Hello DVinfoers!

Thank for being a part of this forum, there is a wealth of info here. I've been able to to learn a lot.

I'm working with a small team to shoot an indoor how-to documentary.

I've chosen the GS400 as the ideal camera because it matched our requirements of having:
3-ccd's
good 16:9
good value

Unforuntaly, the GS400 is a tad rare now. Considering our needs for solid 16:9, what other Cameras should I look at?

Thank you,
Tyler

You might want to look into some lighting if you are going to shoot indoors. It will make a big difference.

Definatly, we'll be using lighting equipment and setting up our shots.

Definatly, we'll be using lighting equipment and setting up our shots.
We will be using manual aperature and the gs400 was perfect in this regard with the control ring. I see the GS500 has manual aperature via touchscreen.
Has anybody used the gs500 and manual aperature, opinions?

The GS400 is pretty sweet -- I love mine -- but lowlight was a pain. But for the price, there aren't any really good low light cameras around. I would also suggest looking at the PDX-10. It has a good 16:9 and is 3-CCD. However, the reason I chose the GS400 over the PDX-10 is because it had frame mode, and the PDX-10 does not.

Wow thanks, the PDX10 is certainly an option.

I see that on the PDX10 manual iris is configured it via menu, same as on the GS500.
I also notice that the CCD's are smaller to the GS500. I'd imagine the GS500 would have better exposure abilities and less noise then the PDX10.

The question then arises, if I can't get a GS400, do I want a GS500 or a PDX10?
The XLR on the PDX10 isn't necessary (though it is nice) as we could record audio onto a separate device.

They're selling the GS500 at newegg.com for $750 right now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830180053

not as many external controls but basically the same with no headphone jack, but it does have a true 19X9 lcd.