Hey there folks, I'm new here and delighted to find such an extensive info site. Just brilliant!
I'm soon to buy a new HD video camera and need a stabilising system also (perhaps DVtec Multirig or Glidecam 2000). Looking at the Canon XF300... but certainly hunting some tips and advice on the changeover..

I'm coming from a Canon XM2 (SD) - shoot documentaries (potentially for broadcast) & weddings - budget of apx €5,000 - want solid state only (leaving tape world) - use Final Cut pro 7 on Mac Pro Quad Xeon, so whatever camera I get will need to be compatible with same.

Any tips or info would be HUGELY appreciated!

Warmest wishes,
Caroline Clancy

Pink Lime Video Productions | Sligo | Ireland > Pink Lime Video Productions Sligo | Home | Wedding DVD and Video Specialists | Caroline Clancy (http://www.pinklimevideos.com)

"...want solid state only..."

In that case, the Canon XH series cameras (the subject of this forum) are not for you, since they record HDV on miniDV tapes.

For use on a Glidecam, etc, how about the new Canon XF100? Should be in the shops any day now. I've heard rumours that the output is excellent, despite being only a single-chip design.

Welcome Caroline.
This is a common question. I did a search on "Upgrade to HD" and found some discussion from those who've gone before you... you may have read them already but just in case:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/open-dv-discussion/29995-gigantic-camera-should-i-buy-thread.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/open-dv-discussion/490670-there-still-place-sd-video.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/general-hd-720-1080-acquisition/490908-buying-pro-camera-soon-need-help.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/avchd-format-discussion/490218-first-hd-camcorder.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/open-dv-discussion/490449-upgrading-hd-pd-170-a.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/general-hd-720-1080-acquisition/489442-hd-videocameras-record-both-tape-other-media-like-cf-p2-etc.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/open-dv-discussion/489197-video-camera-should-i-get.html

First and foremost, define you business plan - what is your budget (and I see you have done that), what do you intend to shoot, what in-camera capabilities do you need, what form factor do you want, what weight range do you want, and so on. If this is for work, what does your paying customer expect in the way of technology? And lastly, what will you need in the way of accessories and add-ons for the camera to complete your kit.

Generally speaking, prices tend to fall as time goes by, so usually there is no reason to buy until you are ready, btu be sure to buy eqarly enough to learn to use the gear, and recover if it has a problem out of the box. We read too many posts about folks showing up on a shoot with a new camcorder they have not used, and running into trouble.