I agree with Don. I would not get two lenses, nearly identical, off the bat. Spend the extra money on the 3X if needed, or better tripod, or more batteries, or a case or . . . You get the picture, there are lots of things to spend money on rather than two lenses that are almost the same.

Agreed, you are better off with just one of the 16x lenses, plus the 3x, rather than only both of the 16x lenses.

Brad, another thing that you might want to look at, if you're doing outside work is a blimp and a furry for your microphone to cut down wind noise.

As mentioned by Jeff, you'll want a case to hold that lovely camera in and stop it from getting smashed. I have an XM2 and use a plastic toolbox which I bought REAL cheap (NZ$17). While adequate at the moment, it's not particularly convenient and not watertight. I will eventually buy a proper one, but those things just seem ridiculously expensive for what they are....Hey what the hell am I saying, this is the video industry, everything is expensive ;)

Depending on whether you have some help or not, you might want a LANC controller so you can zoom and all that from the panhandle on the tripod and not have to touch the camera. I did a series of workshops at a conference over easter and I've decided I want one of those things real soon. I had to use the controls the on camera and while possible was a little awkward.

You mentioned the FILM DV filter kit. You might be able to do without that and do your stuff in post if you want to save some $$. Some people here recommend just shooting clean and doing it in post, that way you get most freedom of choice.


Cheers
Aaron

Thanks Aaron, and everyone else. I'll look into all of these things. So many accessories, so little cash now. ;)