Finally. The wait is over. Panasonic has announced the release date for the Panasonic HVX200 – December 29. Ever since they released the final HVX200 specs a month ago, there’s been a lot of talk but most doubted that Panasonic will make their self-imposed deadline – 2005.
Along with the date there’s plenty of HVX200 related news as well.
First of all, actual footage from the HVX200 has been released. You can visit DVXUser or go directly to the download link.
HVX200 frame rates have been confirmed for 720p: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, and 60 FPS.
P2 memory has been confirmed as the only format cabable of handling DVCPRO HD and the various frame rates. There’s some hope that as early as Spring 2006, there will be hard drives that will be able to handle it. Right now, an 8GB chip will store about 20 minutes of 720/24p. (USB 1.1 vs USB 2.0 speed comparison).
True 24P: this is the best feature for indie filmmakers. Instead of the 3:2:2:3 pulldown, the HVX200 uses true 24p (or more accurately 23.98 fps).
For additional info, read the FAQ at Panasonic.
I’d say we got a winner!
The Panasonic site has been down today so I’ve copied the FAQ below as well:
AG-HVX200 FAQ
How is DVCPRO HD different than other HD formats?
There are several HD formats in the industry, namely D-5 HD, HDCAM, HDV and others that can be classified as either an intermediate codec, like one that may be used in the editing domain. DVCPRO HD’s main characteristics are 100 Mbps, frame independent resolution (intraframe recording), 4:2:2 color sampling, and the use of metal particle tape or solid-state memory P2 cards.
What are the benefits of solid-state technology?
Because solid-state recording does away with the parts that are found on traditional tape mechanisms, it has a quiet operation; is virtually maintenance-free; and can be used in extreme and harsh environments.
What signals does the HVX200 record?
This camera handles standard-definition in 3 modes: DV and DVCPRO (which are 25 Mbps) and DVCPRO50, which as the name implies, is 50 Mbps, which is also 4:2:2 and has been compared favorably with DigiBeta. It also handles DVCPRO HD high-definition at 100 Mbps in 1080i or 720p, recording onto P2 cards.
Does the HVX200 record still images?
The HVX200 can do a single frame capture in the intervalometer section of the camera. If you use an NLE application, you will be able to select that frame on the timeline and export it as a single still frame.
Does the HVX200 support NTSC and PAL signals?
There will be two versions of this camera; one to support the NTSC market, and one to support the PAL market.
What frame rates does the HVX200 support?
In 720p mode this camera handles: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60 fps.
How does the HVX200 record 24P?
It shoots every frame as a progressive frame, so it is true 24P (more accurately known as 23.98 fps). In most recording modes, duplicate frames are added in a 2:3 or a 2:3:3:2 pull-down cadence and the progressive frames are divided into two fields in order to conform to existing interlace 29.97 formats. The 2:3 mode follows all of the conventions of film to tape transfer, so that the recorded material can be treated as a film transfer or in the 2:3:3:2 mode it can be extracted for 24 frame editing. In the 720p “Native Capture” mode only flagged frames are captured with 23.98 time code; these files are directly compatible with a 720p 24-frame timeline, and require only 40% of the P2 disk space of 720p 60 fps or 1080i HD recording.
What type of lens does the HVX200 have?
It has a wide-angle Leica Dicomar high definition lens with optical image stabilizer (which can be turned off). It has a 13X zoom range, or rather 4.2mm to 55mm in focal length; widest aperture is F1.6.
What size is the 3-CCD imager?
The imagers are 1/3″ CCD, 16:9 native aspect ratio. These are scanned and captured at 1080p/60, and the signal is then converted to 1080i, cross converted to 720p or down converted to 480p/480i, or cross converted for the many modes on this camera. This assures the highest quality of recording.
Is the HVX200 16:9 or 4:3?
The HVX200 has 16:9 native imagers, and it is capable of recording 4:3 video in any of the standard definition modes.
What are the size and resolution of the LCD display?
The size is 3.5″ and the resolution is 210,000 pixels. There are two focus assist modes available; one will zoom in on the center of the picture and give a 2X zoom of that image, so that focusing can be checked even during record. There is also a peaking circuit to aid in determining proper focus.
What resolution is the viewfinder?
235,000 pixels. It has the same focusing assist functions as the 3.5″ LCD.
Does the HVX200 have manual or automatic focus?
Both manual and automatic focus are available. You can also adjust focus manually while the auto focus is working.
Does the HVX200 have manual or motorized zoom?
Like the DVX100, the HVX200 has both manual and motorized zoom options. Unlike many “prosumer” camcorders, the HVX200 has a mechanical zoom movement rather than an optically coupled system, snap zooms are a real possibility.
What is the zoom range of the HVX200?
13X 4.2-55mm
What video inputs and outputs does the HVX200 have?
It pretty much covers the range of needed inputs and outputs, as it has HD Component Analog, 1080i, 720p, cross-converted 720p-1080i, 480i (D4) output, Composite input/output, S-Video input/output, Standard IEEE 1394 interface and USB 2.0.