Does anyone know if Sony will offer an optional upgrade to add 25p/50p capability for those in the US?

Adam, look for NX70E model for 50p capability.

My main interest is due to the light flicker that 30p camcorders encounter when shooting under 50Hz lighting. For travel, it would be nice to have that capability. Can the flickering lights problem be solved by simply adjusting the shutter speed on 30P cameras.

My main interest is due to the light flicker that 30p camcorders encounter when shooting under 50Hz lighting. For travel, it would be nice to have that capability. Can the flickering lights problem be solved by simply adjusting the shutter speed on 30P cameras.

I think you'd be fine switching shutter speed to 50 instead of 60 - in the same way that I got clear shots of my computer screen with the NX70 by changing shutter speed to 60 to synch with the monitor.

I live in NTSC land but shoot largely for a PAL broadcaster. However, would be nice to have the option to shoot for NTSC broadcaster as well.

I've sent an email to Sony Canada about firmware upgrades, cost, etc but have yet to hear back.