So many choices. . .
The thing about purchasing a camera with a firewire port is that I already have a device capable of recording video content (that connect to the firewire port). This helps me during the initial investment. No need to purchase anything except the camera until I have more $$$$ to buy other recording media. EXCEPT. . . the FS-H200Pro (the external recording device) uses a Compact Flash card for its storage media. This make purchasing a XF100 a serious option.
Choices, choices. . . .
Thank you Bill Bruner and robGRUAERT for your very thoughtful input.
