Hi
it sounds to me that you guys are not really answering the question (or maybe I´m off the mark).
Sounds like the question is how it is to operate the two cameras.
To start off, I have only used the PD170, but the HDV series seems very simmilar in lay out
I have to say from that perspective the XL2 is far superior. It gives a more proffesional experience when you are shooting with the camera, read: comortable.
The viewfinder is better placed and can be adjusted. I also find the menu easier accessible.
The one drawback I can think of on the top of my head was that the iris controller became loose and it was difficult to set the F-stop. That´s a design flaw in my opinion, they should have used a wheel instead of the trip switch the are currently using
That said, I don´t own any of the two cameras, and are starting a documentary soon and it looks like we will be using the Sony HDV.
Good luck with your purchases