The camcorders are extremely different. The sony has some obvious advantages like HD, smaller, lighter, more compact, the ability to get a much wider angle.. The price isn't a big deal because i can get a used xl2 for $1500.

The xl2 advantages are much more creative power, interchangable lens system although not many lenses for it. The cameras are hard to compare i'm leaning to an xl2 but still not sure.

what are you going to be shooting? do you need the big zoom on the canon? what is your delivery method?

spending $500 more for the fx7 is certainly something to think about, even if it is hdv.

there is no way i would swap my FX-7 for a mini dv cam even if it had more functions.

Ok, i'm going with the FX7. Thanks for the input.