Suggest my next camera

[Grant]

Since about 2000 or 2001 I've had a Sony DCRVX2000, which I loved. My friends and I used to shoot short movies on it and we got a real kick that it looked as good as a lot of direct-to-video releases at the time. Unfortunately, the first time I watched the same videos on my HDTV, I was shocked at how crappy they looked. I mean, they're all right, but they should be better for a camcorder that I paid $2000 for.

It's time for me to switch to HD, I guess. I've been browsing sites like Cnet, but I think I need more tailored help.

I basically want the 2009 equivalent of the DCRVX2000. I want most of the options and, if possible, an interchangeable lens, but I got along pretty well without that before, so maybe that's not a must. Most of all, I want an HD image that whoops the DCR's butt, while keeping most of the prosumer-level options and in-camera tweaks. Also, I want to shoot videos with my friends again and get a kick out of how film-like the quality is.

And I want it to cost less than my DCRVX2000, too, if possible.

[prostar]

The Sony FX1000 is the HD version of the VX2000, VX2100.

[Grant]

Good suggestion, thanks. Definitely bookmarking that one. Do they make something similar with a hard drive? I'm probably going to go Sony, but I'm not loyal to 'em or anything.

EDIT:

Your suggestion pointed me in a right direction. I think I'm swinging more towards the HDR-FX7 (if anyone wants to try and talk me out of it, it'd be appreciated), which has a lower price, but it doesn't have a hard drive either. I really, really hate tapes. I lost an important one once and it really sucked. I really just want something a professional documentary filmmaker wouldn't sneer at and something that works reasonably well in low light situations (the DCR worked okay in low light, it just got grainy).

[prostar]

Hi Grant, the Sony Z5 is the professional version of the FX1000. It records on tape and the optional CF card recorder at the same time but a little bit pricy. If lowlight is more important to you, FX7 is not good in lowlight. Either FX1000 or Z5 is very good in lowlight. By the way, I have the Sony Z7 and love it very much. You can live with the FX7 if you have a very good lighting.

Jun