The last time I put a Canon camera through its paces was the XL-1, and the manual focusing on the stock lens gave me nightmares.

How is focusing handled the the A1/G1? Is it on par with the DVX-100? Can I zoom in, find focus, zoom to my shot and not be looking through cataracts?

Thanks in advance...

Another related question:

With masking tape and pen, will I be able to mark the lens barrel and get REPEATABLE focus from mark to mark regardless of how fast or slow I turn the focus ring?

You get repeatable rack focus by using the focus position preset switch on the side of the lens, plus the focus distance scale in the viewfinder. Marking the lens barrel on this camera won't help you.

Well that's disappointing -- no follow focus. I'll probably get it anyway. I like the HVX200 in this respect -- I wish other manufacturers would get with it.