I am planning on saving up some cash for a new camcorder over the next couple of months. My good Sony TRV-350 has done well for me over the last couple of years, but now I need to work on getting a better camcorder with more pro-end features and has alot more manual controls.

I have worked with both Sony and Cannon cameras and I do tend to like the Cannons better after working with the XL1.

I want to look into a camera that has very good low light performance for indoor filming and has good iris control (exposure) adjustments which is important for constant lighting changes. I also need something with maunal audio controls where I can connect XLR-based sources to the camera as well. Audio level monitoring is also important (major negative with my Sony TRV350 that it lacked a headphone jack!). HD isn't a major factor but can consider it if the performance is good.

I would prefer using the miniDV tape format as its more reliable for storage and for archiving should the need arise to use them again in the future. If there are any other decent medium options to consider as well, I am open to ideas.

24p also isn't that important to me, but knowing that many shows are done in widescreen, I would like to be able to have that capability as well if needed, though many performances are still done in full-screen. Good PQ is a must of course, something that can be considered broadcast quality.

My budget I will set at $3,500 as I know the better cameras are in that range. Less of course is always better but I am willing to invest in a solid camera that will do the job and don't mind paying the right price to do so.

I am familiar with both Sony and Cannon brand cameras (haven't used Panasonic cameras). I know opinions will vary widely but I would like at least a general recommendation on what good models to look into. I will also do more research on my end as well.

Thanks for any help!

Check this out:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XH-A1-High-Definition-Camcorder/dp/B000H7GSG6

i think they are going for around $3800, but you might be able to find one for $3500. This is one sweet cam, with triple ccds, 20x zoom, professional quality.

Here is a nice sony for under $2500:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBDWNS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000H7GSG6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1S1RPJ0D1DT2TMSAQZEX
But I tell you what, that Canon is one fine cam....

In B&H the better XH-A1s is in stock for $3,400 while the FX7 will cost $2,000.

With tape camcorders you limited to 1440x1080 resolution and with flash based camcorders you get 1920x1080 and 720 modes. If your shooting sports, it would be far better to have a camcorder that can shot 720 60p although those taped camcorders will give you extra zoom.
For flash camcorders theirs the Panasonic HMC40 which will cost around $2,300 including XLR inputs and JVC HM100 that cost $3,500.
The bigger HMC150 will cost you $3,330.

I’m not sure which has better lowlight capabilities between the HMC40 and the HM100 but the HMC40 is a bit sharper although the fact that besides XDCAM, theirs also a .MOV mode in the HM100 that’ll be the better choice if you have Final Cut.

The HMC150 is not as sharp as the HMC40 and is about equal to the HM100 but when it comes to lowlight capabilities, it beets both of them because of the bigger chips. This particular model might be what your looking for and the lowlight capabilities can get pretty close to the EX1 which cost around double.

I highly recommend the Sony EX1. I know you said you like Canon, and you like Mini-DV, which is all Canon still offers in the semi-pro world, but between Sony, Canon, Panasonic and JVC, The EX1 is the best cam in the price range. 3x 1/2'' CMOS sensors, good codec 35mbs. The Panasonic HPX-300 would give it a run for its money, but it's more expensive and 100mbs might be too much. Plus it only has 1/3'' sensors. Yeah, seriously consider the EX1.

Is EX1 in his $3,500 price range ? Thought they were going for $5k+. If it were me, I'd save my money and go for the EX1.

The EX1 will cost you $6,100. That's nearly twice as much as the HMC150. It's also far heavier so you may have to invest in some type of stabilizer if you aren't strong enough to keep it steady. The extra sharpness may not matter that much if your shots are far jumpier than what it would have been if you had the HMC150.

The HPX300 isn’t even in the same class as the EX1 because it’s a shoulder mounted interchangeable lens camera. A fairer comparison would be against the Sony EX3 and the JVC HM700.

I appreciate the input offered. After some research and consideration I am leaning towards saving for the Cannon XH-A1S model. Has all what I need, alot more manual control, XLR inputs which is a must as I normally don't use the onboard mics and has it where you can either shoot footage in either DV or HDV format. I know there are some cases where I would need to shoot in DV as compared to HD. Hopefully by the time I have the money saved up in a couple months the price will have dropped a bit as they usually do after awhile.

has it where you can either shoot footage in either DV or HDV format. I know there are some cases where I would need to shoot in DV as compared to HD. Hopefully by the time I have the money saved up in a couple months the price will have dropped a bit as they usually do after awhile.

Keep in mind that there really is no reason to shoot in DV mode; shoot in HDV and if you want DV output, there is the ability to down convert into DV out of the camera.The only reason I'd see where it would be worth shooting in DV would be if you want to load the footage into your computer using an old DV cam.