Hi Aspire – I still recommend a used VG30 camcorder body over any other of the old HDV tape or P2 cameras. And the $995 Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and $1200 Panasonic AG-AC8 shoulder mount are other possible options in your price range, depending on how much extra rigging you want to buy and how much work you want to do in post.
In my view, you will get higher quality images out of the sensors in modern cameras than out of the XH1A or HVX200.
Please see my complete answer over on the AVS Forum.
Good luck with your decision!
Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution
