Hi SLP –  I would go with the

Hi SLP –  I would go with the only shoulder mounted, large sensor, interchangeable lens camcorder with pro XLR mic inputs in your price range – a used Sony NEX-EA50 for less than $3000 from Amazon or eBay.

Whether you plan to shoot commercials, weddings, events, music videos or short films, this camera will do a good all-around job.

Here is what this camera can do in low light:

http://vimeo.com/55858864

Commercial:

http://vimeo.com/68328410

Wedding:

http://vimeo.com/60141876

That said, this camera records to AVCHD – and you may have to transcode to use it with Final Cut Pro.  You may want to think about getting a less expensive Windows machine and a $252 copy of Sony Vegas Pro instead.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your new video career!

Bill

Hybrid Camera Revolution