The case of most start up hobbyist is better served with a more liberally defined DSLR. 1DC and c50 would not be the idea. Sony almost get it right with the A99. It had the small focus fellow focus wheel ( its on that AF switch ) What it need is a Video specific manual mode, and Variable ND can be had via filter placed in front of the lens.
That stated, there need to be a rethink of the compact setup. The BMCC essentially point us to a sample. But this is hardly good for most hobbyist. Ditto with GH3, but I am hoping that Sony would take the current NEX format ( the 5, 6, & 7 series ) and expolate from there instead. They won;t be the light of such to replace say VG series, but with enough of customization, firmware, and lens that support. it can be made a setup
Canon's sin is also what they used to do well ( in term of photographic equipment ) .. that is they aim for a platform that decently work well for most, but not excel at any. And this approach is hurting them. Cause the 5D-II really break new ground and establish a new threshold, and that threshold is now exploded in numerous fashion to suite vastly different clientele with product that cater. The one size trying to fit all at that price bracket is not going to work, unless that new threshold is archived on all the performance and feature ground. I would say Canon know about this also, but being Japanese, corporate and notably also conservative. Their response is the C series and not seeing the indie / hobbyist / dedicated Amateur as much ( well I guess they do now )