Panasonic AG-HVX200 ratings and reviews ?

Question

Panasonic AG-HVX200 ratings and reviews

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Do you want links to reviews or do you want me to give you a review???
Well, for starters, there's quite a few great user reviews on the B&H Photo Video site...

My opinion on the HVX200: First off, I have been using the HVX for almost a year with my high school video program. The HVX is our main camera, so we have several.

Out of all the cameras I've used, I have to say the HVX is my favorite. Great HD quality, and amazing color. I almost always shoot in 720p 24pN or 30pN, and am completely satisfied. HDV cameras don't compare to the reliability, quality, and capabilities of the P2 codec. For one thing, there's less wear and tear. And another, less compression because the meta data is stored on tape, but rather solid state media (P2). Mind you, making the switch from tape-based to solid state cameras like the HVX does take a little getting used to (good file organization on the computer hard drive is key!!!!). The media cards are also extremely expensive should you need additional P2 cards (I believe the 32GB card is over $1,000).

Still, the Panasonic HVX200 provides similar functionality to higher end gear such as the Panny Varicam. It's a pro quality camera in a prosumer package... Being able to switch between recording formats (1080i 60i/30p/24p and 720p 60p/30p/24p) is an amazing feature... Also, one of my favorite things about the HVX is its Variable Frame Rate mode...it can overcrank to 60 frames per second and undercrank to 12fps. It's real fun playing around with that for slow motion or fast motion time lapse stuff. It even allows variable frame rates at small intervals such as 22fps or 26fps, which gives you subtle speed changes. Tape based cameras can't do that...

Now, compared to similar solid state cameras, there's always the argument against the HVX. Most often, there is direct comparison with Sony's newer EX1. First of all, the HVX can't do full 1080i, and the EX1 can (it's the first prosumer cam to be able to do full res). But of course, a lot of people prefer 720p over 1080i anyways...The EX1 also has larger image sensors (1/2" ones compared to the HVX's 1/3" ones), which gives it better DOF. The EX1 is $6,500.

Next, one could compare it to the recently announced Red Scarlet for $3,000. Now Scarlet is something totally new...it may just make the EX1 and HVX look bad. For one thing, the Scarlet can shoot 3K RAW.. (3K represents the horizontal res. It's approx. 3,000 pixels across...HD at its highest is only 1920. That's kinda a lot). That's called Ultra High Definition. Scarlet also has a 2/3" sensor and can shoot from 1fps all the way up to 180fps!!! However, Scarlet is probably the most complex of the bunch, and'll have the largest post production demands....

But, it would be unfair to comare the HVX to Scarlet, or the EX1...It really depends on what your uses are. For example, 3K is unnecessary, even impractical for most users, unless you plan on shooting a theatrical feature film. In most cases, 720p is perfect....Consider this: the HVX is the most popular camera among low budget filmmakers on indie films and documentaries.

Well, that's that. If you have any more questions (or if you have any help with your HVX) , please feel free to contact me. Actually, if you'd like, I could send over a few stills from HVX footage I shot...
Well, I hope that helps....