I’d like to read some user comments on the recently introduced AVHCD codecs
in this board. Is it already worthwhile to go for that technology or do you still
have to sacrifice a huge quality loss compared to HDV ?

Currently none of the introduced AVCHD camcorders can match the sensor-size
of the tape based HDV models. That is effecting noise and low-light capabilities.
Two very important factors for uw-videographers.

What do you think?

So far everything seems to indicate that it is not quite there yet (AVHCD) though I may have missed a camera that is it doing it better at this time.  Of course that can change quickly in this arena but right now none of the cameras make me want to jump out and change off of my HC-3.  Though the HC-3 has limits for a camra in it’s price/size range it does fine by me.  Anything out there seems to be a relatively small improvement in the grand scheme of things (meaning a whole new rig). 

Right now I have the HC-3 and a couple of back-ups in case any of them die since the camera is not made anymore.  I am going to hold on awhile longer until some of the Compact Flash/SD type models really take hold and jump to those - the cards will take up less room than tape and with a still and video rig it does present a challenge I prefer carrying my tapes and not checking them so my carry-on space gets used up fast.