XL-1 and ZR60

I would have to say that the biggest difference between the family camera and something like the XL-1 is 3CCD's compared to 1.

The XL1 maximizes the capability of the DV format by using a 3CCD system with a separate CCD for each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction suitable for the demands of the high-end production field - wide dynamic range, low color noise, natural color resolution and low aliasing. This came from the Canon Website, click here for more.

The ZR60, features a high-performance 1/6" 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high quality video and digital photos. There is no need to carry both video and photo cameras with the ZR60. This came from the Canon Website, click here for more.

Also just the size of the cameras is a big difference.

Also the audio options are good. One can use regular XLR microphones or a boom/shotgun mic, or even wireless lavs.

The XL series of cameras allows for a mulitude of options.

The GL series is also not a bad way to go either, if price is the biggest selling point. Learn more here. GL-1, GL-2.

If Nick keeps doing small movies and stuff I think the ZR60 suits him fine, i'm sure that's not what he wants to hear...I think he could be a little more creative with some of the features available on the more expensive cams, and the quality might be a little bit better, but post production can take care of alot of that stuff... Avid has a new Free version of their software out, it has minimal features but maybe it is something he can tryout and see if he likes it.

I think that depending on how serious Nick is about upgrading he should save up some money and contribute to the purchase...I purchased my camera and laptop. Just a thought.

Let me know if you need more...