Camera Joys...

I have to say.  I love cameras.  I got my first still camera when I was 4 and I have been an avid voyeur ever since.  There's just something about the way the world looks when framed in a rectangular box that has revealed a deeper truth for me about the way things work. 

*lovely*

So I am now currently in the market for a new camera.  I own a Sony VX-2000 and it has served me well for the past 6 years.  I am thinking about upgrading to HDV but I'm not sure if the technology is quite there yet.  Been looking at the Sony Z-1U and the FX-1 but am not totally sold on the lack of 24p mode.  Then there's the Panasonic 100a but that doesn't do HDV.  Argh.  So many cameras, so little time.  Does anyone have any firsthand recommendations for cameras under 5k? 

*sigh*  dv technology makes me drool...