My first venture into the sordid world of zero budget filmmaking. I have written a script that requires no effects shots. Lots of outdoor daytime scenes, a few nighttime but not many. I don't need the "look" of the HD-1000 to impress anyone, I need something that will produce good HD video and is relatively user friendly for a newb.

I really like the size and weight of the HC1, and on the used market they are well within my budget, but I don't want to be kicking myself later. If I can pull off this film with even a little success I've got solid ideas for three more that I'd like to produce, so I would also like a camera that I can continue to use as I become more proficient in the ways of zero budget. The HD-1000 is within my means but there wouldn't be much left for lenses, lights and mics (although I do have access to a limited number of lights and mics that would probably be enough for what I need.)

In the Boots on the Ground sense, what am I gaining with an HD-1000?

The HD1000 gives you shoulder-mount stability for handheld shots. That's pretty much it. If you're going to be 100% on a tripod, you may be better off with the HC1, which is reputed to have more manual control than the rest of the HC series (and by extension, the HD1000, which is based on the HC7).

But the HD1000 does have a slightly bigger chip, but not by much.

I'd download both manuals and see what features they each have that you need.

I have the HD-1000 and I've used it a lot for shoulder-mounted shots (typically done while trespassing, or while covering a local event) and some tripod stuff, all in bright daylight. The general results have been pretty good to my eye given the camera, but I've been frustrated at how cumbersome it can be to do manual adjustments (there's a single ring which can be used for one adjustment at a time, which has to be set up using the menu system). The viewfinder and LCD are also nothing to write home about, but adequate to typical run-and-gun style work if you put some thought into what you think you're seeing. The need to buy something like a Beachtek on-camera XLR setup for audio is also a little frustrating.

But for an all-auto (or some-auto) shoulder-mounted camera, it's cheap and indestructible (which is just as well, as I lug mine around through the deserts, oilfields, industrial areas, and mountains of California in the back of my truck), and if you know the limitations, it's probably pretty good for your purposes.

So the HD1000 is suitable for shoulder use, vs. the HC1 is suitable for tripod, and beyond that the differences are minimal?

I'll take a look at the manuals.