recently got 2 5Ds and have a A1.. which someone wants to buy and I'm happy to sell, whats a good cheap HD camera thats good for safety shot? I've seen HV20 / HV30 are pretty good.. but I'd really like something solid state..

Awaiting for Canon XF series to drop in price then I'll probably get that one.. but til then.. Whats a good cheap alternative?

Not sure about 1440 x 1080 of HV20/HV30 though, really like something native 25p 1920-1080p...

I got T2i for the same purpose, was thinking about HF S21, but T2i is cheaper and better quality,
and I already have lenses.

Yeah T2i is still more of a cut away camera for me.

HFS21 has lanc... headphone out... 5 hour built in memory in highest 1080p 24MBS.. mic input..manual audio control... can hook up my juicelink into it to accept good PA audio.. where as T2i still has the 12min pain in the butt thing.. with no manual audio override..

Only thing i'm not so sure about is the CODEC of AVCHD on the HFS21... always been editing HDV / H.264.. any one had experience putting avchd into FCP?

The HF200 makes for a pretty good safety camera.

Just transcode the AVCHD to Pro-res and it'll be a dream to edit.