hi all it has been a while

i have been using my PDX10 extensively but need another camcorder

unfortunately i dont have the facility to walk in to B&H and play with the cameras on display so i ask for the persons in here to give their advice as to the pros and cons of each camcorder

as i usually do i go overboard i pulled a list of nearly all the camcorders i could find and then cut by features i need most

i do mainly documentaries interviews press conferences etc

my needs are

good low light
xlr audio connection
right now most of my work is shot on DV / DVCAM (DVCAM hardly)
(and i have strong bias to sony)

so here is how my process of elimination went

Panasonic AG-HMC70U - eliminated but reminds me of the dvc 20 and dvc 7 which had a hollow fee

Panasonic AG DVC 20 - eliminated due to no xlr and 10x optical zoom and the hollow feel

Panasonic AG-DVX100B - eliminated due to 10x optical zoom (DV only) but i prefer this to the 2 panasonics above

Panasonic AG-HVX200 - actually quite good but i out of my price range

Canon XL2 - actually looks good has most of what i want (DV only) but is priced to closely to the XH A1 eliminated due to cost vs features and needs

Canon GL2 - eliminated due to no xlr i could use a beachtek adapter but i prefer not to

Canon XH A1 - has most of what i want (DV, HDV) so it in the running

Sony vx2100 - eliminated due to no xlr

Sony FX1 - eliminated due to no xlr

Sony HVR-A1U - eliminated due to tape loading mechanism

Sony DSR 250 - eliminated i did not want a shoulder mount

Sony HVR-HD1000U - eliminated due to 10x optical and no xlr

Sony Z1u - in the game but pricey

Sony PD170 - in the game tested workhorse

Sony V1u - in the game 20x a real plus

JVC GY-HD110U - eliminated i did not want a shoulder mount




so my short list for discussion is

sony v1u
sony pd170
sony z1u
canon xh a1

the i have searched the threads for info but wanted to still try my own

in terms of price they run
z1u
v1u
xh a1
pd170

my i ask what u guys think