Mariana,(posted 9255 days ago)Rent one for a day. You'll be blown away. I "test drove" one at a Film Tradeshow in LA earlier this year. I bought one October 10th, 1998 after scraping up $4,700 (eh, a few accessories, too). I've been making money ever since. Picked up $1250.00 over the last weekend shooting a promo video for a local dance company. They needed Betacam SP quality and the Xl1 delivers.
If pulling focus is needed, there areat least 3 fixes I know of right now. All involved modified video camera or 35 MM lenses. I suspect more are right around the corner.
Support is something you'll need also. Canon recently mailed me a letter enrolling me in the "Canon XL1 owners club". Camera break? They'll fix AND return it within 5 days. Need replacement while yours is being repaired? They supply FREE shipping case and replacement camera while yours is down! Know anybody else who will do that?
This is a great camera - check it out!
teddy J.