So who will be selling the pal xl2 in the states? OR better yet on the west coast? I checked with birns and sawyer and they laughed at me upon my very mention of the word pal, so it looks like it' back to the drawing board, any suggestions?

Check with our sponsor ZGC on the east coast. They've brought in PAL XL1's before, they'll probnably do it again with the XL2. Give 'em a call.

Thanks chris, I've dealt with them before and chris (at zgc) was more then helpful I have no problem giving them business. I'll call them on monday.

PAL XL2 Review at Simply DV
 

The questions regarding the 20x Lens are pivotal for me. I am currently in search of a camera that I can use for nature videography.

One of the things I like about the XL2 is the reach of the Tele Lens. Unfortunately, if this lens performs poorly: is unable to hold focus, etc, then I will need to buy the 16x manual lens. The problem with the 16x lens is that the reach in 16:9 mode ( if I am reading the specs correctly ) is only 68mm. Hence, I personally do not see an advantage in buying the XL2 if I don't have a reasonable tele capability.

Scott, my advice would be to wait until you can try the camera out yourself. Don't worry too much about others are saying this early in the game.

I've used both the XL1 and the XL1s, and I, for one, have never had any problems the lenses "holding focus," not once.

Jay

Here, Here Scott. I shoot almost nothing but nature & XL1 & XL1s are both brilliant on focus & zoom. XL2 should do even better at 20x.

Scott

The telephoto "reach" of the 16x manual lens is 690mm. See my article, "Guide to Canon XL2 Lens Options" for more info.