Observations after 30 days with my 500's

[Brad Neal]

Before I say anything, I want to first establish that I love theses cameras!

Bang-for-the-buck, I can’t imagine anything that comes close to the 500. Feature-rich would be an understatement.

I love the variable frame rate, the 2/3 ccd’s, 4 audio inputs, and the list goes on…

But if I had the attention of a Panasonic person – front and center, I would mention these few concerns:

1. First and foremost, I loath the flip-out monitor. It’s really all but worthless.Even my Sony PD-170’s have noticeably better “everything” when it comes to the onboard monitor.

2. Next would be the undersized, b/w viewfinder. For an HD camera of this caliber, I was really expecting more. Like larger, and color.The flip-up eye-piece is really nice, but given the size of the small monitor underneath, it’s all but worthless as well.

3. I realize that this one is a Fuji issue, but the focus-breathing from the kit-lens really hampers the use for much more than that of fixed-focus head shots.

I would gladly have paid a couple thousand more for the kit to resolve these few issues – but other than the aforementioned, I am very pleased with my purchase.

-Brad

 

[smelni]

what are you using the flip out monitor for? The reason it has to be in the camera is because its a P2 camera - but it shouldnt be used for anything else other then composition - and most cameras in this form factor wouldnt have it

 

[Noel Evans]

Brad Im right there with you, but also agree with Smelni.

Brad what fujinon lense are you using?

 

[Bachman]

I agree with what your saying about the monitor being useless. But I never expected a pro camera to need one except for menus and maybe composition. Im used to using external field monitors for everything else. I your serious about making video then you should be using an external monitor.

As for the VF, I agree

Also interested to know what lens your using.

 

[Hunter Hampton]

That is pretty much what everybody says about the hpx500. ("Love the camera, but there a a few short comings")

Well, if you do want to spend a few thousand more dollars, the viewfinder of the sdx900 is 16:9 2" color. That evf is only a couple grand. (sell your old evf, then buy it). The breathing cheap HD lenses are less than ideal but for the price, they are great.

I am hoping to purchace one of these this week (HPX500). I think it will be a workhorse camera for many different kinds of people. Also I am glad panasonic is aggressive at giving us the features we want at a price we can afford.

Thanks Panny.

 

[Brad Neal]

Point of clarification...

I am not looking for a reference monitor in the flip out. But if they are going to go to the trouble of putting one in, at least make it a good one.

As I mentioned, the monitor on the 500 is not as good as the one found on my PD 170's.

-Brad

what are you using the flip out monitor for? The reason it has to be in the camera is because its a P2 camera - but it shouldnt be used for anything else other then composition - and most cameras in this form factor wouldnt have it

 

[Brad Neal]

One is the XA17X7.6BRM-M58B, and the other is the XA17X7.6BERM-M58B.

Again, not a bad lens for the money, but the breathing issue is pretty nasty.

-Brad

Brad Im right there with you, but also agree with Smelni.

Brad what fujinon lense are you using?

 

[Bachman]

Thanks Brad. Not happy to here about the breathing in the Lens though. We have one on order.

 

[EditingFX]

I agree, it'd be nice to: 1) have better VF 2) a punchier LCD and 3) a HD broadcast lens that doesn't breath.... But you know what? I'm happier that 1) I spent $22,000 not $42,000 on it!
This is my entry into HD (from dv & BetaSP) and I'm ESTATIC that I was able to buy, for this price: 1) a 2/3 chipped HD rig 2) that has No Moving Parts (too many years seeing heads rebuilt, scanners replaced, etc) 3) a FIVE YEAR warranty 4) a REAL piece of glass (yeah, it has issues, but it's not a fixed lens!). So use some of the $20,000 you saved by Panasonic's introduction of CAC lenses, and rent a DigiPrime set for your drama shoots. Bet there's enough left over for a cappuchino or two....

 

[smelni]

every feature costs money - after all, if they are putting in a CCD, why not a full frame one?

The lcd is for reference so is a great place to cut costs.

 

[alexdias]

I agree, it'd be nice to: 1) have better VF 2) a punchier LCD and 3) a HD broadcast lens that doesn't breath.... But you know what? I'm happier that 1) I spent $22,000 not $42,000 on it!
This is my entry into HD (from dv & BetaSP) and I'm ESTATIC that I was able to buy, for this price: 1) a 2/3 chipped HD rig 2) that has No Moving Parts (too many years seeing heads rebuilt, scanners replaced, etc) 3) a FIVE YEAR warranty 4) a REAL piece of glass (yeah, it has issues, but it's not a fixed lens!). So use some of the $20,000 you saved by Panasonic's introduction of CAC lenses, and rent a DigiPrime set for your drama shoots. Bet there's enough left over for a cappuchino or two....

Ditto.

But as Brad put it I can't imagine anything coming close to it.

Some people are experiencing with the Varicam VF and apparently it works fine with substantial improvement of quality.