If you asked that question five years ago, it would of been adats. Even then the real professionals were still using reel to reel.
Also around that time I think Pro tools was starting to take over. I think what a studio needs is compatibility with the standard and in studios Pro tools are becoming the standard.
So I think you should invest in a digi 002. I hear it sounds great and have a mixing board which should give you some analog like control with your mixes. Even then you can load it up on a big HD system for better mixing or what not.
A digi 001 is even a good choice esp for price. You need a pretty decent computer for both systems though. Macs are preferrable.
They also have standalone hard disk recorders like the vs 2480's. I think they're more designed for someone who moves around alot and don't need all the mixing capabilities of a pro tools system.
Other people have different opinions but I can tell you this, things will eventually change especially now we are sh-- deep in the computer age. In the next ten years expect a lot of new stuff entering the market that will become tomorrows standard.
