How do they compare as far as picture quality? Any first hand experiences?

I think (but I'm not 100% sure) the HC1 is the consumer version of the "pro" A1U. If so, it's a real pain in terms of user friendliness. The quality should be about the same as the Canon. The main things going against the Sony are that it's a bottom feeder and it's a bottom feeder. You have to take it off the tripod to put in a new tape. It also doesn't do 24p. And, it has that touch screen menu which I really hate. Having said all that, it will produce a very good image, but I would rather have the Canon. I wouldn't have said that had I not had to use the A1U for several days.

HV20 all the way, better image out of it and better user controls + 24p (fake but there)