HVX200a now, or wait for HPX170?

[kvonmc]

Hey everyone, I'm brand new to this forum and I've been reading through a lot of great info for the last couple of weeks, and I am now in need of some advice.

I just sold my Canon XL2 so I can step up into the realm of HD recording, and to say goodbye to tape. I need to have my short film finished by mid-July for a local short film show. This project will basically be my "business card" to a potential backer, so I want to be able to utilize my full potential in filmming this short as well as producing the quality to match. Now I don't know if I am over-analyzing this situation...well actually I know I am, but I really would appreciate any advice anyone would like to contribute.

I will be using my Redrock 35mm adapter, and most of my shots for this project will be in a darker environment, also outside at night. I've never used a HVX200 before, so I'm not sure how it handles at night. From what I've read the HVX200a and HPX170 are both improved in that sense. Here are my options that keep cycling through my head:

1. Should I buy the HVX200a now, then maybe use it as a B-camera if I can get funding for the HPX170?

2. Should I rent the older (sorry) HVX200 now, and pre-order the HPX170 when it is available?

[Barry_Green]

The 200A and the 170 are going to deliver comparable (if not identical) images. Both are going to be hugely better in low light and noise performance than the original HVX200.

The HPX170 will have lots of nice bonus features, but they don't affect the image (except for a couple of fine-tuning adjustments in the menus).

The M2 is a light hog, so you're going to have difficulty with any HD camcorder if you're using an M2, at night. That's kind of a perfect storm for dark footage, so bring along plenty of lights no matter which camera you plan on using.

Do you need and want two cameras? If so, getting a 200A now and a 170 later might be a fine strategy. If you don't need two, then the question really kind of boils down to: WHEN do you need it? The 200A is available today, the 170 is probably at least 10 weeks away. If you can wait 10 weeks, you can get a 170. If you can't wait, then you need it today, so get a 200A today.

[DavidBeier]

I wouldn't have sold my old camera before deciding on a new one. I'm actually thinking about upgrading my HVX200 for an HVX200a or HPX170. I'm currently leaning toward the HPX170 because of the lighter feel and the re-designed body but I'm still not sure. In all honesty, I'll probably wait to see what the Scarlet is shaping up to be before I purchase something new.

[William_Robinette]

Then be prepared to wait awhile...

[DavidBeier]

Then be prepared to wait awhile...

I am. I've only had my HVX200 for two years now and I still love the thing. I just wish I could get a free upgrade or something cause I'd love better low light performance.

[kvonmc]

The 200A and the 170 are going to deliver comparable (if not identical) images. Both are going to be hugely better in low light and noise performance than the original HVX200.

The HPX170 will have lots of nice bonus features, but they don't affect the image (except for a couple of fine-tuning adjustments in the menus).

The M2 is a light hog, so you're going to have difficulty with any HD camcorder if you're using an M2, at night. That's kind of a perfect storm for dark footage, so bring along plenty of lights no matter which camera you plan on using.

Do you need and want two cameras? If so, getting a 200A now and a 170 later might be a fine strategy. If you don't need two, then the question really kind of boils down to: WHEN do you need it? The 200A is available today, the 170 is probably at least 10 weeks away. If you can wait 10 weeks, you can get a 170. If you can't wait, then you need it today, so get a 200A today.


Thanks Barry for the great info! I was also curious about the image quality, and if they would compare (I didn't want my question turning into a novel, so thanks for the extra info). One more quick question for you Barry, or anyone else that would know; will the HPX170 come with a free P2 card like the HVX200a does?

[Barry_Green]

No announcement on that yet. I'd be shocked if it didn't have it, but until it's announced one way or the other, we don't know.

[Justyn]

bundled with a 32 gig card.. or shoot, a 64 gig. Having shot countless hours of crap with 4 gig cards... I'd feel like I had balloons attached to my arms.. just effortlessly shooting crap with a lot less p2 dumps