i used for some time a canon xl1 and it did had a 24 fps mode... (i suppose you then have to capture it at 24 to get 24 fps on editing, else youll get an extra interpolated frame...)
and the 16:9 mode was so crappy that almost halved the resolution... also the ultrasonic focus and zoom was way too sloooow than direct mechanical....and the iris was placed on a weird place... (you can assume i didnt liked it a lot)maybe the new model (s) resolved those problems? (i doubt it)

I agree that lighting and post are the keys to the look... remember to make a good (ot tricked out if you want...) white and black balance to put the camera on the right color range for the scene...


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ahhh good ol´ betacam...