Sure there are better high-definition camcorders out there, but if you're just an average consumer like most of us and aren't running a national news studio or filming a big-budget action thriller, the Canon XL-H1S should be more than sufficient at meeting your videography needs.
I have spent entire weekends shooting hours and hours of gorgeous footage, and after editing it together on my computer and viewing the finished product, I have been consistently blown away by the outstanding sound and picture quality the XL-H1S provides.
This camcorder is equipped to handle any professional-grade attachment you can throw at it -- portable microphones, expandable battery packs and memory cards, filters, lenses, etc. -- and is all extremely user-friendly. I stand by my purchase of this product and have thus far loved every minute I have spent using it. The Canon XL-H1S comes highly recommended.