HAve been using GL2 - Upgrading to HD

Do you want to remain with tape or go tapeless
The sony FX-7 is a 1/4" three chip cmos cam for under $2k, the panasonic HMC-40 is a tapeless 1/4" three chip cmos cam also under $2K, for better low light perfomance you would have to go to a cam with 1/3" chips but you will be running in the $3k range


here is a link to read up on HDV cams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDV

[Maria Cooper] "Is the Sony hvr-A1 3ddc?"
Its a single 1/3" cmos, sensitivity is about 7lux, FX7 is about 3-4lux, FX1000 is 1.5lux


[Maria Cooper] "I am staying with tape for now,"
The FX7 and FX1000 are tape.

[Maria Cooper] "How about a Sony Z1 for $2000?"
Tape drum/heads have about 600hr life, depends on the condition of the cam and I would shoot a couple of tapes through it.

The FX1 is a good cam, doesn't have all the bells and whistles the Z1 has but enough to get the job done, I had both for a while, but sold the Z1 and kept the FX1, and use it with other cams.