I am considering getting a professional video camera, but have no idea where to start. I'd say the max I'm willing to spend is anything up to £1500-ISH. My use for the camera would be to make short films, etc.

What do these more expensive cameras plug into also?

Any requirements?

Suggestions please.

[klr10]

I'm afraid you will need to reconsider your budget. Even the so called 'semi professional' camcorders are more expensive than that! Sorry

I've seen the XM2 at £1300-1400, and some others around that price.

Eek double post. Ok no one has any input? I'm considering the XM2 (GL2 in US)

[senu]

The Canon XM2 is considered a high end enthusiast/ "prosumer model "
It is a very good camcorder but "professional" it is not : in so far as you can get "Pro" results with it . ( give a neebee a "Pro" camcorder but dont expect a pro result: its not just about the camcorder)

Even the "Semi Pro" XL2s has Pro aspirations in that it has interchageable lenses , has very extensive manual controls for audio/ video . xlr ( balanced audio input jacks) and the Lcd viewfinder isnt present!
Pro ( or even semi pro in some circles) also refers to use of more "Pro" tape formats like dvcam.
£1500 will not get you a Sony vx2100 which is a superlative prosumer model like its HD couterpart the F1 (£2300): Its Pro brother is the £3000 Z1

By all means, if you like the MX2 go for it , learn with it and when its time to move on .. do Im sure you can get it for less than £1500!!