Recently got my hands on one of thems XL-H1’s…

 At first, not to impressed. I’ve worked with the Regular XL-1 now for a few years and just keep going back to what a crappy camera it is. Don’t take me too seriously, they are nice cameras… Just not as nice as some of their alternatives (for the same price too).

 Upgrades from the XL-1:

 HD (duhh), True 16:9 (not animorphic like the xl-1), a hyped up view finder (which is really a nice little 1.5 inch screen) the other xl-1’s sucks, faster response times on the lens zoom/focus getto digital motorized rings (still not mechanical), and a nice black matte finish (as opposed to the fisher price shiny plastic on the xl-1)

 Go with the Panasonic. Bigger isn’t always better, just more crap on your shoulder really…