Sony's hdr-ax2000 makes for an impressive prosumer-level avchd camcorder. while not as decked out as the hxr-nx5u (its nxcam pro counterpart), it's a clear step up from its hdv predecessor, the hdr-fx1000. the camera's ability to capture hd and sd video in avchd and mpeg-2 formats--and save it to solid state media--is only one of the traits distinguishing it from its tape-based forebearer. full 1920 x 1080 hd video--which can be recorded at 60i, 30p and 24p--is another. the footage is saved to either memory stick pro duo or sd/sdhc cards, then easily downloaded to computer for editing via usb 2.0 interface.