yeah i do like the xl2 VERY VERY much...

about the 24p pretty much all the higher end 3-chips should have it. My dad filmed my brother's graduation w/ a DVX100A in 24p and it looks sooooooo much better than 60i. So you are definately on track if you want 24p. The main reason I like the XL2 so much compared to the DVX is that they actually cost avout the same once you tack on the $700 anamorphic to the DVX. The lack of LCD is a big prob though... the viewfinder flips open to become a 2" LCD, but thats not a whole lot compared to some the typical LCD screens seen on even consumer level cameras. Youre beef on this issue is definately well placed...

If you dont need widescreen, by all means, the DVX is the best bet 100% yadda yadda indeed no doubt. But if you're pro enough to want 24p, surely widescreen is one of those...."of course" thingies..

however... if youre buying a camera after this july and you can afford the xl2... look out for the JVC GYHD100U. tis crazy. I would love to have that camera WAY more than the XL2. Just wish it would come out sooner .......

According to the revies ive read, the DVC7 gets REALLY REALLY good resolution/quality in high light envirnoments (outdoors). So if thats your gig, its a really good buy. I dont think it does 24p though. I could be wrong...

about not trusting prices-- youre RIGHT. Dont trust any price thats too good to be true. Its not. They send you a cam w/ no lens, no viewfinder, no batteries, no cables and no warranty. And they try to force you into getting all sorts of accessoriees which double the cost of your order... yeah its ugly. The only people I buy from is B&H Photo Video. It may not be quite as cheap, but its a good price for the service etc yo get. wait... I may have said that before in another post. ah whatever. I guess by now everyone knows:loki likes xl2's from B&H lol.

good luck with the new cam!