i'm torn between two cameras... the XM-1, and the panasonic NVMX350b, which i'm not sure is available in the states.

the xm1 has 3 x CCDs at 270k pixels each with pixel shift

the panasonic has 3 x CCDs at 570k pixels each. does this mean it will produce a better low light image? it is also several years newer

i know the xm1 is a great camera with great lens etc. but that's a huge difference int he number of pixels!

cheers

just found out the NVMX350b is called the PV-DV952 in the states

Since the XM-1 has 1/4" CCDS, as does the MX350, but less pixels, the XM-1's pixels are most likely larger or spread out more. So its lux will be lower, and its resolution will be lower. The lenses play a part in this too, but both have good lenses: a wide/long Canon lens verses a smaller Leica lens. You will notice that as new cams come out, year after year, their CCDs come with more pixels. Part of the reason is to increase video resolution, and the other part is to increase its still's resolution. And although the MX350 has 570K CCD pixels, far less of these are actually used for video. Also check out the slightly older MX300, that's the better cam between these Panasonics. And consider the new 3 CCD hand-held that Canon is supposed to anounce on June 25 (at DV Expo in the USA).

i'm going for the xm2!

hooray, an good old cam updated!