What's your budget and how serious are you? Once I started filming with my mini Sony Handi-Cam I was hooked and the next season felt the need to upgrade. If you think that could happen to you, don't spend the money on a $600 camera and instead upgrade to pro equipment now. OR, maybe you're not the type to get carried away and you'll be very satisfied with a really great consumer camera and produce some really cool videos. If you have money and are easily hooked, spend the money for the pro equipment now.