I plan to buy an FX1. I had considered Panasonic's new HVX200, but after reading some posts here about it, decided it could wait a while ($1700 P2 cards, Vegas support, not in full production yet, etc). Budget has to include some other items, so camera isn't the only consideration - the FX1 seems to be a reasonble compromise, with a full HD camera in the plans for later down the road. Should I be considering the Sony Z1 anyway and forgo my audio solution (below)?

I also want a higher end audio solution. I'm considering either a laptop (I have an RME Fireface 800 for I/O) or dedicated recorder such as the Fostex FR-2. The FR-2 is reported to have nice preamps, but reviews can be subjective, or based on limited experience with higher end gear. There are also other tradeoffs (portability, power vs. battery for outdoor shoots, etc)

Which route would you go?

Also, would you go lav or shotgun mic if you could get only one to start?

Here's the context - I'm starting a 3-4 month documentary project, gathering clips to be used in future projects, possibly for a few years to come (e.g. HDV for HD resolution, even if it isn't full HD - the client will be using SD for now, and possibly quite a while - this is just providing a little future proofing without breaking the bank up front).

I'm also adding either a dual core X2, dual opteron, or Opteron 170 (dual core Opteron, overclocked). Anyone tried a single Opteron 170 vs. an X2? Some users are reporting it's the way to go as it can overclock to 2.5Ghz, making it slightly faster than an X2 4600/4800, at 1/2 to 2/3 the price.