Bif's, and most of Ryan's, and shippocaio's responses gave you some level-headed, solid information, suggestions and advice. While Mr. Colorado isn't WRONG in his assessment, and is obviously very happy with his format of choice, I do not think it is necessarily the answer to all things. Nor is mine, for that matter. But...
I lean heavily toward the Canon HV30 (HV20's replacement) based on a lot of input from web site and mag ratings as well as heavily positive comments form various video-related forums by people actually using them. As I've said elsewhere, this is likely an entry-level first step into HD production for me.
What appeals to me most about the HV30 and its MiniDV tape format, is that it shoots HDV and not AVCHD. Compared to other similarly priced cameras and/or their various formats for acqusition (hard drives, static recording mediums, DVDs, etc.) although many, MANY people using AVCHD find it quite acceptable, I am shy of using its more highly compressed video.
This may (or not) cancel out the argument regarding compression that occurs on MiniDV tape. I would much prefer the higher quality, lower degree of compression in shooting HDV (notwithstanding the MiniDV tape issues, as there are options to recording the signal to a portable hard drive system as well).
I think Ryan is not totally accurate in his 3-5 year BluRay or HD predictions, and most definitely disagree with spending under a grand for an HV30 (or whatever) now, rather than spending anywhere from $1,700 to $2,700 for a GL2 SD format (and I have and use a GL2, as well as two Canon XL1).
On the other hand, you do have the option to shoot (I believe native) widescreen 16x9 on the GL2, but it remains an SD format. I don't know that SD is going to be the platform of delivery for independent video production THAT much longer - and I STILL shoot and deliver that way, but not for much longer.
Yes, CCD/CMOS wise I'll be taking a step backward, going from the GL/XL to the HV30s. Current finances dictate that I spend most of my discretionary funds for a high-end Mac dual quad, 8-core, and up the memory and storage there, update my FCP to the current iteration, etc. rather than spend all my money on cameras in the $4,000 (and up) range just to get into HD production.
I am receiving more and more demand of, if not HD, then at least widescreen from my more affluent clients. Those who have widescreen HD units in their livingrooms, and even a second unit in another room, are asking for the 16x9 native format. I believe, however, that because many of their players have uprez or alternative playback options and deliver pretty decent quality from their older SD libraries, many of my people are associating widescreen with high definition.
Like has been said, everyone has an opinion, some subjective, some even possibly objective. You can compare, investigate and check out all the options until you are blue in the face, but sooner or later you will have to commit based on your own best judgement. It is time consuming, but trying to get some "hands on" experience with the various cameras and recording mediums falling within your budget limits will go a long way to reducing your "regret" factor later.
