Need a decent camera

[mylostmarbles]

I am looking at buying a new Video camera to begin producing my own small films/documentaries etc.
My budget sits at around £1000 so I am hoping that you can help me spend it.
Ideally, I would have HD/SD capabilities, as well as good stills and memory card storage, a good zoom feature, XLR mic-in connection, firewire, excellent lens(s) and if the budget allowed (though I doubt) hard drive storage pack, or the ability at least, for adding this.

Even if you can't answer that I would appreciate any advice on makes/models, good deals or reviews of cameras that may help me in a decision.

Thanks

[redsox_mark]

XLR connections are only on pro/prosumer models which cost over £1000. Sony HVR-A1E is the cheapest I know of, though it's getting a bit long in the tooth. You could consider a model without (e.g. Canon HV20/HV30, Sony HC7/HC9), and add a Beachtek XLR box. A hard drive storage pack for HDV (Firestore) can be added.

[mylostmarbles]

Thanks for that, Redsox_mark. Very much appreciated. As a newcomer to the world of video opinions by the good folks like yourself are extremely helpful to me.
I guess I am looking at £1500+ then for a pro cam then? I prefer the size, to be honest, the sad thing is that when you turn out to shoot something for a client they tend to look at the handycam style and think that they could do the filming instead, as they just happen to own a small camcorder too!
Another reason is the control aspect. My trying to flick that zoom switch on these small units aint too easy to achieve without causing shake, particularly when zooming out.
Just a pity the Sony HVR-A1E is, as you say, a little old now. It looks good and it ticks many boxes. But as I wont have the money to invest in a newer one for a while, this one must have a certain longevity.
The XLR idea, you come up with the perfect solution, so no need for me to worry about that in the camera spec, thus actually saving me money in the long run, and I thank you for that
If only the JVC Pro-HD range came down in price a bit. They look very nice.

[redsox_mark]

If you want something a bit bigger, there is the Sony FX1 or the newer but smaller FX7, both are in the £1500-£2000 range.

[mylostmarbles]

Nice one, m8. More food for thought there.
Do you rate the Sony HVR-HD1000E at all? Or am I drifting slightly?

[redsox_mark]

HVR-HD1000E is interesting one. I've heard it described as an "HC7 in a big box", and this is more or less true. It is based on the HC7, same sensor, same lens, but in a big shoulder mount box. It looks the part as it is big; it performs like the HC7 which is good, but not as good as the FX1 or FX7.

[mylostmarbles]

Excellent knowledge you have, redsox_mark.
I'm going to make a decision this week, so there are several to compare:

Sony FX1
FX7
HVR-A1E
HVR-HD1000E
DCR-VX2100

Panasonic AG-DVC30

I guess any of these would be good for my purposes.

You help here has been extremely valuable to me. I would have been lost without it.
Many thanks for your time and knowledge here.