I think this is a fair comparison to do. At least from what I know about the new Canon. Any arguments? Fire away!

Market: both will be for the professional who shoots HD as for Independant Filmaking and Wedding / Documentary

HD format: both will record in HDV1080i, 1440x1080 MPEG2@25Mbps onto MiniDV tapes.

Cost: Z1 = $5000, Canon = $10,000 - $12,000 (may be lower).

Introduced: Z1 = November 2004, Canon = September 2005
On Sale/Available: Z1 = December 2004, Canon = ??

Lens: Z1 = 12x zoom, non-changable
Canon = 20x? interchangable? (assuming like the XL2)

Audio: both have dual XLR inputs

Controls: both have full manual controls

manual rings: Z1 = focus and zoom (separate)
Canon = focus and zoom (separate) and iris?

DVCAM: Z1 = yes, Canon = ??

50i/60i support: Z1 = yes, can record either 1080/50i or 1080/60i
Canon = ??

tape loading: both are tripod friendly