[David C jones]

I would definitely go with the HJ17x7.6 or the HJ11x4.7. If nothing else, I’ve learned that the glass is as important as the camera! As someone told me once: Your system is only as good as your weakest link. Boy, is THAT true! The one thing about buying good glass, is that once you’re in the HD realm (which we are), it will never be obsolete; you can use the lens on your next camera purchase.

[David C jones]

No, I have not taken the plunge yet; I probably won’t until next year, though, it’s just because of finances right now, and I don’t have any shoots planned. I actually haven’t thought as much about the over/under crank thing as I sould. I would definitely use it for doing time-lapse stuff. For me, though, image quality outweighes everything else. I’m actually a hard core Sony guy but the Panasonic P2 has finally “converted” me…lol. And with the 32G cards, I’m ready to buy, too. I just wish they (the cards) weren’t so expensive; five of them can add another 7k to the price of the camera.

[David C jones]

Hi Paul,

I’ve been dealing with the same question as you. I was all signed off on the 500, but after seeing an add in TV Tech. pushing the 2000, I deceided to do some research. I shoot super 16mm film and need to transition to HD, and quality is important to me. So, as of now, I’m hooked on the 2000. One thing to keep in mind is that HD TV’s are now made to show 1080p and they’ll only get better, so, the higher quality your camera, the better you’ll be in the long run. Of course, there’s always the 3000 at twice the price as the 2000!

Dave