Hi everybody!

I have decided to finally upgrade to a HD camcorder. However, a lot of searching and comparing has left me more frustrated than before. Viewfinders seem to have definitely gone out of style, instead casings so small and slim I wonder how to even keep them upright for a hand shot are obviously the latest craze. So I am begging for some help to send me on the right track.

I have decided on full HD/AVCHD. Some manufacturers seem to cover both 25p/50i and 30p/60i formats according to specs. Is this realistic or only possibilities that crumble down to this side of the Atlantic versus that side of the Atlantic again? I thought the AVCHD standard including all possible formats was finally bringing this PAL/NTSC problem to an end or am I on the wrong track again? Could somebody please enlighten me? (I would like to preset recording format as needed.)

Basics needed:
- A viewfinder is absolutely essential which seems to exclude most consumer products. (How on earth can anybody do without???)
- I am a fan of automatic controls, but want to be able to turn them off if needed. (Mainly focus and exposure, I can cope with the rest.)

Wants:
- Remote control should be possible from tripod. Used to be the LANC plug, but the Canon that has it states it to be pc remote control only. (What on earth is the difference between remote control and remote control? Makes me wonder.) I assume the plug works like it always did if it is there? Anybody tried?

Does anybody know of or even have a camera that might suit my needs and whims, then please speak up and let me have your input. I’d be very much interested in your on-hand experiences and I would appreciate a push in the right direction too.

Regards,
Chris