It's not true that "all the great machines are HD only anymore." If it can handle HD it certainly handles SD as well. It's not like Apple said,"Lets make a Mac that is HD only." The software and hardware you have determines whether or not your computer will handle HD or not. These days, any thing can handle SD. And if you're getting a Mac, I wouldn't max it out. You'll be paying for more than you need. Actually, are you getting a MacPro or a MacbookPro? If you're getting a MacbookPro, then yes, max it out. If you're getting a MacPro, you don't need to max it out.
 As for where to buy from: If you're getting a Mac, order from Apple. Either go to Apple.com or call 1-800-My-Apple. Then you can get warranties. If you are getting other video equipment, order from B&H. Their website is http://www.bhphotovideo.com and I order everything from them. They usually have the lowest price for everything.Â
 I don't know of any cameras that can record to tape and a hard drive at the same time because I never needed or wanted it. So I never looked into it. I wouldn't get hung up no that though. It's pointless and doesn't really matter if it records to both at the same time. Just pick one. I would lean toward getting a camcorder that records to a memory card or hard drive more than tape though. Just because it makes for a faster work flow.Â
 As for what I look for in a camera, right now I'm looking into getting an HD camera. The one I really like is the Sony EX1. I like it because it uses 1/2 inch CMOS sensors as opposed to the usually 1/3 inch CCDs you find in many cameras in it's class. This allows for a higher sensitivity to light and allows for a shallower depth of focus. It also records a native 1920x1080 resolution. HDV cameras only record 1440X1080 and I believe even the Panasonic HVX200 only shoots 1440X1080, then they stretch and distort everything to make it cover 1920x1080 (at least, i believe that's how it work. I could be wrong.) The EX1 also records to a memory card (and i heard they're making a hard drive for it soon). I don't want to deal with tape anymore. Logging and capturing footage is the most boring part for me, and I'm sure everyone else, in the post production process. Recording to a memory card also eliminates the chance of drop out occurring, which is something else that really annoys me about miniDV tapes. The EX1 also has a really good lens made by Fujinon and has some innovative features. I also will only get a camera with XLR inputs.
 As for the a feature that interests me least, I would say interchangeable lenses. The Canon XL series has them and that one JVC camera does too. It's nice, but it's not something I need. Weight isn't an issue to me. A lot of people think light cameras are easier to hold, but in reality, when you're zoomed in all the way a heavier camera is easier to hold steady. And besides, you should be using a tripod whenever you can.Â
I would recommend to you the Panasonic DVX100B. It's standard definition. I don't know if it is capable of recording to a hard drive, but it does have XLR inputs and shoots a damn good picture. It's a camera used by lots of professionals, but if you read the manual and look for tips about it on the internet, you can become a master of this camera as well. I wouldn't say it's a hard camera to learn on, it just takes time like everything else in the world. My friend has had a DVX for a while now and is amazing with it. He got a lot of info and tips about his camera from dvxuser.com
