Lookin for an HD professional camera

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?
max $2000. it's ok if it's used

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?

film student. experience with super 8, 16mm, sony dcr vx 2100, canon hg10, gopro, etc
2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)
sony dcr vx 2100 (but trying to sell it). fish eye. canon hg 10, canon 40d, tripod

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)
mostly skiing but maybe some other stuff too (lifestyle, interviews, etc)

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

a camera that isnt impossible for the average person to use but not a necessity
6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)

follow cams and tri pods
7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.

editing with a mac book pro. have a decent amount of hard drive space.
7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)
final cut pro. (7)

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?
yes

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?
a little bit

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
a little bit

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?

yes
5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming
not the most difficult camera to use
 
New:panasonic hmc40

Used:panasonic hmc150

panasonic hvx200

canon xha1

As for HDDSLRs, check out a t2i setup, 2gs is a little low but you could get an okay setup, but if you're looking for something not as complicated as an HDDSLRs check out my recommendations.
 
If skiing is your primary purpose for your camera, I would recommend an HVX200. Ive seen some used for 2000. Actually most used are around 2000 and a used HVX is fine. Im not sure about the HPX170s. Those are going to be a little more.
People are going to disagree with me here (mainly the ones that only have dslrs) but they are not really intended for action sports, or really sports for that matter.
I own a DSLR and an HVX, and I still use my HVX as my primary angle for skiing. T2i is for set up shots, unique angles, lifestyles, shooting interviews (while using the HVX for audio XLR inputs), and other things.
Thats honestly my opinion. I didnt go through all of your answers but I did see your price range and skiing as your primary use.
I would get the HVX (probably the best camera set up for 2 grand right now) and save up for a HDSRL later.
 
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