I'm confused

[Jackson Miller]

Hi. I currently own a DVX. I have been saving up for an HVX for a couple months now and I really want one because it seems to me it is simply the best deal for the money and that P2 cards are better than HDV tapes. But now I am confused about the new AG-MHC150. I know that no one knows that much about it at this point but can anyone, based on what little you do know, give me a simple answer as to which camera will better (overall) the HVX or the AG-MHC150? I don't get it. Some people are suggesting the new cam may go for 6 grand. If this is the case it is surely replacing the HVX right? Why would panasonic create two similarly priced cameras. Basically, I want to buy an HVX soon but I will wait for the new camera if it will be better. So will it be better? Or is it simply a slightly beefed up dvx? I need to know which one to get. Thanks in advance.

[William_Robinette]

Jan said herself that this is not an HVX replacement and hinted that it will be priced lower (I'm guessing what the DVX used to go for).

[Jackson Miller]

So basically the HVX will blow it out of the water as far as quality, versatility etc?

[TedRR]

So basically the HVX will blow it out of the water as far as quality, versatility etc?

While I would feel comfortable saying the HVX is still going to beat the new MHC-150, I wouldn't make that strong of a statement because you always have to take into account what the need for the camera is.
But yeh, I'd say you would still be better off with and have more bragging rights with the HVX.

But remember, this is just my opinion and there will always be more opinions to follow. If Barry replies, take his word WAY stronger then mine. :)

[puredrifting]

Look at the codecs too. DVCProHD is the same codec that the $50,000.00 Varicam uses. AVCHD is the same codec as Panasonic's cheapest consumer HD cameras use, although granted, it is thought that Panasonic will include a higher data rate.

DVCproHD is robust and incredibly efficient. It is unknown how high quality or robust AVCHD will be and I do know from experience that it must be transcoded to edit efficiently anyway, taking up more time, hard drive space, etc.

Based upon Panasonic's past marketing strategy, the MHC-150 is the DVX replacement and at some point, they will ugrade/update the HVX to better compete with the EX-1 and to address some of the HVX's shortcomings. If you can afford it, the HVX will still probably be superior to the MHC and if you can wait, something better will come down the pike. But if you want to go into business and make money, I would buy a camera today.

As Billy Crystal would say, "what if you get hit by a bus in 6 months and you are still waiting on buying a camera when you could have had 6 months of good working and providing for your lovely wife/girlfriend if you had only bought a camera and jumped into the water earlier, instead of waiting around like a schmuck?"

Dan