Need a new camcorder.

My GH2 isn't delivering the fast autofocus my old camcorder does.

Strange, because every review I read said it had crazy fast AF!

Anyhow, I'd like to get a new camcorder. One with really fast autofocus and maybe manual aperture control? Every time I do a close up with my Sony Bloggie camcorder, the background will get EXTREMELY overexposed/washed out. Especially if it's a white background.

Is there anything that would be an upgrade for $500 or less?