Well rather than vague terms like "extreme" and "super", put some numbers on the table, and let's see what's available.

Honestly, the more variance in the focal length, generally the poorer quality the image will be.

Something like Tamron's or Canon's 28-300 would qualify in my book. That certainly trumps anything I ever used when shooting film.

There's some 20-200s out there as well. If you're talking about a 14-400, then no, you're right. There isn't anything out there in FF35, Cinema, or anything else that I am aware of, so I don't generally consider things like that.

1. XHA1 comes with a 20x lens, equivalent in 35mm terms from 32.5 to 650mm. There currently are no DSLR lenses with this kind of zoom range. The closest contender is 28-200 3.5. The DSLRs can shoot extremely wide, or extreme telephoto, but not both without having to stop recording and switch lenses.

2. There are no DSLR lenses with motorized zooms. It's near impossible or very difficult to execute a long, perfectly smooth zoom manually.

Ah ok, I see where you're going.

Yep, as I've said dozens of times. DSLRs are very poor substitutes to replace dedicated video cameras for a great many reasons. However, they are an exceptionally good mirror for film cameras at inexpensive prices.

Yep, if you need to record a 550mm zoom, the video camera is your best bet. And if you need to motor zoom while shooting, then a traditional video camera is the ticket. Neither of these things have an equivalent in film.

But to augment a multi-cam setup, I think I would be smarter to go with a DSLR than an adapter on a compact camcorder primarily because of the sensor. I need something small, I don't need slow zooms, I don't need audio and I don't need long clips. So unless I'm missing something, I think a GH! is the right direction.

The only things I dislike about the GH1 are the codec and the lack of an HDMI out while filming. Both are just showstoppers for me. And having to remove pulldown in post to get to a progressive stream is just a pain.

But if that works for you, the price is unbeatable.

I just can't see filming video without a swivel LCD. I've heard about the codec. :o(
I guess if the codec is bad enough I'll exchange it with a 7D -- or perhaps Panasonic will update it via firmware, but I doubt it.

F23
F35
Viper
SI-2K
RED
Genesis
Dalsa
D21


None of these video cameras have a swivel LCD. All have footage with Hollywood releases. Many have Oscars attributed to their footage.

All of those cameras are shot using external monitors or excellent veiwfinders.

Exactly my point.

I think many people would agree with you that the GH1 is an excellent camera for still & video capture. The video is equal to the 5DII and 7D in a far smaller package and the AVCHD will match your other Panasonic equipment and workflow.

The GH1 would be a good C camera for you.

I don't like the 24P over 60i, but all these cameras have tradeoffs, and in Vegas Pro using the footage is as simple as dropping it on the timeline.

There are some decent video samples here:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Review: 19. Movie Mode: Digital Photography Review

"I think many people would agree with you that the GH1 is an excellent camera for still & video capture. The video is equal to the 5DII"

I have not seen low light video from the GH1 like what I have seen from the 5DII.
Canon Digital Learning Center - Sample EOS 5D Mark II Video: Reverie