I have been looking for a digital camcorder that I could use for my senior thesis filming at school. I don't have a very large preference but I can just say if I had the money for an EX-1 I would not be posting here. I have been doing some research and I enjoy the features that the HVR-V1U offers as well as the convenience that the Canon HF-S10 and Sony HDR-XR520V offer. I have $3000 I am willing to spend on a camera right now. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with any of these cameras? Also, what is actually worth the money I have to spend? Thanks for your help!