I realise that this question is asked a lot, but what camera do you think is best for me (what best fits this criteria)?
Please keep in mind my budget is around US$1100-$1500 (closer to the bottom than to the top!).
Firstly, I will be editing on Final Cut Pro on a Mac, so my Camera will need to be digital with a firewire jack.
Secondly, I’m interested in shooting mostly low lighting and need a 3CCD chip.
Next, I want to manually focus the camera, but I also want an automatic function. Obviously, it would be best if the manual focus was in a convenient place so I can access it during filming. I also want a camera with the biggest optical zoom possible (although I realise that this level of camcorder will most likely be out of my budget), and if possible something with interchangeable lens’. It would be awesome to be able to control the shutter speed and the aperture as well.
Finally, I want a line in for the audio, so I don’t have to use the camera’s inbuilt microphone; and a line out because I need to be able to listen to what I am capturing. Is this possible?
Can anybody make any suggestions? What is the least I would expect to pay to get my wishes?
Thanks heaps for your help!

The least you would pay is probably around $800 (One of the Panasonic PVG series). Although I would recommend saving for something better.

Well, in your description, its sounds like your basically just asking for an XL series camera by Canon.

"and a line out because I need to be able to listen to what I am capturing. Is this possible?"

Its called a headphone port. All cameras have them. Check online and Ebay for a used XL1 or XL1s becuase it seems like that is what you want.

what do you need interchangeable lenses for? there's only like on camera that will do it that you can get.

also, you shouldn't use your camera as the firewire deck for you computer, just buy a seperate DV deck, they're pretty cheap nowadays, this is a great home deck:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=produ...Q=&sku=248591&is=REG