I need to decide which camera to buy.

AG-HVX200?
pros: DVCPRO HD
cons: no HDV

Canon XH-G1?
pros: HD-SDI out + HDV option
cons: dunno (is HD-SDI the same as DVCPRO HD?)

Sony HVR-V1U?
pros: HDV + I like the saturated colour using one of their presets
cons: no HD-SDI/DVCPRO HD as far as I know.

I will NOT use any of the advanced features of any of these cameras. The most I'll use be the ND filters, saturation setting, video gain, audio gain, XLR inputs and 16:9 recording (which all of the cameras provide).

Any input?

AG-HVX200?
pros: Overcranking, DVCPROHD has more color and luminance than HDV, and is an i-frame codec, P2 workflow is fast and easy for studio work. Nice lens controls.
cons: P2 is a limited and expensive workflow and requires external form of archiving as you cannot shoot to P2 and tape (as HD) at the same time. A tad bulky and heavy. 12x zoom.

Canon XH-G1?
pros: Superior Optics. 20x zoom. Outstanding OIS. HD-SDI out + HDV option at the same time. Detailed color control in camera via presets. True 1920x1080 chip, the only camera on this level (along with the H1 and A1) that offer this. All others offer some sort of pixel shifting.
cons: Can't zoom and focus at the same time, or use zebras and focus point at the same time. HD-SDI is 13gb per minute. HDV has less color and luminance than DVCPROHD. (You asked if HD-SDI was the same as DVCPRO HD, and the answer is no. HD-SDI is superior, but DVCPROHD very easy to use and takes less space. If you had huge hard drive arrays, shooting the G1 out to Firestore via HD-SDI would be higher quality than the Sony CineAlta in pure numbers.)

Sony HVR-V1U?
pros: HDMI is a very nice alternative to HD-SDI - can shoot that and HDV at the same time. Doesn't have the uber clean look of older Sony's but has a nice film like look. New CMOS chips have less smearing or banding. Nice 20x zoom lens. Nice overcranking (at image degragation, about down to SD quality).
cons: At least one stop less light than either the HVX or G1. Noisy in really low light, but not as bad as some would lead you to believe. Some people complained about problems with early versions, but the 2nd round is shipping so this should be better. You said no HD-SDI/DVCPRO HD as far as I know. This is true, however Sony has an excellent system allowing you to write to hard drive in a new HDMI interface to Mt2 codec that is arguably superior to DVCPROHD. It is however proprietary - Only Sony.

You noted:

"I will NOT use any of the advanced features of any of these cameras. The most I'll use be the ND filters, saturation setting, video gain, audio gain, XLR inputs and 16:9 recording (which all of the cameras provide)."

You left out the Canon A1, which pound for pound, I like the most of this bunch. Also, take a look at the Panasonic P2 system and if it's right for you. If it is, then it may be what you need.

What may mean most to you is how the camera feels in your hands, how you like tweaking with it, shooting with it. The ergonomics and design, as the quality of the image from all three is very similar to one another.

I should note that while I have used all of these cameras at least a little (including the CineAlta!) I do not own any of them, and don't claim to be an expert with any of them. Just one who tries to keep informed.

thank you very much for the info. Any info is better than none and yours are very helpful.

AG-HVX200 this panasonics latest for that price range?

Your written Con for the HVX200 is kinda weird with HDV. DVCPRO HD is far superior than HDV so I would say a con about the HVX200 is the price of P2 Card technology. Firestore is a better option.

I own the HVX great camera and for newest technology for the industry it is affordable where as the canon is 4000 dollars more.