Re: ENG, low light, quick workflow, size, durability...which camera?!

Quick question - anyone know why the store salesman is trying to get me to purchase the JVC HM100 instead of the Panasonic HPX170?

HM100 — Better audio controls, records to .mov native codec for fcp, cheaper, cheaper memory, smaller.
HPX170 — Records better footage, also (as I understand it) records to .mov codec native to fcp, looks more professional to man-in-the-street.

The guy told me the HPX170 has inferior build quality, and within "3-5 months" I'll be needing spare parts. That I definitely don't want, but seems unlikely...really, it's that bad? I've seen SOME stuff about the HPX170's build quality, but not that kind of horror story.

As for the workflow, would the drag-and-drop HM100 be much faster than the HPX170's log-and-transfer?

He also said that the HM100 "if used correctly is excellent in low light ( full manual mode, f1.6, shutter speed in check, light gain level 2,ND filters off)". Any opinions?

Finally, he says he can throw in a proHD jvc case and weather cover for free, if I go for the HM100. Made me think he might be trying to get me to buy equipment he wants me to buy. He works at a very well-respected shop in London, and I'm new to all this, so I might be being completely unfair here.

Overall, I'm afraid of wasting a bunch of money because I'm getting a crappy camera.

P.S. If you have time, he has also suggested this wireless kit and this shotgun mic. The shotgun seems quite cheap. Is it a great deal?

He's going to stick all this (roughly $12,000 worth of equipment, based on amazon.com prices) into a package for me. I'll tell you what he offers. What discount should I be looking for, buying in bulk like I am?

Thanks all!

Mac OSx 10.5.8, FCP 6.
http://www.thebuskingproject.com