I'm in the club now
 

Well I have been reading these post for months now and finally took the plunge and received my PD-150 today!
Thanks to everyone for all the information that was shared to help me make the decision. I am really impressed with it so far as I have been using the TRV-50 for a year now as I have plunged into the world of filming and editing.

What I need help with is a good tripod for my new camera as I only have a best buy special that I picked up for like $79 or something. I am wanting something that has a fluid head but don't think I could squeak out more than $100-200 from the wife after just spending a grip on the camera and a couple of extras.

Thanks in advance for the help and if there is now way in heck I am gonna find anything decent at that price range don't be bashful to let me know I am crazy for thinking I can.

Bogen/Manfroto etc seems to be the way to go. I got two Sony 870's for my VX's. It has lanc control, and is pretty steady. The head movement isn't as good as the better tripods, but it's good enough for me, for now. They were under $200 at B&H

I use the Bogen 501 head on 3046 legs. It is super smooth and makes for dramatic sweeps. about 150 over your budget, but worth every cent.

Check out ggvideo.com. Call them, they are very helpful. I have a second bogen tripod for my VX, Bogen 3011N Tripod w/3130 Head)

Not quite as smooth and a little light for my taste but I'll bet head and shoulders above your best buy tripod and right in you price range.

http://www.ggvideo.com/tripods.htm