DVCPRO HD is faster/easier if it's convenient, but there's a slight quality hit. If you don't notice the quality hit, then it's a good compromise for you.

My work doesn't involve a lot of rendering...I just color correct at the end of the job and then I can render off a new QT to lay to tape.

Najeeb, where are you?
 

Let's see, we haven't heard back from him since he started this thread. He might have passed out, overwhelmed by the prospect. Umm, maybe that handicam deserves another look.