DSLR's aren't the best option for long-form productions (recitals, lectures). Good lenses aren't cheap either. Then there is the support gear you need to make it 'behave' like a decent videocamera. For the type of work you're doing, the Panny might be the better option. If you must have the low-light performance and shallow DOF look, then DSLRs are the easy choice.
A hybrid (Panasonic GH2) might solve your problems, as it has the DSLR look, but with some more videocam-centric features and benefits.
