Anyone have experience with this VTR? is it worth the premium over the Panasonic 2000? Any and all feedback is welcome.

Eric,
I've not used this deck. But it looks like the added value depends on what you need from a deck. If you're just using it to capture footage to your computer the answer is probably no. You'd probably never use most of the features such as "Super Scene Finder" and the RS-422 control.

JVC has a relatively new DV/MiniDV deck (BR-DV3000U) that looks like a better choice. If not better, at least cheaper. http://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/specs.jsp?model_id=MDL101372&feature_id=03. B&H has it listed for about $1600.

Has anyone had a chance to evaluate this one yet?