3ccd still a good option?

Hi, i got a sony hc40 wich is about to die and im ready to get a new camera, i do mostly funny videos to show my friends, but im really into gadgets and i like having the newest things even when i dont need them (i know im wrong but i cant help it), at the moment i edit my videos with a 17' 1.67 powerbook with 2 gigs of ram and a 17' core duo imac with also 2 gigs of ram.

The thing is, should I get a 3ccd camera (im thinking panasonic PV GS320) or go with an HD camera like the hv20 or sony hc7? Im planing on buying a MacPro in the next couple of months, but i dont think im going to be doing any HD soon, but it would be nice to be a little future-proof, what do you guys think?
Are the hv20 and hc7 as good as the GS320 when recording in SD?
Money is not a problem .

Thanks in advance.

I would think getting a 3CCD camera would still be a fine choice. I'd consider waiting a little while if you decide you want to go the HDV route, since some new technology may be released in the next year that will drive the prices of those down further.

I would also recommend a Canon GL2 or a Sony VX2100. The GL2 is a amazing fixed-lense 3CCD camera and you can find them in the $1,500 range if you know where to look...

There's an amazing difference with 3CCD. Especially good if you want to do bluescreen/greenscreen effects or colour grading in your footage! :-D

I wouldn't get anything but 3ccd camera, either 3ccd hd, or 3ccd sd, it should be 3ccd.

Heres a comparison between 3-CCD and 1-CCD.

1-CCD:


3-CCD:


I found these photos and a full comparison here: http://www.jakeludington.com/project_studio/20040329_1ccd_vs_3ccd_dv_cam_shootout.html

I use a Panasonic GS-500. For the money it is a great camera. When I bought it, I knew that HD would cost me $200 to $300 more, but I also had no HD TVs at the time, and no export method, (You could get a $600 Blue Ray Burner...lol). So 3-CCD is the way to go....

Thank you all for the replies, one more thing....how good are the hv20 and hc7 when shooting SD compared to the panasonic gs320?