A couple of comments.
There is a perception that a CMOS sensor is inferior to a CCD. That is not correct. As an example all of the Canon digital SLRs use CMOS. Sony also use CMOS in some of their better camcorders and will soon use them with still cameras as well.
If anyone is after a solid state camcorder similar in quality to the best domestic tape (Mini DV ) variety, the Panasonic HDC SD5 is the best so far.