There is no doubt that the XL1S is a top camera. The only feature it lacks is the ability to film in widescreen. i would keep looking, there are other cameras on the market that will offer you as much and more than the XL1S. Find out where your nearest pro video store is by looking through the phonebook or checking out a production magazine. bear in mind that a good film is not only the camera, but a good tripod and lighting etc. Just to let your know i am not sure if you will need it, but the mini dv tape format is the lowest quality digital "braodcast" format around. the other formats are dvc pro, (variation on the mini dv format comes in about 3 varieties) Digi beta dv cam and HD cam are all superior (although more expensive formats) also dvd cams are lower quality (marginally) than mini dv