This is what panasonic is considering for the next HVX200

A

arrestthisman

Well-known member
Okay, I just did the questionnaire for the HVX. I thought people might want to see the features panasonic is considering without having to do the form.

HERE THEY ARE!

Interchangeable lens
HDSDI out
Shoulder-type camera-recorder
P2-only (a model with no tape drive)
Cinema lens compatibility
Longer recording time
A less expensive model with limited functions
H.264 codec
A larger number of variable frame rates
Faster releases of larger-capacity P2 cards
Others

Personally I would like to see a P2-ONLY camera. But unless they really deviate from this, it looks like the loyalists who bought early are not going to miss much from the next version. Notice they DO NOT list changes to the CCD, or improvements in picture quality or low light performance.

If I had to bet money I'd say that they are going to lean towards an HVX200-lite--less features, less money. Maybe both, though. My guess is also that SDI will be added. Too many people, especially small shops, depend on tape, so I doubt they will ditch the deck, which probably does not add much weight or size. Look at the tiny MiniDV palm cams... but much of a footprint. Small price to pay to be able to hand in an SD-master/backup.

Personally I'm glad I saw this list, because none of these feature would make me sell my beloved camera to upgrade (something I would dread). This is a fairly evolutionary upgrade they are considering, and no feature is a must have for me. I'd rather spend the effort and money on Hydra, if anything. So, we all get to use a great cam until sometime in 2008 or even 2009, when we'll see some minor additions. Take it if you need it! Personally I just don't need anything they're talking about. If they add ALL of them, then man... I might have to do it. Though I have a feeling they may just lower the price of the HPX500, which will take over the HVX200, then make a lighter HVX200, for less money. AND they may even leave the HVX200 exactly how it is while making the aforementioned additions to the lines, for those who think it's nearly perfect. (I'd be one of them.)

Just curious, what would you guys like to see from this list? (check three that apply-in the words of panny!)

- Alex
 
I would caution against the conclusion that because of questions on this survey, Panasonic is considering/not considering implementing anything on the "next HVX200," or that's planning an update to the HVX200 at all.
 
Aside from the "less expensive model with limited functions" bit, sure sounds like an HPX500.
 
My $ .02

My $ .02

arrestthisman said:
Interchangeable lens
HDSDI out
Click to expand...
- Would be nice additions that I could "grow-in" to.

arrestthisman said:
Shoulder-type camera-recorder
P2-only (a model with no tape drive)
Click to expand...
- I'd expect these to foster changes in physical layout/configuration. My impulse is that P2-only would make the body smaller & lighter, and harder to hand-hold, and seems to conflict with shoulder-mountability.

arrestthisman said:
Cinema lens compatibility
Click to expand...
- Nice, but not a necessity for me (at least at present.)

arrestthisman said:
Longer recording time
Click to expand...
- Wouldn't this be more a function of changes to P2 cards or the tape used? WIth other models using P2, would interchangeability suffer? Wouldn't all models have to be similarly affected? I can't imagine how such a change could be limited to the HVX.

arrestthisman said:
A less expensive model with limited functions
Click to expand...
- Nice if you could still sync 2 cams together, i.e. 1 of each.

arrestthisman said:
H.264 codec
Click to expand...
- Agree it's an evolutionary thing.

arrestthisman said:
A larger number of variable frame rates
Click to expand...
- I exist in a bubble. Would this increase creativity, or be overkill, maybe?

arrestthisman said:
Faster releases of larger-capacity P2 cards
Click to expand...
- Nice, if you have the $$ to buy them.


If/when I can afford a 2nd cam, at least at the present, I'd go for another HVX for consistency on multi-cam shoots. I don't like the idea of using different cams on a shoot. While I'd prefer better low-light response, that might well trash the consistency I hope to acquire.

I'd agree that using this survey as a basis for guessing what future changes they may be considering is speculaltive, at best.

x
 
Oh I did not mean to infer that this means panasonic is planning an update. I merely posted this because IF panasonic is planning ANY update then these may shed some more light on what. I personally think it's fun to speculate on what may be coming next. conjecture is not a bad thing as long as it is recognized as such.

Take care,
- alex
 
Don't mean to butt in... BUT here's my 4... random order... i'd like to see these changes implemented

H.264 codec
A larger number of variable frame rates
Interchangeable lens
Faster releases of larger-capacity P2 cards
 
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arrestthisman said:
Oh I did not mean to infer that this means panasonic is planning an update............ conjecture is not a bad thing as long as it is recognized as such.
Click to expand...
I'd always assumed anyway that manufacturers start working on the next generation products before the current one is released (and that applies to far, far more than cameras) so I'd be pretty amazed if they weren't someway down the next generation design route.

As far as the list of choices goes, a complication may be that some things are interdependent. To me, the real negative point about the HVX200 has always been handheld ergonomics, and making it shouldermount would be no 1 priority - if all else stayed the same. But if the successor had no tape drive say, and maybe used AVC-Intra (50Mbs) with 4 SD slots instead of P2, it would inevitably be so much smaller and lighter that maybe a shoulder mount form factor would no longer be most appropiate?

And my other biggest want isn't on the list - a manual lens with true end stops for iris and focus. That seems one of the biggest pluses with the forthcoming Sony EX that Panasonic will need to counter.
 
What I would care about:

1. Interchangeable lens
2. 1920x1080
3. Faster releases of larger-capacity P2 cards
 
Firewire 800 or at least a 6 pin and definitely a secure input with cable locking capabilities.
 
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