hdr-ax2000

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We currently use 2 PD170's. We do imag and recording via firewire to computers, I like file based recording over tapes for the convenience.

My problem is I'm constantly having issues with this recording setup. The firewire cable drops the connection if it isn't in just right, or if you move the wrong way. Often, even if the connection stays good I still end up with dropped frames, possibly hundreds of them.

I'm researching cameras with file based recording built in, hoping to get $$$ sometime in the future. As far as I've found, the hdr-ax2000 seems to be the current equivalent to the PD170. These are the features I'm looking at. 1.5 lux vs 1 lux on the PD..I need excellent low light performance. Records to SD card. A major plus. No more firewire and computers. HD. Not a necessity but if I'm going to get new cameras I may as well go HD.

If there is a file based, low light, SD camera out there for substantially less money, I'd have to consider that as well.

My point in this post: I have no HD experience. Can I use this camera to record HD but send SD 4:3 over the SVideo simultaneously? Upgrading the projectors and mixers to HD is not an option. I'm currently using RCA on the PD, but my mixers (Edirol V4 and V have Svideo inputs so I could use those with the AX2000.

Are there any other issues or recommendations someone can offer?

Thanks