Shopping in Japan: AG Hpx175 versus ag-HVX205a

[catdude]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and just want to say this looks like a great place for information. I live in Japan and I friend and I want to do some video work here, so I have been researching what camera to buy. The Panasonic line looks like the winner, so I was planning to pick one up when I go back to the States for a visit. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the prices in Japan when I finally had a look online.

My question is: The HVX205A comes in a at 3,200 dollars (at 95 yen to the dollar) and the HPX175 is about 3800 dollars. Without P2 cards of course.

And the Ag-HMC155 is 3400$..

Iv'e done my research, and I thought the 175 is the way to go, but the 205 is cheaper than the 175. What is your opinion on this and which one would you buy?

And an E series 16 gig p2 card will set me back about 450 bucks here. I can order everything from reputable shops in the "gadget" area of Tokyo.

here is the link for your amusement
http://kakaku.com/camera/video-camera/ma_0/?price=86000-99999999

Thanks for your time.

[youngindiefilms]

I have the HVX 203 (which is the same as the 205, only PAL) and can highly recommend it. Image quality is very good.
The HPX 175 has better lowlight performance, a sligthly wider lens angle and HD SDI out. Plus you can flip the image on the LCD if you want to use a DOF adapter without additional flip module. If these points are important for you go with the HPX.
If not, go with the HVX, safe some bucks and you also got a 16GB card plus MiniDV drive.

Keep in mind the E series P2 cards have a very limited life cycle, that's why theyre much cheaper than the R series.

[catdude]

Thanks for the reply Marc. I will probably buy the 205A. It keeps dropping in price while the 175 isn't dropping. It just came down 100 dollars yesterday, and the E series cards dropping in 40 dollars also. Maybe wait another month since I don't need the camera until later.

Still surprises me that the HMC155 is more than the 205A.

Eric

[Markitto]

Im also thinking of getting a Hpx-175 in Tokyo. Its so much cheaper here. I really want the PAL/NTSC switch though but Im not sure if they can do it in Japan...