New Camera announced. HPX250

[JohnT]

I like this.


Panasonic Solutions Company today sets a new standard for video quality in mobile HD acquisition with the introduction of the AG-HPX250, a P2 HD handheld camcorder with 10-bit, 4:2:2 independent-frame, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording.

“The AVC-Intra codec is highly prized for the stunning, master-quality 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampled, independent frame images it produces,” said Joseph Facchini, Vice President of Sales and Product Management, Panasonic Solutions Company.”Now for the first time with the HPX250, Panasonic offers an ultra-portable handheld camera with full-resolution, 10-bit, intra-frame recording in a one-piece unit without the need for an add-on recorder. This is an unprecedented level of image quality in a lightweight camera.”

Weighing 5.5 pounds, the HPX250 incorporates high-sensitivity 1/3”, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS imagers and a 20-bit Digital Signal Processor to acquire native 1920 x 1080 resolution images.
Offering a wide 28mm to 588mm (35mm equivalent) 21X HD lens with 3 independent adjustable rings, the HPX250 covers most shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion lens. The 21X lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function that ensures stable images during shooting.

The HPX250 offers variable frame rate capability in 1080p up to 30fps as well as 720p up to 60fps for undercranking/overcranking to create fast or slow-motion effects.

In addition to AVC-Intra 100/50 recording, the HPX250 records in DVCPRO HD, as well as standard definition recording in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV. The HPX250 supports international HD and SD standards, an added benefit to producers with global clients. In AVC-Intra 100/50 and DVCPRO HD, it records in 1080 at 59.94i, 29.97pN, 23.98pN, 50i and 25pN and in 720p at 23.98pN, 29.97pN, 59.94p, 50p and 25pN. In DVCPRO50/25 and DV, it records in 480 at 59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p, 23.98pA, and in 576 at 50i and 25p over 50i.

The HPX250 offers Genlock/timecode input for multi-camera operation, as well as an HD-SDI output, an HDMI output, and an IEEE 1394 in/out. The camcorder is equipped with a Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)* function to help compensate for wide variations in lighting, a waveform monitor and vector scope display, and two focus assist functions – a picture expanding function and a focus bar.

Equipped with two P2 card slots, the HPX250 can record for up to 320 minutes in AVC-Intra 100 at 720/24pN, 160 minutes in AVC-Intra 100 1080/24pN and 128 minutes in other AVC-Intra 100 or


DVCPRO HD formats on two 64GB cards. In AVC-Intra 50, the recording time is twice that as AVC-Intra 100.

[andythefilmer]

I just smiled so big! Any idea on release date/price?

[JohnT]

Pannys website said in the fall with a List Price of $6500.00.

[andythefilmer]

Not bad. Are there any pictures anywhere? I did a bit of googling but nothing.

[Mike Harvey]

Since this appears to be an HPX170 successor, will the HMC150 successor be far behind? I'm indifferent on the 3mos chips, but the lens has almost twice the reach of the HPX170/HMC150. Also a little surprised a Thunderbolt port wasn't included.

[vanvideo]

Link? I see nothing on the Panasonic website.

[JohnT]

Here is the other two...

Panasonic Solutions Company (PSC) has introduced two new professional AVCCAM HD handheld camcorders, the AG-AC160 and AG-AC130, which incorporate high-sensitivity 1/3”, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS imagers to capture native 1920 x 1080 resolution images, with a new, wider 21X HD zoom lens.

Key new features include two SD Memory Card slots for relay or simultaneous recording, compatibility with high-capacity SDXC media, an enhanced viewfinder and LCD display, and DV recording. The higher-end AC160 includes such top production features as variable frame rate recording in 1080p, Linear PCM audio, HD-SDI output, and switchability between 59.94Hz/50Hz.

“These new AVCCAM handhelds offer the longer lensing that customers have been clamoring for in a small form factor with state-of-the art, high-bandwidth AVCCAM, Panasonic’s implementation of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high-profile encoding,” said Jan Crittenden Livingston, Product Manager, PSC. “In addition, the AC160 adds the creative flexibility of Full HD off-speed recording and an HD-SDI out.”

The AVCCAM camcorders’ Full HD resolution imager produces stunning 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 AVCHD video at high sensitivity. Because the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec provides a doubling of bandwidth efficiency and improved video performance over the older MPEG-2 compression-based formats, recordings look clean and crisp, even during fast motion, without image degradation or dropouts. Utilizing a 21X zoom lens with three independent adjustable rings for zoom, focus and iris, these new AVCCAM units offer a wide 28mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle, covering most shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion lens.

The AC160/130 record video in four professional AVCCAM HD recording modes, including the highest-quality PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max 24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the extended recording HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps), and a PM mode (less than 10 Mbps, 720P only), which is ideal for shooting sports training and web video.

These latest AVCCAM camcorders are among the first to enjoy the benefits of advanced SDXC Memory Card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support. SDXC is the newest SD Memory Card specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB and up to 2TB. With two SD slots for continuous recording, the AC160/130 can record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode, with automatic clip spanning across the two cards. The two slots can also be utilized for simultaneous back-up recording.

At 60Hz, the camcorders support the following HD formats in PH mode: 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98pN, 720/59.94p, 720/29.97p, 720/23.98pN; in HA and HE modes, they record in 1080/59.97i; and in standard definition DV, they record 480/59.94i, 480/29.97p, 480/223.98p. At 50Hz, the AC160 also records in 1080/50i and 1080/25p, in 720/50p and 720/25p, and in 576/50i and 576/25p.

The AC160 offers variable frame rate capability in 1080/23.98pN, 29.97p and 25p, providing users the cinematic expression of higher-end cameras to support undercranking/overcranking for fast or slow-motion effects.
The AC160/130 include such desirable professional features as time code/UB recording; time/date stamp; and two wired remote control terminals (for zoom, focus, iris, REC start/stop controls). The camcorders’ lens system offers useful functions including Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) for smooth stable shooting and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which helps compensate for wide variations in lighting.

[JohnT]

Link to Pannys latest news.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PressroomHome?storeId=11301&catGroupId=30602&sortByDate=TDown&startIndex=1&catalogId=13251

[pulpfiction007]

Since this appears to be an HPX170 successor, will the HMC150 successor be far behind? I'm indifferent on the 3mos chips, but the lens has almost twice the reach of the HPX170/HMC150. Also a little surprised a Thunderbolt port wasn't included.

The AC160 sounds like it could be the HMC150 replacement - same chips and lens as the HPX250, overcranking/undercranking, 1080 24 30 and 60P - but AVCHD instead of the P2 AVC-INTRA. I don't know where it would sit in the line up other than being just above the HMC150, or it's direct replacement. HD-SDI included as well.

[JohnT]

I havent seen any pics yet. Im sure some of the folks at NAB will upload some. Wish I could have gone this year, but work wouldnt allow me to.

[Mike Harvey]

Link? I see nothing on the Panasonic website.

HPX250

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=623002&modelNo=Content03232011020433971&surfModel=Content03232011020433971

AC160/AC130

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=623006&modelNo=Content03242011040904464&surfModel=Content03242011040904464

What I find interesting is that both the AC160 and AC130 also include DV out, and the AC160 has HD-SDI out.

So many toys, so little money...

[Mike Harvey]

The AC160 sounds like it could be an HMC150 replacement - same chips and lens as the HPX250, overcranking/undercranking, 1080 24 30 and 60P - but AVCHD instead of the P2 AVC-INTRA. I don't know where it would sit in the line up other than being just above the HMC150, or it's direct replacement. HD-SDI included as well.

Replied the same time you did.

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Nice...seems like the true successor to the HVX-200. I always saw the HPX-170 as an incremental update, they just lobbed off the tape drive. Bit pricey though.

[JohnT]

Ya think that they are holding out on a AF100 type P2 AVCIntra camera?

[Mike Harvey]

Another neeto thing... theAC160 and AC130 have two cards slots and can simultaneously record to both.

[Andrew McCarrick]

http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/

[vanvideo]

Ha! This is exactly what i predicted Panny would do! (Check my old posts somewhere in these forums.)
Panasonic would eventually put their full-raster 1/3" CMOS chips into a smaller body, with AVC-i P2 capability. This looks like the replacement for the long-in-the-tooth HVX200 and HPX170 cams. No more uprezzed SD chips with low-rez EFV and monitors.
Now they can give the Canon XF line a true competitor.

[pulpfiction007]

I think in one fell swoop they've replaced the HVX200/HPX170 with the HPX250 and replaced the HMC150 with the AC130 - The AC160 is interesting in that it's AVCHD, but with a lot of high end features. The new LCD screens/lens/3 lens rings sound awesome on all of them.
I for one will be pre ordering the AC130 as it sits right in my budget and fills all of my needs.

[Pop]

Pictures:

http://www.videomakers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=810262

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Hmmm...not crazy about the form factor...but hey...let's wait and see.

http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/

http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1692.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1690.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1689.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1687.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1684.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1679.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1678.JPG
http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1679.JPG

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Red stripe on the lens is very Canon-like...

[Mike Harvey]

I think in one fell swoop they've replaced the HVX200/HPX170 with the HPX250 and replaced the HMC150 with the AC130 - The AC160 is interesting in that it's AVCHD, but with a lot of high end features. The new LCD screens/lens/3 lens rings sound awesome on all of them.
I for one will be pre ordering the AC130 as it sits right in my budget and fills all of my needs.

If these are the same or improved versions of the HPX370's chips, I won't be complaining that they're CMOS (so long as they have the same low light abilities of the HMC150/HPX170). I'm also liking the newer layout of the controls... audio doesn't appear to be buried under the LCD, but opposite the XLR inputs. And dang that lens is long.

Yeah, the AC160 is an interesting camera... could be real useful for folks doing budget multicam live events.

[vanvideo]

So much for the death of 1/3" chip cameras. Looks like the market is alive and well.
Interesting - with one camera design, Panasonic has taken on the Canon XF and the Sony NX5U.

[Joe Lawry]

please give us a real zoom ring with pin like the hvx & hpx.. im sure they will.. its only mock up after all.

[Barry_Green]

As I understand it is a real mechanical zoom. The cams are bigger than the 170, mainly because the lens is massive. And the red stripe - I asked if that meant Canon was making the lens for these (there was no Leica badge on the mockup). Didn't get an answer so we will have to ask again when it gets closer.

[pulpfiction007]

So much for the death of 1/3" chip cameras. Looks like the market is alive and well.
Interesting - with one camera design, Panasonic has taken on the Canon XF and the Sony NX5U.

They sure have - and to think I almost broke down and bought the AX2000 - The AC130 sounds like it will run rings around the AX as far as features go.

[mikkowilson]

I couldn't find any brand marking on the lens. (so, no mention of Leica either).

- Mikko

[Lee Saxon]

1/3" sensors maxing out at 30fps?

I'd give them $6500 if this was NAB 2005.

Very nice codec choices though.

[Andrew McCarrick]

1/3" sensors maxing out at 30fps?

I'd give them $6500 if this was NAB 2005.

Very nice codec choices though.

I'm pretty sure this a codec issue not a sensor issue. DVCPro HD and AVCIntra don't support 1080/60p or 1080/50p. You need AVCIntra Ultra for those.

[dcloud]

1080 60 VFR maybe too much for the cache on the hpx250 :)

[Jan_Crittenden]

The red ring is a marking for focus measurement and nothing else. The lensing will be of the same quality and caliber of all of our handheld cameras.

[mikkowilson]

I assume that to mean Leica Jan?

:)

- Mikko

[dregenthal]

We'll be interested in one of those.

The pics -- Hey, someone needs to Armor All that puppy!

[Mark Williams]

This seems like a good upgrade for me as I have been using the HPX170 and desire higher resolution and a longer lens. Also, if Panasonic can get the servo zoom to do a "creep" I will be very happy. Sadly the HPX170 was never able to do this. Too bad on no 1080p60 for slow mo. But hey you can't have it all at this price point.

[Bassman2003]

Question: Since the lenses are mechanically driven, is there a way to use a pro 8-pin style zoom controller or is the rear zoom control a lanc style like on the HMC-150? Thanks

[Barry_Green]

I don't know for 100% certain but would bet that it uses the same zoom remote as the 150.

[Bassman2003]

After using larger cameras and the smaller cameras for a while, I am down to making purchase decisions based upon little things like zoom control. The end footage is so much better with the 8-pin controls and obviously the larger lenses. One of the major tradeoffs imho of putting everything into the smallest package possible.

[kabtv]

What about the focus ring on the hpx250 ? is it one like the hvx 200a(infinite spin) or a real one that stop at the beginning and at the end ?

[timbook2]

nice updates but no real killer for me yet....I want a shoulder eng type cam with the big sensor and removable glass :-) I am finished with rigs! but the new lenses on the 250 make me curious 25x zoom with constant F ???

[EIREHotspur]

Love to see new cameras coming out but are they seriously still hanging onto P2 cards??

[ATL Media Group]

The body style looks very "Sony-ish"....

http://nab.mikkowilson.com/2011/index.php?resize=1&image=IMG_1690.JPG

http://www.proav.co.uk/Gallery/nxcam2prototype.jpg

[Bassman2003]

They all look about the same to me! There are not too many ways to make them look different.

Another question: How about menus? Will the HPX-250 have a color matrix? More image controls than the set style choices of the HPX-200/170/150?

[Mike Harvey]

Love to see new cameras coming out but are they seriously still hanging onto P2 cards??

Considering how many millions of dollars consumers have invested into the P2 workflow, and the fact that they are effectively bullet proof, why wouldn't they?

[David Saraceno]

Love to see new cameras coming out but are they seriously still hanging onto P2 cards??

p2 technology is bullet proof. And more individuals and companies are moving to it given some of the NAB announcements.

[Neil Johnson]

So, wonder how this with a Letus or whatever compares to the AF100?

[Berk]

VFR on 1080?
or just limited to 720

Thank you

[BrianMurphy]

Is the 160 a 4.2.0 or 4.2.2 camera? Bit rate ?

[Mike Harvey]

@Berk... if you mean for the AC160, it's VFR in 1080 up to 60fps

@Brian... it's AVCCam/AVCHD, so I think it's safe to say 4.2.0 (though I would speculate it's 10bit 4.2.2 out of the HD-SDI).

[Berk]

Hi Mike
i meant HPX 250
so VFr is limited to 720 or no VFR at all?

Thank you

[Jonathan Briceño]

So, wonder how this with a Letus or whatever compares to the AF100?

I think it will delivery alot.

the increased bitrate and color from the 250 will have grate image. So 35mm adapters will have again a solid use, mainly becose the high sensor sensitivity. I would be surprised the it will give us much better image quality than AF100. 3mos chips can render much better light than single bayer pattern. Combined with the better codec, its a win win for 35mm adapters.

[Neil Johnson]

I think it will delivery alot.

the increased bitrate and color from the 250 will have grate image. So 35mm adapters will have again a solid use, mainly becose the high sensor sensitivity. I would be surprised the it will give us much better image quality than AF100. 3mos chips can render much better light than single bayer pattern. Combined with the better codec, its a win win for 35mm adapters.


Exactly - Yeeowch. I bet there'll be a more than a few less than happy shoppers who have just off-loaded their 35mm DoF Adapters and P2 Cards for next to nothing to fund an AF100. Check out the prices for Adapters on ebay, they're virtually being given away - same for R Series P2 Cards.

[Ron Evans]

The 160 and 130 look like they line up the same way as the Sony NX5U and the Sony AX2000. Very similar specs too.

Ron Evans

[Foxarwing42]

While I love the announcements and the fact that Panasonic isn't leaving P2 tech anytime soon, I was really hoping for a camera like a AG-AF100 with P2 cards.

[Jodysmith]

While I love the announcements and the fact that Panasonic isn't leaving P2 tech anytime soon, I was really hoping for a camera like a AG-AF100 with P2 cards.

ditto

Still really excited about these new cameras, fills a lot of contention points we had with our HPX170s (and reasons we don't own 150's) and gives a clear upgrade path- didn't make it by the booth today, but you can bet I'll be there tomorrow.

[BrianMurphy]

I sure would like to know "officially" if it is 4.2.0 or 4.2.2. and what the bit rate is... I can't seem to find it listed anywhere on the Panasonic site. But thanks for the input Mike.

[Robert M Wright]

I sure would like to know "officially" if it is 4.2.0 or 4.2.2. and what the bit rate is... I can't seem to find it listed anywhere on the Panasonic site. But thanks for the input Mike.

AVCHD camcorders record 4:2:0 color. It's part of the AVCHD spec (that's "official"). If it recorded 4:2:2 color, then it would NOT be AVCHD, by definition - no need for Panny to say anymore than simply that the camcorder records in the AVCHD format, to clearly specify that it records 4:2:0 color.

[Barry_Green]

Yep. Bing the sdi & Hdmi are 4;2;2 if you use an external recorder, for those who need it.

[tatita]

Barry_Green
Yep. Bing the sdi & Hdmi are 4;2;2 if you use an external recorder, for those who need it.


Is it 8bit or 10 bit trough sdi & hdmi?

[Robert M Wright]

I'd have to look again to be certain, but I think I read somewhere in Panny's literature, that the output from the HDMI port was "AVCHD". I assume that's a sloppy way to say that the images coming from the HDMI port have already been compressed once (AVCHD compliant), and then decompressed, so even if the signal is a 4:2:2 (either 8 or 10bit), it's got to be delivering a 4:2:0 image (8bit) defacto - kinda disappointing.

[Barry_Green]

I don't know what you're referring to but that is almost unquestionably not the case. Hdmi and hdsdi output are strictly uncompressed hd on all the panasonics.

[Barry_Green]

Is it 8bit or 10 bit trough sdi & hdmi?

Hpx250 is 10-bit.

[Robert M Wright]

I'll look to see if I can find it again - really struck me as pretty dang odd, so I don't think I'm imagining reading it.

[Robert M Wright]

It's in the official announcement, 10th paragraph: "...HDMI output (AVCHD only)..." - pretty odd me thinks.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=623006&modelNo=Content03242011040904464&surfModel=Content03242011040904464

[pulpfiction007]

It's in the official announcement, 10th paragraph: "...HDMI output (AVCHD only)..." - pretty odd me thinks.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=623006&modelNo=Content03242011040904464&surfModel=Content03242011040904464

This is the AC160/130 product page - The HPX250 is 4:2:2 AVC Intra 10 bit.

[Barry_Green]

It's in the official announcement, 10th paragraph: "...HDMI output (AVCHD only)..." - pretty odd me thinks.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=623006&modelNo=Content03242011040904464&surfModel=Content03242011040904464
Okay, I see what you're talking about -- no, this isn't a problem. The HDMI is absolutely full uncompressed. What it's talking about is that you only get HDMI output when the DV/HDMI switch is put in AVCHD mode. The HDMI port is active when in AVCHD mode, and the firewire port is only active when the switch is in DV mode. It works the same as the HMC80 in that respect.

Nothing to worry about, it will still output full uncompressed digital HD on the HDMI.

[tatita]

Barry_Green
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/style_dvxuser_vb4/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by tatita http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/style_dvxuser_vb4/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=2309473#post2309473)
Is it 8bit or 10 bit trough sdi & hdmi?



Hpx250 is 10-bit.


Thanks for that. And what about the AC 130 and AC 160? Can you confirm that they also deliver uncompressed 10bit 422 trough HDMI out?

[Jan_Crittenden]

Thanks for that. And what about the AC 130 and AC 160? Can you confirm that they also deliver uncompressed 10bit 422 trough HDMI out?

The HPX250 has a 10 bit output due to the fact that it has a 10 bit codec. The 160 and 130 will deliver an 8 bit output. All of these are uncompressed and 4:2:2.

The HDMI is an HiDef output and thus will not pass an SD signal.

hope that helps,

Jan

[nsoltz]

With so much of the buzz these days being on DSLR's or large-sensor video cameras, I fear the importance of the introduction of the HPX-250 might be lost in the noise. AVC-Intra in a sub-$10K camera?! How about in a $6500 camera ?! This is big and I hope it gets the hype it deserves. Now this is not to take anything from the 130 and 160 which represent an important update. What we have to look forward to in future years is AVC-Ultra! Good intro and good luck with product!

[Gary Huff]

I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing from the HPX-250. The only question now is to I keep the 170 for the CCDs, or hold my nose and take the plunge into full-time CMOS world? :laugh:

[Kolor-Pikker]

With so much of the buzz these days being on DSLR's or large-sensor video cameras, I fear the importance of the introduction of the HPX-250 might be lost in the noise. AVC-Intra in a sub-$10K camera?! How about in a $6500 camera ?! This is big and I hope it gets the hype it deserves. Now this is not to take anything from the 130 and 160 which represent an important update. What we have to look forward to in future years is AVC-Ultra! Good intro and good luck with product!
Well, with the 250 you will always have the option of throwing a DOF adapter on there, and basically have the option of turning the camera into an AF100 with AVC-intra.

[SPZ]

We'll be getting 2 of these for our Grand Prix and Event Coverage.

[Yak]

If these are the same or improved versions of the HPX370's chips, I won't be complaining that they're CMOS (so long as they have the same low light abilities of the HMC150/HPX170).....

A rep at the Panasonic both said it will have "the same CMOS chips as in the HPX370's" for what it worth maybe Jan can confirm.

[pulpfiction007]

A rep at the Panasonic both said it will have "the same CMOS chips as in the HPX370's" for what it worth maybe Jan can confirm.

Jan did say they were the HPX370's chips in the video from NAB.
One thing that isn't on the spec sheets, and could be important for knowing the full low light story, is the max aperture of the lens. No one AFAIK has mentioned it either.

[vanvideo]

I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing from the HPX-250. The only question now is to I keep the 170 for the CCDs, or hold my nose and take the plunge into full-time CMOS world? :laugh:

Jump on in, the water's fine!

[Yak]

Jan did say they were the HPX370's chips in the video from NAB.
One thing that isn't on the spec sheets, and could be important for knowing the full low light story, is the max aperture of the lens. No one AFAIK has mentioned it either.
The mock up had it at 1.6 or 1.8 as I remember

[pulpfiction007]

Thank you Yak!

[evero]

I think the HPX250 versus AC160 is an interesting comparison. I understand the biggest difference is higher quality codec and more robust p2 recording media, but are there other important features? Are they using the same sensor and lens? In my use, I can live with AVCHD, and having the HDMI/SDI allows me for external recording devices when needed.
The AC160 is about 1K cheaper (SD recording media vs P2 cards will make a difference in budget).
Any thoughts?

[pulpfiction007]

I think the HPX250 versus AC160 is an interesting comparison. I understand the biggest difference is higher quality codec and more robust p2 recording media, but are there other important features? Are they using the same sensor and lens? In my use, I can live with AVCHD, and having the HDMI/SDI allows me for external recording devices when needed.
The AC160 is about 1K cheaper (SD recording media vs P2 cards will make a difference in budget).
Any thoughts?

Yes they are using the same sensor, lens, body, lcd, vf.
The AC130, 160, and HPX250 are all the same platform with different internal features and a couple of other things

AC130 - AVCHD 1/3 CMOS with 1080P 24 + 30, 720 24P + 30 + 60 and mini dv recording 480 24P and 30P under $4000
AC160 - ALL the above plus PAL/NTSC switchability, HD SDI, LInear PCM audio, and VFR capability. under $5500
HPX250 - All the above , but in AVC Intra Codec to P2 and 10 bit output. under $6500

[Jan_Crittenden]

One correction there, the AC160 is under $5500

Thanks for the quick write up.

Jan

[pulpfiction007]

Thanks for the wonderful work Jan.
Corrected the pricing on my post.

[evero]

Thanks, will be very interesting to see how they perform. Especially curious about the new lens.

[Mark Williams]

Got into this discussion over on another forum. Is the HPX250 a one or three chip camera? Panasonic literature is vague.

[Barry_Green]

Three MOS 2.2-megapixel 1/3" imagers.

The only single-chip camera they offer is the AF100; all other Panasonic Broadcast products are three chips.

[Bessenger]

Hi,
This is probably a stupid question, but i'm finally planning on upgrading from my DVX
to either the AC160 or AC130
I was just wondering if my DVX batteries will work with these cameras

[reticulan5]

I for one will buy 2 of these,as I have spent a fortune on all the different P2 cards I didn't want to go with a AF100 and then buy a Nanoflash or another external recorder.I love my HVX's but I always found the images a little noisy and the light sensitivity was pretty bad againt say Sony Ex 1 & 3.
This now gives me what I wished for,a AVC Intra 100 recorder 10 bit like the HPX370,3100 etc.HDMI out so I can use my 8 inch monitors.A much,much higher resolution viewfinder.Now thats icing on the cake as I always struggled with sharp focus and I hated lugging around my 24 inch LED monitors.

My beloved HVX's will be my back up cameras (I'd never part with them)and Now I have a camera thats affordable and I can get some of my clients back that I lost to EX3 owners.I now have a superior codec,low light,why would anyone use long gop cameras.

Yep cannot wait for this one.