Depends what you are planning to do with the camera. Both cams are excellent pieces of kit.

I'd probably say, go PD170 because you can shoot on DVCAM, unless you are planning to use different lenses, in which case, you have to choose XL1. The lens issue is only of real concern if you're planning to shoot using anamorphic lenses or if you have shots which require specific focal lengths or more manual control.

Ben.

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