I need some advice

Buy an HMC 150. Learn to use it and you will learn to love all the things it comes with that you will have to work around if you go the DSLR route. DSLRs including my GH1 are great for some work, but solid viewfinder configuration, zoom lens,good audio connectors as well as built in mics, flexibility in the number of looks and shutter options, tons of reasonably priced accessories that will move to your next camera and of course the support of this group, for a few bucks Barry's book and you are off and running on your own without a cage, a mess of cables and work-arounds. It is nice to take your camera out of the bag, turn it on and shoot, not often the case with DSLRs. IMHO
Brian
 
I sold my HPX170 for a GH2 and AF100, and for your uses I think you would be much happier with the GH2. With the money you save get yourself a real nice zoom, and you should be good to go. With your stated preferences I really think you would be going the wrong direction with the HPX/EX1 type camcorder. The GH2 is an incredible little camera, with great resolution, surprisingly impressive audio, and is really fun to work with, and the tiny form factor is great for those who just want to go people watch/record for fun without anyone knowing you are recording, plus you can take great quality pictures too since you stated you enjoy photography.

Since you stated that you aren't doing this professionally, more of a hobby... There is no reason that you will need a slew of extra accessories to make this camera function in the way you intend to use it. The EVF is fantastic, you don't need an external monitor, but if you wanted one this DSLR would allow you to use it. You don't need a shoulder rig for your shooting purposes and I'm sure you already invested in a tripod, and if you get paying gigs down the road, pick up the accessories you need then.

IMO at this point in your career I would keep some of your money and put it in some sort of time locked investment like a 6-month CD. Shoot with the camera for six months with just a basic setup. Then when you have had time to get frustrated with certain things on your camera, begin to add accessories to correct the problems YOU have frustrations with. There is no point buying a whole slew of accessories because a bunch of people on this forum said you need a mattebox, shoulder rig, followfocus, 6 primes, 3 cine zooms, and a TON of cabling to make this camera perform like the HPX170. Don't waste money on accessories now, then turn around and sell them "barely used" for less than you paid for them. Make money while you learn the camera and settle into your own shooting style.
 
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