I am really looking into purchasing this camera for my short films, travel video (non handheld non run and gun), possible events etc. I have been reading alot on the forums and have heard a lot of good about B and H, though sometimes it seems the resell returns to other customers? I`m looking at this bundle

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=473465&is=REG

does it seem like a good buy? I am aiming to get my money`s worth for a few years to come. Has anyone used the battery is comes with? Also are there any other reliable 'safe' sites that have good deals?

Stick with B&H or any of the other dealers who advertise on here. You go to the cheapestplacesontheweb.com, you'll get screwed.

Another friend of mine is ordering his XH A1 today, and I sent him to Tapeworks Texas because they have that free Camrade bag deal for the XH A1, so that's the place I'd buy today. They have an ad here someplace and some comments. They don't have on line ordering, so you'll have to use the phone. Same for Zotz Digital--I bought a tripod from them, and they're a good place too. All the legit places have the same price on the XH A1, and Canon has the $250 rebate now, so it's a good time to buy. I paid the bleeding edge price at $4K in December because I couldn't wait, and I didn't get a free bag.

I'm using the battery that came with the camera. It lasts about 5 hours. I have a week shoot coming up in a couple of months, so I think I'll buy the 970 before that. It goes about 7 hours.

Try one of our official sponsors:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=22

heath