thing, does anyone know if the GZHD7 has a headphone out? I know it has A/V out, does that serve as a headphone out? I know the Canon has a headphone out. Thats a plus for the Canon. If anyone has any thoughts on the two, based on what we are looking for, please offer some advice!
Scott