Sony announces new consumer HD camcorders
 

Here are the direct links to the product info.

HDR-UX1 and HDR-SR1

HDR-SR1

I like the HDR-SR1 very much. Dedicated Mic and Headphone jacks are back. Longer record times and a return back to some manual controls like the focusing ring. This would be my target. I'm impressed, I thought I'd have to wait longer for HD recording on HDD. It's here in a couple of months. Sweet.

Very neat. I almost grabbed an earlier model HDV camcorder of Sony's a few months ago, but I may have to bite the bullet on one of these.

Do you like the optical based unit or Hard Drive Disc?

If the two are equal in every other way, probably the unit with the hard drive.

I've got the Sony HVR-A1U and I absolutely love it. What sold me on it was that shoe you can see on the top, which has independent audio controls, plus two professional mic jacks. Also, the camera provides phantom power. It uses HDV, which Final Cut Pro recognizes without a problem.

Now, if only I can figure out DVD Studio Pro 4, I'd be able to actually burn the footage I'm shooting.

I thought Ulead was the only program that would burn HD DVD's now.

Nope, DVD Studio Pro 4 will do it on the Mac. It's the selling point of the program over Studio Pro 3.

Just a follow up...these models are due out on or around October 21. Anyone know of any comparable models by panasonic?