David, I totally agree with you, but I have accepted the reality of the situation. CMOS is not going anywhere not matter how unhappy we are.

I struggled with this for a while but I feel it is more important to be happy than hate. So I use the tools and live with the shortcomings that everybody else seems to think is not an issue.

I wish there was a survey. Given that a lot of stuff still gets delivered on DVD, the technical race and 1080p seems like running around in circles at times.

But I agree, from the outside, it does not look like CMOS is saving anybody much money given the latest Canon and Panasonic 1/3" chip models.

This seemed to the case when the BVW 400 Betacam SP came out without any (or at least noticeable) vertical streaks, but the then broadcasters became happy 1/3" cameras with horrendous vertical streaks, plus softer pictures. On the other hand, the small cameras were cheaper.

My camcorder ownership has progressed over the years from VHS, Panasonic SVHS, Canon L-1 Hi8, Canon XL-1, XL-1s to XH-A1.

Bought a 5D mkII when they were first released, ditto for the 7D. After using these still cameras with their many limitations, I have acquired quite an inventory of Canon L glass as well as a couple examples of Zeiss glass. The low light capability and DOF control of these cameras - with good glass in front of them - yields some very impressive images.

My next proper video camera upgrade will have an AP-S sized sensor - or larger - with interchangeable lenses.

between the two, it would depend on whether is for work ie music videos or weddings, in which case i would choose the sharper non-pixel shifting XF300, versus creativity, where i would pick the HPX170 due to HD-SDI and variable framerates.

Go with the XF305. It has HD-SDI and variable frame rates.

I was wishing for the same for my HMC150 and found that the shoulder rig I use for my DSLR works great with the full camera. In fact, I put a focus ring on the lens and my follow focus works great. I also have a zoom/focus iris controller that mounts to the handle. Most suprisingly, the eyepiece happens to line up perfectly!
I am planning on trading the Panny for the XF300 later this year so hopefully the ergos aren't too different.

If you shoot both DSLR and camcorder, I'd try it!

Hi Robert,

What model shoulder rig are you using for your DSLR and Panasonic camera?

(I'm hoping you'll say,"Oh it's the really good one that's under $200" :)

Cheaper than most as I made a few pieces and sourced others from lesser known manufacturers.
The rails and riser are red rock with a couple of other pieces added on. It is a single handle and has an adapter to mount to a tripod that also fits my monopod. I'll take a couple of pics Thursday while I'm on my shoot.