Thoughts on Panasonic HVX200A camera

I love the camera...I love the format it shoots DVCPRO HD 4:2:2 Intra-Frame...vs long GOP 4:2:0 INTER-Frame. But I cannot argue that the EX3 shoots full raster 1920x1080 vs the HVX-200A and 1280x1080. And I cannot argue that the EX3 shoots a sharper and clearer image. But there is slight rolling shutter issues (that people have said they can live with). But it shoots a great image.

The HVX-200A also shoots a great image, although not QUITE as sharp (less scanlines), but is I-Frame and 4:2:2. The only thing that I don't like about the P2 workflow is the cost of the cards. BUT, with the new E-series cards, the cost has dropped significantly.

But I am a big fan of the workflow. That camera is what caused me to start my blog, www.LFHD.net. Read what i have to say about that camera and the workflow there...start at the beginnning.

Shane

Hi,

I love my HVX200, but if I were purchasing today, I would actually get an HPX-170,
which is rather like the next generation. Here's an excellent review:
http://www.kenstone.net/fcphomepage/hpx_170_evolutionbrockett.html

A big difference is that the HPX-170 does not have a miniDV drive.
Even though I do all my own work using the P2 cards, most of my paying jobs
want mini DVs. Go figure.

I have found the P2 workflow to be flawless.

The HVX-200, like any 1/3" sensor camera is noisy in low-light situations.
You get what you pay for.

The DVCPRO HD codec is fabulous, ready to edit, seems much nicer that Sony's HDV codec.

The only ergonomic problem I have with the HVX-200 is the orientation of the
menu navigtion buttons. They are hard to get used to, but once you start
shooting, you don't need to worry about them.

You can get more detailed opinions from www.hvxuser.com.

Cheerio,
Les

Hi,
The choice of a cemera always depends on many factors, which order of importance depend on the user experience and interest.
In a nutshell one of the main factors is the type of production the camera will be used for .
Since you are asking specifically about this camera:

Lets say (just as an example) you make a living mainly on live recordings.

The HVX is not the best choice for that although you can still do it providing yourself with 16/32GB cards or firestores (mmmmh a bit expensive). Also the HVX is not incredibly good with very low light.

However, apart from that, personally, I have no reason to complain about anything about the camera. It is simply an excellent camera, extremely versatile on many departments. I use it for Documentaries, Promos, Corporate, Music Videos, Shorts and even Animation. The HVX can shoot if you wish a single frame at a time and even one every several minutes (just as an example).
Color Space (4:2:2) gives you more freedom when colour correcting, the reds are unbelievably vivid. The camera allows you to setup 6 different scenes to use on specific occasions. Shoots DCPRO HD in dozens of flavours and even on Mini DV tape if you like (or downconvert from HD to DV on camera).
To list all the great features the camera has would require quite a bit of more time.

I have to acknowledge that the EX is an incredible camera too, I have recently Colour Graded a video for a client and had no issues at all in Color.

There is no way you’d make a mistake in buying an HVX unless the two scenarios described at the beginning of this post are frequent characteristic of your work.

At the end of the day it might be worth to hire/borrow the camera or both cameras one week or so and compare their pros and cons.

G.

The ergonomics on the EX1 and EX3 aren't very good. But the picture quality, low light performance and image controls are absolutely great, in my opinion. Get a great shoulder mount and most of the ergonomic woes go away or are diminished.

And, the SxS card fits in the new Mac laptops. And, with the MR reader technology, I have 16GB of memory for about $75. I have the Sony cards (two 8s and a 16) but the other two 16GB cards were the cheap fixture that accepts the SDHC chips. Great solution and very affordable!

And, the SxS card fits in the new Mac laptops.

Only the 17" model now. That slot has been removed on all the 15" models. Replaces with an SD card slot.

Ah the stupidity of it all.

Shane

Sigh. I haven't bothered to keep up with the latest and "greatest." Luckily, I bought my laptop at exactly the right time - mine has the ExpressCard slot AND Firewire.

If you're used to a real ENG chassis with a real lens that has hard stops, you're in for a learning curve. The ergonomics of these little wrist held camcorders has a lot to be desired but quite honestly the worst part is the lens.

I'm not one to recommend any Sony mpeg format over a Panasonic I-frame format but if you're really used to a full frame camera, the 170 will really disappoint in every way from an operational paradigm.