I recommend you consider a high quality pre-owned camcorder, such as an entry level prosumer model. There are a number of high end Canon, Sony, and other models for sale as the push for HD marches forward.

You are near the affordable range for a pre-owned Canon XL1-S. I will be listing mine for sale very soon; just sold my GL2 Friday, in prep for one of the new Canon HD cams. I still have 2 years of warranty remaining because I bought the longest MACK extended warranty available.

It should be easy to find a good deal on a standard def model now. Your timing is PERFECT!

GOOD LUCK!!