Hi all. Looking for some advice. I've browsed the forums and found some of my answers but still have a couple more.

I've been doing some documentary filming, totaly amature stuff trying to move my hobby to a craft. I've been using a sony minidv camcoder, which surpisingly, has done well for me.

I am now ready to take things to the next level. I do 90% outdoor filming with wildlife. The other 10% is split with both indoor and outdoor interview type clips.

I know one camera probably will not do it all, but hoping to get close. I've sort of ruled out hard drive type systems as I am in the woods for several days at a time. I'd rather carry extra tape when needed.

I was looking at the Cannon XL2, but I am not sure if that is what would be best with all the prices coming down.

Here are my needs:

Flexible as possible.

Medium light conditions.

External Mic.

Would like some flexibility with lenses but a decent med range fixed would be ok.

I am not if I want to go High Def yet. The quality seems amazing. It also seems you need to spend some money to get a good picture. Is that true?

I've got around $3,000 for the base camera in the budget.

Any suggestions? Any questions?

ANY help would be appreciated!!

Regards,

Robert