Yes, the PV-DV953 is a better cam than the AG-EZ50U, but not by a whole lot, depending on which features you require more.

If you are going to spend $2000 now, consider a DVC80 or wait for the new DVC30. Also, perhaps there'll be a PV-DV953 replacement in early spring.

The dv953 AND the 852? So, are you looking for two cams to work with, or are you going shopping crazy :-) ? Search GS70, you will find out about 953/gs70 differences quickly. The GS70 seems to lack some rather useful manual controls. The trv950 ($1600) seems to do better in low light than the 953. If you think you'll be shooting in plenty of light more often than not, the 953 looks to be a deal. If you're willing to put that $2k into nothing but a camcorder right now, you open yourself up to quite a few more options in the 3ccd realm......

Shawn

2k for 2cams and a deck.. that is what i want... if only one cam, i wont spend more than 1k :)

GS70 is $670 at Onecall. One of these and a 953?

dunno about the GS70, i preffer to buy it at BH cause i will also help the page cause it is a sponsor.

Also, comparin the GS70 to the 852 ? which one could be better? one is $570 and the other $780,

The 852 is better. It's only cheaper because it's a 2-year-old cam and B&H is blowing them off.

I have an 852 and it does really well outdoors. Since it's a Panny it has all the manual features you could want from a camera in this price range (iris,white balance, shutter speed, manual focus ring). The sound is excellent, and it has an external mic jack as well as an accesory shoe. Low light indoors isn't too bad because of the size of the CCD. It beats the hell out of the Canons in this price range though (which isn't saying too much). Anyways, here's a shot straight from the camera (deinterlaced, but no color correction).

http://webpages.acs.ttu.edu/gelee/images/butterfly.jpg

I'm holding on to this until I save up for a DVX100A. I've shot over 50 hours with my 852 and it has satisfied me.

Good to know, i will buy both cams :)