I am looking for some advice. I want to make a short film and would like a camera that comes close to a film look. I have been thinking about both these cameras and was hoping that some of you could could tell me what camera would be best.

One of the main features (as I understand it) is that the XL2 has inter changable lenses and the DVX100AE does not. How big of a consideration is this?

Does the XL2 now shoot at 24p?

The XL2 does shoot at 24p and 30p now. And it shoots in 16:9 with no loss in quality. I don't think the interchangeable lens issue is a big deal.

If you are on a tight budget and don't plan to take it to any format larger than miniDV, the DVX100 is quite a deal at $1500 cheaper (for now).

The interchangable lenses is a big deal, *IF* you have the money to get a manual lens, or a mini35.

Even if you don't get a true manual lense just having the ability to switch between wide angle and telephoto is very useful both technically and creatively as they each have certain characteristics.

Absolutely true, but if you add a second lens to the cost of the XL2 and 20x lens, you're waaaay over the price of a DVX100.
There is a good arguement for getting an XL2 body and either a 3x lens or a 14x manual lens though, instead of the 20x, if you are an indie filmmaker.

Honestly though, whichever you get, you're going to be happy.

HOLD THE TRAIN. Keep in mind that Brad is in PARIS. So I assume
he is talking about PAL camera's!!

The PAL XL2 DOES NOT have 24p! It only has 25p and 25i.
Ofcourse it does have true 16:9 which the DVX does not have.

Unless you are considering an NTSC XL2 (I wouldn't see why
you would want to do that) you'll get 25p with both the DVX
and the XL2, not 24p.