Camcorders: Student needs advice: Panasonic DVX100B need similiar

I hate to be the bearer of bad news,

but what you want, "something that can provide quality video like the DVX100A but of course at a lower cost", is the quality and features of a $3,000+ pro-grade camera at less than 1/3 the cost. That is just not possible.

The HV20 and HV30 are fine consumer camcorders that can shoot in standard definition and high definition - and the least expensive camcorders available that can do 24p, but the Canon cams:
1) have lenses that are much smaller,
2) their imaging chips are also much smaller (both of which will result in lesser low-light capability compared to the DVX100 cams),
3) have an external mic connection that is 1/8" (so you need an XLR adapter to use good mics - look into BeachTek and juicedLink),

And while the Panasonics do standard definition and not high definition, you have experienced how good standard def can be with the right tools. The manual controls on the Panasonics much easier to get to and use and they provide a lot more flexibility and control in the other selectable options - as compared to the Panasonic DVX100 series.

Perhaps your campus has cameras available for signing out... or there is a rental shop nearby as you save your money for a higher level camera more suited to your "film/broadcast" major. If "CSU" (your handle) means "California State University" and if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, have you looked into Film Arts? http://www.filmarts.org/home.php - I understand they have a pool of available rental equipment... And I presume there are similar non-profit organizations throughout the US. I realize this is not as flexible as having your own gear, but it is another resource worth considering.

That said, the Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9 are most likely your best bets for immediate (ownership) gratification. They are the least expensive camcorders with manual audio control (and mic-in jack).