that is a great post! maybe the main reason for being an early adaptor is for future-proofing the footage that you'll be shooting today... just be aware that some tv networks do not currently accept formats like hdv, so do your homework first.

how about buying a clean used camera? there are some good deals to be had this time of year, people are hurting because of all the xmas spending.

Do you think you could swing $5500? The HVX200 can be had for that price, and you can shoot on MiniDV tapes in SD anything the DVX100 can, but in native 16X9, and a longer telephoto and slightly wider wide-angle, plus the ability to shoot in HD by plugging in a laptop or getting a $650 4GB P2 card.

The DVX is great. I have one. And the XL2 is also great. But the HVX gives you pretty much everything those two offer, plus newer technology, and the option of going HD in the future, for realtively cheap.

Ah, but the BBC has said they'll accept widescreen DV footage from the Sony HDV cameras, and you could convert HDV output to something like HDCAM for networks that would sneer at an HDV tape. (An old trick used for converting lowly DV footage to something networks will accept.)

And yes, one of the reasons to buy an HD(V) camera now is so you can start building up a portfolio of HD footage to show when HD becomes more commonplace.

If i had 5500 I wouldve most likely went with the HVX, But i dont come around that much money. Good news though, After a very long morning and lots of problems including limits on multiple credit cards and what not. (Not BH's Fault)I ordered My XL-2 From BHPhoto. Haha, I'm the only person who would pass free shipping and pay 65 Dollars for overnight shipping, Cant wait. Honestly, I really wish i could've ordered from EVS, Randy and Ramsey(i think its spelled) were two of the nicest people i've ever delt with on the phone. But i was a little limited on money, ehh... I also got an extra BP-945 Battery and bought a Hard Case on ebay for 200 Shipped. You guy's will def. see something very soon cause ive got the tapes at hand and cant wait. Thanks everyone for the responses and your ideas on what i should do. I mainly Picked the xl-2 cause having a camera with so many options will only make me wanna work harder to learn new things and add to everything, And the Native 16x9 Widescreen Feature. I'll tell you all what i think when you see the next post in the "DV For the Masses" section. Thanks again :)

Good decision... Congrats!