i always check out sites like cnet before i leap-
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camc...-33485103.html
mediocre rating on this sony
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camc...-33529396.html
very good rating on the panasonic
This is KEY-The TM300 and HS300 share the same higher-end features as the HS100--manual focus ring, EVF, accessory shoe, and microphone input, so you might consider the HS300.
its 900 bucks, but getting a good mic input (so you have option for a beachtek type XLR device for superior sound) is worth another few hundred.
also, dont know where you buy from, but B&H photo new york rocks.