Which camcorder ?

My old Canon MV4i camcorder is going to retire, after 5 years...
I was quite happy with that, except 2 years ago the tape gear had to be fixed, and again couple weeks ago it stopped working and I decided not ot fix it (but I'm still using the MV4i as a A/D converter).
I'm actually ready to buy a new Canon MVX4i (Optura 600), mainly because it has all the features my old MV4i had, plus many more: 4 Mpx camera, much better video quality (I read about - not tried myself) etc.
But I also learned from this forum that many Canon cameras have reduced firewire capabilities (I had no problem with MV4i), mainly if daisy chained to a LaCie drive, and that Sony or Panasonic or other cameras are as good as or better than Canon's.
So my questions are:
- is anybody using Optura 600/MVX4i with FCE and is happy with it?
- does anybody have different suggestions about?
- what about the Sony PC330E and PC350E?
- and about the JVC GR-D650EX?
Thanks a lot for any hint
Piero
My basic requirements are:
- a PAL DV camcorder with video quality possibly better than the MV4i - HDV not required
- working flawlessly with FCE 3.5 (capture, print to video, etc.)
- same form factor (small...)
- with DV IN/OUT and Analog to Digital converter
- a price around 800-900 euros (less than 1000 $)
Other features, like the embedded 4 Mpx still camera, are welcome but not basic for my choice.

Piero,
I use Canon cameras and like them a lot.
I have problems dumping footage through a FireWire drive onto the FireWire drive, but that's about it. To work around this problem, I've purchased another internal media drive and use USB 2 external drives. I also use Final Cut Pro, and I don't know if that is going to make a big difference.
A Canon camera I suggest you check out is the GL2. I have been really impressed with it and have had it for 5 years now. I have found it on-line for about $1,200 (that's US), so it's around the same price range. But that's me, and if you love the Optura, stick with it.
I'll be the first to tell you that I have not used the Sony or JVC cameras and so can't help you there.
Hope that helps.
~Luke

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    Message was edited by: Lorna from Hawaii
    Message was edited by: Lorna from Hawaii

    /I guess, this will be a record-breaking Lorna-twitters-thread.. /
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    If this is a time sensitive-matter, additional support options are available at Contact Us.
    Did this answer your question? Please click the Accept as Solution button so that others may find the answer as well.

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