ex1 vs hvx200

[dvxusr]

Can anyone familiar with the 2 models give me a quick comparison in terms of features and practical matters such as availability+pricing of accessories, batteries, clip import+editing issues? Im pretty familiar with the hvx and its quirks not at all with the ex1. Wanted to learn about the differences between the two in terms of film look, framerates (i read that ex1 has under/overcranking but it looks like 1-60 fps only in 720?), 24p, manual controls, compatibility with an adapter such as letus ex, size+weight (i assume no tape mech=a lot lighter).
I know i could spend a few weeks reading through the forums but looking for a quick comp. Maybe theres a thread somewhere?
thanks!

[Bassman2003]

There are a ton of threads.

They are both great cameras. I give the EX-1 the edge because it has more resolution and the ability to be made to look like the Panasonic. It also has a more affordable memory medium.

The Panasonic is very nice, really is a 720p camera, P2 is expensive if you need longer recording times and does not have a color matrix, but has a really nice image.

Just my opinions

[danny dale]

I agree as well - I have both (HVX200 - not the "A") and haven't been picking up the HVX lately...

I was able to pick up an EX1 with 4 hours on it for an UNBELIEVABLE price, figuring I could use it for a while and sell it on eBay if I didn't like it and still make some money. I had always considered myself a "Panny" guy - love the 'out of the box' look and the 'mojo' that comes with it.

I immediately hooked both up to my monitors (both Dell 2405) for side by side comparisons. Everyone says how crappy the Dell is as a video monitor, but the EX1 looked SO clean - I even switched them to make sure one monitor wasn't messed up some how... the same results - unbelievably clean.... TOO clean. After reading some tips on picture profile settings, I finally turned off the detail, dialed-in some color, and the EX1 became a keeper. And low light?... (a tear suddenly rolls down his cheek)

I heard/read all the associated horror stories (codec issues, ergonomics, rolling shutter, etc.), but can tell you that this camera ROCKS... I am now a believer. You CAN dial-in richness and get that 'mojo' using the right picture profile settings... even dial-in your favorite HVX scene files (search for Andy Shipsides HVX settings - might be in the other forum). It's full raster 1080, does frame rates in 1 step increments (720 only like HVX - but up to 30 fps in 1080), and has an AWESOME LCD.

The MxM (or MxR, Kensington) solution is the best part... picked up 2 MxM and 2 Sandisk 16 GB SD cards for about $150.00- and can do up to 48 fps with them. If I need to go to 60, I just use the free 8 gig SxS card ( I think you still can get the rebate for a second) to record the shot (in B slot), then transfer the clips to the MxM (in A slot) in camera. You can get 58 minutes of full 1080 on a 16 gig SD card (going for about $30-$35) and the price is going to get cheaper - that's going to be my archiving for my "paying" gigs.

The one thing I don't like about the EX1 is that you can't set up a scene file to have your overcrank settings ready to go. In other words, you have to go into the menu and set the frame rate - not like I have on my HVX where I only use 3 scene files - all B Press - at 24fps, 60fps and 2fps and just turn the dial when I want to over/undercrank. Not a deal breaker by any means, just hoping a "magical" firmware upgrade will address this.

My HVX is still a great cam and I plan on keeping him - I named him "Chunky"... but like I said before, he hasn't been coming out much since I bought "Mr. Clean"

Hope this helps your decision

[adamr316]

Indeed there are plenty of threads on this subject. Use the Search link along the menu bar on the right. Since both of these cameras are a lot of money you would do yourself well to do a lot of research. But I'll help you out a little...

I shot a short film, portions of a documentary and a comedy/reality TV short with the HVX200. My impressions with it that I love the color and sound quality but man my picture looks like up-rezzed standard def footage but the wider shots were definitely not what I'd consider "HD."

And the record times. Ugh...luckily the rental facility I use has the Firestore drive otherwise I would have been constantly swapping memory cards. The HVX200 was (and still is, to the extent of low budget film/documentary makers) ahead of its time. It was definitely a great camera a few years ago but had the EX1 came out at the same time Panasonic would have been in trouble.

Low light and noise even in outdoor sunny conditions was never great. The HVX200a solved this problem for the most part but the soft HD look and short record times are still there. And hey if the MPEG-2 footage from the EX1/EX3 are good enough for Discovery, it's good enough for me.

Oh yeah, and the dynamic range of the EX1/EX3 is insane for this price range.