Right I have just got a business grant, and I am looking at getting a 3 chip camera. The camera will be used for a short AV film, as well as music videos, live camera work, corporate videos, anything I can get.

I really like the canon cameras so I am stuck as to whether to get a new XM2, or a low hours XL1. I can get a XL1 with mic, mic adapter and case for the same prices as a XM2, I have check with Canon service in the UK and New heads for the XL1 is about £300(I am think these are the bits most likely to go wrong, apart from a scratched lens).

I really am stuck as what camera to get, and this seems to be the only place people seem to know what they are talking about when it comes to canon cameras.

I would say without question go for the XM2. It is four years newer than the XL1 and the difference in image quality (the XM2 is much better) is all the reason you need to forget about the XL1.

An XL1S vs. XM2 is a much closer call. However an old XL1 vs. XM2 is no contest -- in this age of fast-changing technology, newer is better. Hope this helps,

When I read your post the first time, I thought your were talkin about a XL1S. Then I would have said go with the XL1S, but since it's a XL1 with some old unsolved "features" as Canon calls them: I would buy the XM2.

I am now looking at whether it is worth paying the extra cash for a XL1s, it would mean I could not afford a additional mic to the one supplied with the XL1s, how close in quality are the XL1s and the XM2, as I will be unlikely to need the interchangeable lens option.

Cheers for all the advice, at last some answers
Steve

If you don't need interchangeable lenses, then your best bet is the XM2. You would not be able to discern much difference in image quality between the XL1S and XM2. If anything, the XM2 may be better as it is a full year newer than the XL1S.