Finally! The specs for the Panasonic HVX200 have been sent to a couple of review sites. If you’re in a video production company or (even better) an aspiring filmmaker, you should start taking notes.
Update: You can already get REAL footage from the HVX200, even footage at 60p (frame rates supported by HVX200). The camera should be available in stores, so you might also want to get my recommendations for accessories for HVX200.
Here’s a summary of the important features introduced with the new Panasonic HVX200. I’ll prioritize them for you.
Variable frame rates
Panasonic HVX200 supports a variety of frame rates just like Panasonic’s Varicam (AJ-HDC27). In 720p, the HVX200 records not only in the most popular 24p, 30p, and 60p, but almost any rate between 4 and 60 as well. One limitation is that his flexibility is reserved for 720p.
When we jump up to 1080p, the camera still delivers TRUE 24p – which is amazing considering none of the HDV cams in the same price range support it. Click here for more on HVX200 frame rates.
Robust format
Panasonic HVX200’s HD format is called DVCPRO-HD. The difference between DVCPRO-HD and HDV is about 4 to 1 in terms of data throughput. DVCPRO-HD supports data rates of up to 100Mbps. This allows the camera to record video without applying as much compression as the HDV cameras do. Another advantage in terms of format is the support of 4:2:2 color space – again linked to the 100Mbps allowance. The DVCPRO-HD has been around for several years and has been used in the Varicam.
In addition to the HD format, Panasonic HVX200 also supports standard DV, as well as DVCPRO50 (Panasonic’s more professional DV format with a much lower compression ratio).
Tapeless recording (P2)
The argument tape vs, memory is still raging on. On the negative side, memory is very expensive compared to tape. An 8GB P2 chip that can hold about 10 minutes of HD (depending on frame rate) is going to cost you $1,700. On the positive, it’s quick, durable, and best of all – bound to become cheaper. SONY has pioneered a disc system – XDCAM – which is similar but naturally, cheaper because it uses Blu-Ray discs (27GB).
Panasonic HVX200 takes advantage of its data recording medium in several ways. First, you start recording immediately after you hit the button. In fact, it’s better than that. P2 allows you to start recording BEFORE you hit the button. The memory will buffer 3-7 seconds of video, so even if you don’t have split-second reactions, you’ll be able to capture action flawlessly.
Another advantage is the ability to transfer files directly to your computer (or you could back them up to Firewire drives). During shooting you can also mark takes which you like so that you can start editing in seconds.
Lens and controls
HVX200’s lens is a 13x Leica which compares favourably to SONY FX1. The zoom ring is full manual which is another big plus. Both JVC GY-HD100U and the upcoming Canon XL H1 have interchangeable lenses although the availability and variety of quality lenses is still in question.
Audio
Panasonic HVX200’s more robust format (DVCPRO-HD) allows four uncompressed channels of 16-bit 48Khz quality audio (or two stereo pairs). This is a BIG change from the HDV format.
Final verdict (based on specs)
Panasonic has created a worthy successor to the DVX100. HVX200 excels in all areas and it could be hard for a HDV camera to compete, especially, when you consider the price. At $5,995, it’s only marginally more expensive than SONY Z1 (50 bucks more) but offers a lot more. It’s much cheaper than the interchangeable lens cameras – Canon XL H1 and JVC GY-HD100U.
That’s until you consider the cost for the media. At $1,700 per a pop, 8GB P2’s are going to be a TOUGH sell. In a year’s time, it’ll probably be 2-4 times cheaper, so don’t start stocking on P2s just now. If $6,000 is too much for you, you could get Sony HC1 for less than $1,500 – it’s a more affordable, entry-level HDV camcorder. The bigger and better Sony FX1 is midway (at $3,000 it’s perfect for wedding videography) between the Hc1 and HVX200.
Update: Check out this USB 1.1 vs USB 2.0 speed comparison.
Hey Paul, you’re right. The $1,700 price for P2 memory dates back to May 2005. By the time the camera is out (it’s due in December but most expect it in early 2006), the price for the P2 will hopefully be down a bit.
There are some rumors that by the time the camera is launched, the cost of P2 will fall to under $1,000. USB 2.0 has a transfer rate of 11MBps (90Mbps) when you write to a hard drive which means transfering an 8GB P2 memory card will take 12 minutes.
This means you need at least two memory cards and even then you’ll be waiting a long time to get the footage to an external hard drive.
…What’s the status of the HVX200?
bd
Hi BD, it’s supposed to be OUT before Xmas but I doubt it will hit stores before some time in January. Also, considering the demand for HVX200, I think the earliest time you could get one will be late January.
Hey
I’m really confused about choosing the XL H1 or the HVX200
need a help on this & other Accessories that can make HVX200 closer to the XL H1
Kaiser
Warsha Video Production
I usually use PriceGrabber.com to check prices, and more importantly, the vendor’s reputation.
Judging by the Pricegrabber search, the lowest price on HVX200 was $4,700. So yes, a price below that means the unit was either re-imported (no guarantee) or refurbished.
Most likely, it’s a bait-and-switch thing. Call them and ask them about the camera!
To answer your question, Pricegrabber is good because it allows you to see the vendor’s rating
- i.e. other people who have bought from it.
I agree about B&H – they are one of the best. I bought my lighting kit
from them, never had any problems. 100% reliable.
If you’re shooting a documentary and you’re “stranded” in a place with
limited supplies, I’m not sure HVX200 is your best choice. HVX200 has
one MAJOR advantage and that’s its support of variable framerates and
more importantly the 24P which supposedly emulates a “filmlook”.
Documentaries usually have a “video” look and I think you can get
excellent results (and even save some money) by getting a Sony FX1 or
the higher-end Sony Z1. If you like a small cam, you can get Sony HC1.
In terms of accessories, I have post about accessories that’s pretty general:
http://www.filmdailies.com/archives/panasonic-hvx200-accessories/
At the minimum, you need an UV filter and a tripod. Next in the list
is lights – unless you’ll be mainly outdoors during the day. If it’s
raining (or a moist climate), you’ll need a rain jacket for the cam.
Good luck!
Ok, student here and have been primarily been shooting in film and am very curious to make the switch over to hdcam with that “cine” look. One thing i love about shooting in film is not just the look but the variable frame rate. i noticed that this is one of the few cams (in its price range) that can shoot variable frame rate, which is reaally cool. But all these i’s and p’s confuse the hell out of me. My big question is this: Is it possible to shoot 30p in 1080 and then 60p in 720 and not notice a big change in quality. Or does the whole project have to be in either all 720 or 1080? thanks for any help. if u could email me that would be beyond great! videoskate2000@yahoo.com
-eg-
Those prices are below Panasonic’s cost so they are either grey market cameras are much cheaper but you can’t register it here and you can’t get a warranty. Panasonic USA will not honor a Panasonic Japan warranty, and Panasonic Canada will not honor a Panasonic USA warranty etc etc. Also some resellers are stripping the camera of all cables and batteries and accessories that come with the stock camera to drop their base price and then try to make you buy that from them at an inflated cost that baloons the price back up or higher than the regular retail price. Right now panasonic USA is offering a free 8 gigabyte P2 card free for a rebate, and Barry Green’s HVX book. The book sells for $89US and the P2 Card is worth about $1200. SInce this camera has neither, you would be losing out on that 1300 value. The HVX book is worth the 89 since it explains all the cameras options in plain english not the technical point form of the manual. Buy from a reputable dealer, if it looks too cheap to believe its often a scam.
Hi,
I’m also confused with the varying prices that shopcartusa.com has advertised. These are way lower than any of the prices on CNET’s advertised ones or pricegrabber.com
Anyone want to enlighten me please?
Hey there… i am really confused about some websites sellers… im a film student still… but im gonna get a good camera soon for my professionally look… my question is about bestpricecamera.com they got like the LOWEST prices ever on camcorders (u can check it now) and i was really shocked and have my doubts but i also called them and asked them if the prices were real….. and they told me all the prices that are in the website are the real prices when i get the product…. so who can i trust ? =S!!! please i will be so thankfull if u guys can help me about it… cus ofcourse the prices they offer me are the ammount of money that i only have.
Giancarlo from LIMA-PERU
For those unsure about BestPriceCameras.com
Look no further.
Be careful when buying discount cameras. I have seen them as low as $2100. But ask questions!!!!!! Some places sell them without the lense. I dont know how this is possible, as it is built onto the camera. Some are sold without the viewfinder or the factory accessories. My guess is they offer a low price, then switch on you. What I think is going on is, that they offer the great deal then tell you that that cameras is not complete (only if you ask, by the way) So if you buy one my suggestion would be: Ask if it comes with a US warranty, is it Gray Market. Does it come complete with lense,viewfinder,batteries,charger,remote,DVD,cables,lense hood,what is your return policy, and I would buy with a visa or mastercard only, incase there is still some hidden hustle you didn’t figure, till you have the camera in your hands. Also beware of shipping costs, some charge up to $200 for UPS ground.
yeah I have been incredibly skeptical of the low prices this camera has shown on some low end distributor websites. I haven’t called yet, but I expect they strip the camera down to get that low price. What I always stick by is; you get what you pay for. Sometimes it’s worth the extra buck to get a better investment and protection such as warranty and 100% of everything you were expecting along with the customer support. This camera seems to be the one I will buy, I have read so much about other comparable cameras and the HVX200 is still the best for what I want to do (for the price). I also see P2 cards coming down in price over the next 1-2 years, sorta like how digital camera memory cards were expensive when they first came out about 8 years ago.
Ok, I have been doing price matching for some time on this camera.
I found this one from thecameraprofessionals for $2,799
http://www.thecameraprofessionals.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=25070&gclid=CPSsp9uJoowCFRlmWAod5Xk0PA
I read reviews from this on-line store and they are all 4 and 5 stars and customers received exactly what they asked for(Supposedly). Has anyone else heard anymore about this e-store? or have order from them before? Thanks, Adam
Yeah, I’ve been seeing the HVX200 really cheap too on other sites at shopcartusa.com it seems like they are gray or B stock cameras. It’s so temping but I don’t want to loose money fooling around with a company that’s not reptuable.
See this is what I’m talking about, the price is great but do we really know what were getting? Something isn’t right unless they are just wanting to loose money.
http://dealsnatch.com/prod.asp?id=374&mn=3
Here is a website that lists all the backgrounds of the owners of these websites. As you can see, the camera professionals is owned by a person who has multiple websites that sell the same crap. Please pass on this website resource to other so that we can expose all of them. thecameraprofessionals.com doesn’t have complaints on the BBB website because they just came online recently.
http://www.sheddingsomelight.com/buy-cameras/list/dealers-allstarfam.html
Answer to question posted by Adam 5/22/2007 regarding thecameraprofessionals. Please go to thier site: http://www.thecameraprofessionals.com and enter HVX200 in the Product Finder window in the upper left hand corner. This will return you a list of their product offerings for the Panasonic AG HVX200. Take time to note that they have a RETAIL PACKAGE for $5,299.99. Now do yourself a favor and call them 1-800-496-0227 and ask them point blank what the difference is between their retail package at $5,299.99 (which only has the camera) and the same basic package at $1,759.00 or any other package under $3,000. When they tell you it’s because the non-retail packages don’t come with everything make sure to have them clearify. Again ask point blank, “Do the lower price packages only come with the body?”.
When they say yes, or ya, or sure that’s so you can get a back up body – please note to them that the JVX200 has a fix lens and short of being a tecnical guru no one will be able to take the lens off let alone put one on. If this isn’t enought to convince you of what / who they are, ask them for a back up lens and see what they say. By the way the Panasonic Sales Rep here in Washington State would love to hear what they say too – email him at: KUPFERLEB@us.panasonic.com (Kupferle, Bill).
PS – I’m putting together a 3″ binder of all these “GRAY” market dealers for Panasonic as an indenpendent reasearch journalist. If you or any one else want to help please write back at avenger32749@hotmail.com. Thanks. Take care.
Please forgive the typo – it obviously should be HVX200 and not JVX200 as we’re talking about the Panasonic AG HVX200, one of the best cameras out there. Just wish Panasonic took their marketing a little more seriously. Thanks – take care…….
DO NOT order from thecameraprofessionals.com. They are horribly unprofessional as it turns out and very sketchy on the phone. they do not answer questions and try to up sell you in an aggressive manner. I have read many other negative reviews of them. BEWARE!
It’s like Tod said on June 5, 2007, just call these people and ask what they are selling. I actually purchased (by credit card) one of the hvx-200 on line and called to follow up on my order the next morning. I found they were selling a camera body, without the “fixed lense”, without the “side viewfinder” and without the main top “viewfinder”. Don’t bother with those companies just bcause they have good ratings. The ratings are coming from the $195 to $300 listings for still cameras and the like.
I have used B&H for 13 years now and have never been dissapointed. Go with who ever you want but I recommend you call them first and don’t do what I did thinking I was getting a great deal. I found the camera by using the either bizrate or pricegrabber or one of those types of searches. Trust me, you will not get everything. In fact, some of the companies sell all the accessories and leave the camera out. Read the “what is included” and you will not see a camera listed.
The guy working with the company I actually purchased from said they can legally list the camera, although you don’t get all the camera parts, “because that is how all the other companies are posting the ads on their site”. No joke.
Good luck and at least call first.
http://www.60bPictures.com/withthisrock