You're right - they are both very similar. You will not be disappointed if you just flip a coin and choose one that way. Of course Canon users will tell you that Canon is the way to go and Sony users will tell you Sony makes the better camera. I'm a JVC user so I'm neutral on the Canon/Sony/Panasonic issues. I've used all of them and still chose JVC. I find Canon's "frame mode" inferior to true progressive scan and I'm still not sure about the CMOS sensors the Sony has instead of the 1/3" CCD's on the Canon.

But the reality is, none of that makes either of them a bad camera. In my opinion having a fixed lens is the biggest drawback. Being able to rent top of the line lenses is (to me) very important. If a fixed lens is okay for you then it's time to flip that coin.

I am looking to purchase one of these cameras myself in the next few months. I used Sony & Canon dv cameras in college. I used the Canons for a few years after and the Panasonic DVX for a full year. I now own a Sony PD170, wishing I had purchased a Panasonic DVX of my own instead of the Sony. Most of my dislikes about the PD170 are fixed on the V1U. I love Canon cameras and own a lot of their DSLR stuff. If I had the cash, I'd buy the Pan HVX200, but I don't so I'm back to the Canon and Sony. Here's two links that have helped me. One is a chart outlining the specs side-by-side. The other link is a great review of the Canon, while comparing the Sony with it constantly.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HVR-V1U-Sony-HDR-FX7-HVR-Z1U-C...

http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=37997

In case you're wondering, I'm leaning toward the Canon right now. The major reasons are the CMOS sensors on the Sony, the iris ring on the Canon, the large lense on the Canon, great glass on the lens, and more.

Hi

I am a wedding video grapher. I have sony pd170, now its has some problem, during the shooting black line come in the footage. not in whole vidio but its come ang do, is any body know what s the problem.