This is the top of the line in the Vixia series right now. 32GB onboard memory, an excellent lens, better resolution, face recognition, external mike plug, pretty much all you could ever want for non-professional video. An excellent camera for the budding independent filmmaker;

Your images will look great, but the sound is just okay. If you are outside with a breeze or there are lots of distracting noises, you really need an external mike. This one plugs directly into the accessory shoe, and is ready to go. (Note: there is also a stereo miniplug that allows you to connect your own external mike. I like this one because it fits the camera nicely.)

You'll probably want a battery charger as well - yes, I know this is all starting to add up. But still, it is useful to be able to charge one battery while you are filming with the other. Also, I like to charge with a charger so as to minimize any unnecessary wear on the camera - use that just for filming and nothing else.

This telephoto lens will allow you to get even closer to the action. The HF10 gives you 12x zoom, and this 1.5x converter will allow you to bring it up to 18x zoom. (Once again, this is good for the 37mm Vixia HF10, HF100, etc. and NOT for the 58mm Vixia HFS10 or HFS100)

If you shell out for your fancy camcorder, you've got to protect it. This is the best bag I've found for my Vixia HF10. It holds the camera, the optional microphone, an extra battery, the plug, extra SDHC cards, the remote. And it protects them well - it is solid on the outside and soft on this inside.

I can't speak for PC users, but it is worth knowing that you really need to have an Intel-based Mac if you want to do anything with AVCHD video. This is the Mac I wish I had.

While iMovie does just fine, for serious editing you really ought to look into Final Cut Express 4. What I really like about it is its ability to work with different file types on the same timeline. (It can handle AVCHD files by itself, and you don't need Toast if you have this.)