Some fear it , others don't understand it, but there is no mistake that Sony have got an absolute cracker with the XDCAM PMW EX1 and PMW EX3 camera range.
Despite seeing similar sized Sony badged cameras about, these models are the first compacts that are engineered by Sony Broadcast Division. All previous compacts were designed and made by the domestic and Prosumer department.
The XDCAM EX range shoots to high Speed SXS memory chips. They are not a compromised bit of kit, but a sophisticated evolution of High Definition shooting.
The clearest cut example is as follows
Sony HDcam - Cine Alta - shoots 1440 res and upconverts to 1920
Panasonic - shoots down around 900 and does a wild upconvert
JVC - just does not do it yet - stuck in 720P land
Sony EX series HD Cameras shoot TRUE 1920 full resolution.
The Ex's shoot stunning clean images as true 1080P, which is a film like look. With a little experimentation, you can tweak a supercharged look in a relatively short space of time.
Check out Some of the stunning image examples from well respected Cinematograper Phillip Bloom. At this posting the EX3 was not yet released, but the EX1 is emersed in action now.
http://philipbloom.co.uk/Philip_Bloom/XDCAMEX3.html