I've been reading these forums for a while now and I think I've learned enough to be thoroughly confused. LOL. This is an incredible forum and I have learned tons by just lurking and searching. Thank you!
I'm a beginning filmmaker without too many delusions. I would be going crewless (and probably clueless as well) and want to try learning by reading like hell and doing it over and over again until I start to get it right. What I want to do is to learn my chops on a reasonably priced camera that I won't want to dump in 6-8 months.
I'm not looking at the camera as part of the 'next big thing' so much as just wanting to get a good picture and sound. From what I have read, it seems the A1 has incredible picture even when brought down to 4:3 DV and much better than let's say the PD150/170 which was what I was considering before. Low light would not be an issue for me as I would be lighting everything that isn't bright enough naturally.
Also, money is a major consideration here and it seems that the A1 is simply the best bang for the buck. Am I anywhere near right here?

Wow, seriously, that camera must be really easy to work with if a baby gorilla can make a film with it! :D

But seriously, most of what you said is pretty right. You can get er done for sure you baby guerilla, do you really know what guerilla means?

It means pretty much, getting something done even if you have to do it illegally which usually ends up happening. Dont know, just found it really funny that you said Baby Guerilla Filmmaker. I just never really heard Baby and Guerilla used together!

LOL. I've been known to get er... extracurricular when the need has arisen. Also I hope guerrilla filmmaker will sound a little less pretentious than independent fimmaker.
But if the picture is indeed that much richer and clearer with the A1 it seems it's what I should go with. Not to mention giving me more sound control and a modicum of picture control w/o changing my name to F. Stop Fitzgerald. :)

Not to mention you will be above the curve having HD!

That's what I'm thinking, even though I am not *even* thinking about touching the whole HD vs DV debate.
But I am hoping I might get lucky and one or two of the veterans here will either support or savage the idea before I make the plunge.