In regard to the question on the Panasonic AG 1960's.
 
A friend of mine went the Panasonic route you're considering to
save off-line editing time on his freelance work.  He hates!
them.  The biggest problem being no preroll.  Everything is
a final edit.  You're better renting time.  I've seen vhs
off-line suites for $10-30/hr.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Julie