I am shopping for an HD

[Doc Bernard]

Okay, so I am looking for an HD camera and it seems there are half a dozen or so that have the specs I am looking for. And the HVX200 is one of them.

The prob is there are half a dozen or so. I am needing help. What is it about the HVX that you guys like so much? Aside from the P2 card.

If you own one, tell me why you bought it, and what features you like and don't like about it. Please be honest, and no "It is God's answer to filmmaking" kind of replies. I want both the dirt and the roses so I can make a more informed choice.

Renting one is out of the question, it will be all or nothing.

[Joe Lawry]

Sold my Sony Z1,

Bought an hvx.

Why, - DVCPROHD Codec, different frame rates, Image control (scene files), progressive,

But the main reason, P2, i love it, It just works for me and the way i shoot.

The hvx has been called the swiss army knife of sub 10k cameras, and it really is... as long as their is light.

Cons: Average in low light, gets grainy fast. The only other thing i dont like is the LCD and viewfinder. However if you use the focus assist functions the camera has you are usually alright. I've been shooting a lot of interviews recently and as long as you've got the time to setup and focus you shouldnt have any focus issues.

In saying all of this is i just got back from a shoot using a rented Z1 and.. im glad we shot with it because the HVX would have just been a pain, for really quick run and gun stuff i still find the sony easier. Having to wait for the freakin tape to start rolling was a pain in the arse though... viva la p2

[John Caballero]

Image quality, tonality, color rendition is excellent, top of the line codec and yes, P2 for professional looking HD material. LCD and viewfinder not very good. For focusing though you can get used to the viewfinder after some practice and the focus assist is very helpful. Do some research on this site for footage samples, etc. And for the ultimate advice on this camera follow the master, or shall we say Jedi, Mr. Barry Green. He dispenses the most comprehensive and accurate information on everything HVX 200 and I am sure very soon, the Red One.

[wgzn]

ha! you asked this same question over at lacpfug. see my response there ; )

[TedRR]

Hey Doc, the number one reason I invested into the HVX was the versatility.
I have clients that "must have" 720p, 1080i, 30p, 24p, SD, Mini-DV etc.
I've gotten over 10 great years with my BetaCam. I needed to get a camera that would handle anything that persnickety clients wanted for years to come.
I couldn't afford to have 2 or 3 camera sitting on the shelf to meet different needs.
I also couldn't afford to pass on any gigs either! :)

Looks and features are subjective and any sub 10k camera will have pro's and con's. People debate about these cameras like Ford-Chevy, MAC-PC. What matters most is does your client like the look. I've not had one complaint about the look in any format from any client. That's what counts to us.
Also, our edit system, SpeedEDIT works beautifully with the native .mxf files which makes life easy. We love the tapeless workflow and it's not HDV. :)

FWIW, I just bought our second HVX last week and for 10K I have 2 matching cameras that can handle any format and frame rate that any client calls for.
Not a bad position to be in with so much competition.
I wish you well with your decision. Let us know what you decide.

Oh, by the way, with every HVX you get this great community as well as Barry and company included free! That's worth a million! :D

[Doc Bernard]

Thanks for the replies!

WGZN, I like to cover my bases. I have been a member of LAFCPUG for awhile now, and happened across this forum.

The HVX has been high on my short list, for the P2 reason.

The LCD thing, I don't think will be an issue, as I always shoot with an external monitor.

Though the low light graininess concerns me a little.

Quick question, running in HD w/2 channel audio, what is the record time on a P2 -16g?

[FilmBoy77]

Check out the compatibility chart at: ttp://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=121057&catGroupId=32501&surfModel=AJ-P2C016RG (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=121057&catGroupId=32501&surfModel=AJ-P2C016RG)

Recording time on a single 16GB P2 card:
16 minutes in DVCPRO HD
40 minutes in DVCPRO HD at 24pN
32 minutes in DVCPRO50
64 minutes in DVCPRO

[Doc Bernard]

Now, I am part of your illustrious group. I am the proud owner of an HVX-200. Woo-Hoo, no more Top Ramen!

Now I just have to learn how to use it.