Just to be clear, AVCHD is probably being confused (as it often is) with AVC-Intra. AVCHD is a consumer codec and similar to HDV is long-GOP, although it's supposed to be a slightly more efficient long-GOP. It's not a codec you'd want on a professional camera - AVC-Intra however, is the professional version you do want.

Agreed. AVCHD is a theoretical step up from HDV. It's more efficient, offering some combination of smaller files or higher quality. Both are long GOP.

AVC-Intra is a theoretical step up from DVCProHD for similar reasons. Both have fully independent frames.

I think a pro can still use AVCHD - just as a pro can currently use HDV. But it's for the bottom tier of the market. And it's not the right solution if you need quick turnaround.

dope. sorry, i meant AVC-Intra, which is a step up from the dvc pro HD.
I was hoping for RAW files, but i know good luck