What to buy, Pal or NTSC ?

[Matariki]

Hi, I live in Pal land and have used my DVX for some time now and want to step up and get a HVX. I have looked around and found that buying local (Panasonic New Zealand) adds another US$2000 to the bill for the PAL version of the HVX. Should/could I buy the cheaper NTSC version and convert later in post? What are the disadvantages/advantages of doing so?

Many thanks.

Cheers,
Manfred

[THoff]

Unless you target a medium that doesn't care about broadcast standards (i.e. the web or local computer playback), always go with a camera that matches your local TV standard.

[ProfessorU]

If you're going for film out only, it might be worth the trouble, especially if you could get the rebate deals they offer with the HVX here. Being able to overcrank to 60fps instead of 50 is nice, too.

If you're doing anything for TV, I'd stick with PAL, like THoff said.

[warwickt]

HI Manfred, is this s sales tax issue for you locally in NZ plus also the fact that you want some additional 'features' the HVX200 has over that the 50/25 model (200e or the 202E) DOES NOT have (like I have) have as mentioned by ProfessorU?

You may wanna look here in HK at the authorised Panasonic reseller (not the dodgy guys in Causeway bay of Nathan road) and import it to NZ. Also attractive wiu the additional 16GB P2 . quite attractive. I live here so this is where I bought it.
w
(HK)

[Matariki]

Thanks for your input guys. Everything goes either onto computer or DVD but the dvd players and the LCD TVs we buy here are PAL and NTSC. I guess as long as I don't sell for TV broadcast I am fine.

No, its not a sales tax thing that isn't even included in the price difference. The camera is more expensive than a PAL version I could buy from the US (eg Adorama) plus the Pal version in NZ has no P2 card that comes with it. That means I have to cough up extra for the card to start using the HVX and the card cost here US$1100 for 16GB. I should stop whining. I'll see if I can persuade the local dealer to give me a discount.

Again, thanks for your input.

[Joe Lawry]

Stay on the look out for second hand 202s. There are a lot of people selling their HVX's off to buy Ex1s down here. You might find a deal, i did.

[Matariki]

Stay on the look out for second hand 202s. There are a lot of people selling their HVX's off to buy Ex1s down here. You might find a deal, i did.

Thanks, Joe. Haven't seen any on TradeMe. Is there any specific place those cameras would sell? Even ebay Oz hasn't listed any.

[ProfessorU]

I would think that the reason the US prices are so good is because the dollar is so low right now.
16GB P2 cards are running around US$800-900 right now.
http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=170

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=16gb+p2&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4196882&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.PAN+AJP2C016RG

[Jason Ramsey]

You might stick around and wait a bit for the "new DVX" that's coming. Records to SD cards, AVCHD, and it's PAL/NTSC switchable is it not?

Later,
Jason

[Matariki]

I would think that the reason the US prices are so good is because the dollar is so low right now.
16GB P2 cards are running around US$800-900 right now.


Yes, but the US dollar against the NZ dollar has been low for years now but the local prices are not reflecting this. You still have to partwith a few hundred dollars more.

I rang a local dealer who contacted Panasonic NZ regarding prices and Panasonic told him I should wait a bit longer as a upgraded model of the HVX202 will be launched shortly. Anyone heard a similar statement?

Cheers

[Barry_Green]

We've heard reports from several people who have said that their dealers told them an update was coming. But a) that's not necessarily authoritative, and b) no official word from Panasonic on this at all.

Frankly, if you don't have to buy immediately, it seems like waiting a week for the NAB announcements would be prudent. NAB is just about 9 days away and then we'll know for sure whether they're planning on introducing a new model.

(which isn't, of course, strictly true; there's nothing that says that all announcements must happen at NAB, but historically they'll announce new products at or in conjunction with the NAB show so it seems like a good bet.)

[Matariki]

Good point and I am not in a hurry anyway.

The guy told me that he had a look at the new specs and the only thing that had changed was the CCD specifications. But as you said nothing official from Panasonic.

As the changes might not be dramatic anyway I might was well go a head and buy the HVX book to get the best out of the camera once it arrives.

[Joe Lawry]

I've heard from my Auckland dealers panasonic nz have told them there are no HVX updates on the near horizon... so i dont think anybody really knows whats going on.

Check your local broadcast camera stores, most of the stores in auckland have done a fair few trade your hvx in and get a cheaper Ex1 for a few people. Its all really word of mouth, tell people this is what your looking for and if you have a good relationship with them (your authorised dealers) then they usually look after you.

Buying off shore is not a good way to make a goood relationship with your dealers however.

Regarding price, after speaking with a few dealers apparently panasonic basically have a set price that goes to all dealers within nz and that price lasts for 4 months. After those 4 months, that price is reassessed.

From what i remember we're mid way through one of those periods.