Hvx200a

Jan comes here often and listens and responds to this forum. Great isn't it.
Now try the same thing over at the sunnyboys :grin:

Peter
 
Whoa. I didn't even know this post existed. I'm actually sitting here staring at the RED ONE page (Scarlet) and checking out an EX-1... then I saw this and just kind of relaxed.

I'm shadowing/mirroring what was said two posts ago, but, I can't believe that someone from Panasonic actually comes here to listen to what we have to say.

Thank you.

Jan has been here for years and years. They don't call her the Panasonic Queen for nothing!

Dan
 
It's incredible how things change so fast. I'm an earlier adopter of the HVX and I've been working consistently since it was out. So, many friends and peers come to me for suggestions and opinions and for pretty much all this time it was easy to recommend the HVX and that the way most people have gone.
I'm still saying the same things over and over and by now I have a lot of my own work to support my opinion, but they now we have options to consider and at least the last 2 people that I have suggested ended up getting the EX-1.
I firmly believe (and respect) that they understand what they're getting, both the for the benefits and issues, so I'm not getting into another endless comparison here. They are both seasoned professionals and they made their choice after extensive considerations.

I wish Panasonic will move fast (they're probably doing it so) to issue an upgraded and improved version of the HVX to once and for all solidify the immensely superiority of the DVCPRO HD format with P2 cards. They're doing a great job releasing and pricing the cards itself, but since the EX-1 came out the HVX became slightly less appealing.

That's the way things are now. Changes are coming faster and faster and independently of my own experience or opinion I just wish the continuation and progress of this incredible ride.
 
It's incredible how things change so fast. I'm an earlier adopter of the HVX and I've been working consistently since it was out. So, many friends and peers come to me for suggestions and opinions and for pretty much all this time it was easy to recommend the HVX and that the way most people have gone.
I'm still saying the same things over and over and by now I have a lot of my own work to support my opinion, but they now we have options to consider and at least the last 2 people that I have suggested ended up getting the EX-1.
I firmly believe (and respect) that they understand what they're getting, both the for the benefits and issues, so I'm not getting into another endless comparison here. They are both seasoned professionals and they made their choice after extensive considerations.

I wish Panasonic will move fast (they're probably doing it so) to issue an upgraded and improved version of the HVX to once and for all solidify the immensely superiority of the DVCPRO HD format with P2 cards. They're doing a great job releasing and pricing the cards itself, but since the EX-1 came out the HVX became slightly less appealing.

That's the way things are now. Changes are coming faster and faster and independently of my own experience or opinion I just wish the continuation and progress of this incredible ride.


I hope they do understand what they are getting. I just completed a shoot with the EX1 and I can tell you that it was a less than stellar experience. Yes, it delivers a pretty picture, but that's about it. It was a nightmare to work with. C'mon, the LCD doesn't even rotate so that a focus puller can see it! I won't list all my complaints about it here, but suffice to say that it lacked the ease of use I've come to love in the HVX. The HVX continues to be a pleasure to work with and the new revision will make an already awesome camera better. Not only does the HVX deliver a pretty picture, but you can USE it as well.
 
Man, seriously, there needs to be a new Pana cam hittin' shelves at least by summer. =\
So be patient, all good things come to those that wait.However be assured that if everything on this list were to be on a new camera, no one including me could afford it. ;-)
Now that HMC150 has been announced, I really hope that our beloved Panasonic Queen wasn't referring to this camera ... but a mysterious superduper Hvx300 at NAB:laugh: ! Am I being too optimistic ? :crybaby:
 
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I hope they do understand what they are getting. I just completed a shoot with the EX1 and I can tell you that it was a less than stellar experience. Yes, it delivers a pretty picture, but that's about it. It was a nightmare to work with. C'mon, the LCD doesn't even rotate so that a focus puller can see it! I won't list all my complaints about it here, but suffice to say that it lacked the ease of use I've come to love in the HVX. The HVX continues to be a pleasure to work with and the new revision will make an already awesome camera better. Not only does the HVX deliver a pretty picture, but you can USE it as well.

Yes, like I said they understand what they got. They have worked with the HVX many times before and as far as I know they are quite satisfied with the EX-1. I really can't speak for them and I'm really not up for comparing the 2 cameras. I'm happy with my HVX and for now it fits my needs well.

My intention here was to share a fact.
Maybe, some people just want to have newest coolest toy in town, others keep trying new things just because and finally some make their decision the best they can with the information available at the time.
Unfortunately, at least for these particular cases, the HVX was not the camera of choice.
 
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Sony has a very powerful marketing hand. Its very well established in the broadcast world (over here is quite dominant), and people usually stick with a brand if it works for them in this industry. Buying into the EX is buying into the XDCAM world, and the Sxs- this is good business.

The more positive buzz the EX gains (and it deserves good buzz, being an overall good camera with some groundbreaking features for the price range, like the full manual lens and 1/2 chips) the more difficult it will be to cemment the P2 brand.

You can say the commitment of Panasonic in Solid State is much more than the HVX, with all the high end P2 cameras, and that it is not with the introduction of a quality EX beating successor that the P2 workflow will lose its appeal and market share, but the truth is that the HVX is the best selling P2 camera, and its introduction forced NLE to add P2 support, even after the technology been available for more than 1 to two years before the HVX introduction.

I for one am awaiting great news from NAB. If not from Panasonic... Maybe a certain Scarlet...
 
What can we realistically expect from Panasonic as an upgrade from the HVX200? I've seen some pretty long listed items on the wish list that Jan herself said, that even she wouldn't be able to afford a camera with all the listed items added to the next HVX.... Here's what would encourage me to buy the next HVX???

1. 1/2" 3CCDs (better resolution than the existing one)
2. Full Manual Lens (like the EX1)
3. High resolution LCD
4. AVC-Intra 50/100 and DVCPro HD recording
5. Lose the tapedrive
6. Good body design making it easy to hand hold, good center of balance.
7. HD-SDI
8. Keep all the Variable Frame rates at 720p. (Keep the shooting options the same) ** Variable Frame accumulation would be cool but not a necessity.


Now, if Panasonic can integrate these on their next camera, I would be sold on the camera, and wouldn't even consider the EX1.
 
I talked to one of my friends today. He was coming back from a shoot with his EX-1 package. I've asked him how is it going and he is very happy and satisfied with his choice so far. He certainly misses some elements of the DVCPRO HD format, but as far as his needs goes he's happy with the better light sensitivity, the superior LCD and so on.
Again I'm not defending their choice but as always it is about whatever works for you.
 
Not to sound like a meathead but I read this "wants" lists in cameras and with NLE's and I never cease to be amazed at the lists. As a former industrial scientist I learned one important element about products and their featureset . . that was price. If you want it all then it's a pay it all. For me, what I hope Panasonic DOESN'T DO is put all the bells and whistles in a camera and to compensate the expenditure change the format to some down dubbed style (like HDV) which would remove so many important artifacts in editing OR add all the bells and whistles and then have the camera start at $9995 or $14995 or anything that would prevent me from actually getting own another HD camera. I am sooooo happy with my HVX and wished only I could get two more of them to replace my two DVX100B's which we are getting ready to sell this very moment and thus please don't be offended but if Panny does upgrade the camera I hope it is just enough to give us those little pluses along with even more imporoved imagery WITHOUT sacrificing format quality of the .mxf codec and without moving the price into quantum physics.

For now, I like the HVX cynergy value and am hopeful that a nexgen would be similiarly priced without any compromise to existing technology. Please Panny don't go the Sony route on the proline (which with the Sony HDV is prosumer) but stay total PRO :o) Pleeeeeeeese :o)
 
I agree..some of these changes to the camera would make the price well above $10,000 at starting which is something I don't think Panasonic would want.

I hope we can at least have the software upgrade before a new camera is introduced.
 
There won't be any changes that would cause a price increase. Some of the things people are asking for would be possible in a new model (like an HVX250 or HVX300 or whatever) but any changes to a potential 200a are likely to be inexpensive and modest.
 
I agree. Just make it a bit faster (at least at 720p it might bear some aggressive noise reduction without resolution loss), implement AVCHD codec and a better monitor - it would be the perfect camera for documentaries.
 
Oh, yes. The 150 should rock. But after the 150 hits the market the HVX will become only a 150+. Until it improves significantly.
 
What can we realistically expect from Panasonic as an upgrade from the HVX200? I've seen some pretty long listed items on the wish list that Jan herself said, that even she wouldn't be able to afford a camera with all the listed items added to the next HVX.... Here's what would encourage me to buy the next HVX???

1. 1/2" 3CCDs (better resolution than the existing one)
2. Full Manual Lens (like the EX1)
3. High resolution LCD
4. AVC-Intra 50/100 and DVCPro HD recording
5. Lose the tapedrive
6. Good body design making it easy to hand hold, good center of balance.
7. HD-SDI
8. Keep all the Variable Frame rates at 720p. (Keep the shooting options the same) ** Variable Frame accumulation would be cool but not a necessity.


Now, if Panasonic can integrate these on their next camera, I would be sold on the camera, and wouldn't even consider the EX1.

Man, these are my sentiments EXACTLY!

Now I know Jan mentioned 'think software changes' (not hardware), and BLACKHAWK542 says the above changes would (most likely) push the HVX price point over $10,000. But to me, these changes would merely put the HVX on par with the EX1 (or minimally better) so WHY would it have to cost so much more??? Heck, if a panny like this came out for the price of the EX1 I'd go with the Panny.....but if it cost $10K, I'd buy the EX1. Come on Panasonic.....you can do it.
 
Oh, yes. The 150 should rock. But after the 150 hits the market the HVX will become only a 150+. Until it improves significantly.

No not at all. Remeber the HVX200 is a SD camera, DV, DVCpro, DVCpro50 camera. a 720p Vari framerate camera. A 1080P camera. All in Intraframe.

The 150 is a AVChd only camera with no Vari framerates and Long GOP recording.

The HVX200 is not a 150+. Its about a whole big giant leap ahead.
 
Man, these are my sentiments EXACTLY!

Now I know Jan mentioned 'think software changes' (not hardware), and BLACKHAWK542 says the above changes would (most likely) push the HVX price point over $10,000. But to me, these changes would merely put the HVX on par with the EX1 (or minimally better) so WHY would it have to cost so much more??? Heck, if a panny like this came out for the price of the EX1 I'd go with the Panny.....but if it cost $10K, I'd buy the EX1. Come on Panasonic.....you can do it.

Sony had to make compromises. I assure you. It seems that the Useability of the camera is where the Sony lacks. But it makes up for it with a nice picture.

The HVX200 balances the two and takes a hit on sheer resolution, but offers you a plethora of features and capabilities. I am SO spoiled by the HVX.....
 
Sony had to make compromises. I assure you. It seems that the Useability of the camera is where the Sony lacks. But it makes up for it with a nice picture.

The HVX200 balances the two and takes a hit on sheer resolution, but offers you a plethora of features and capabilities. I am SO spoiled by the HVX.....

I have had a chance to demo both the EX1 and the HVX. I have been shooting with the DVX-100b for almost two years now. I was just about to (finally man-up and) purchase the HVX when the EX1 came out. As I didn't have any work that the DVX couldn't handle, I held off. I am (and have been) very much 'on the fence' as both cameras do things very well (and both cams would obviously be a BIG step up from my DVX.....so I really can't go wrong either way). I've read these forums until I'm blue in the face comparing these two cams.

I ultimately decided to hold off until the NAB to see if Panasonic will answer the EX1 (and I'll be at the Panasonic booth, front and center.....waiting.....waiting....). I hope Panny unveils something (upgraded HVX or new HVX-300...), because I've always been leaning towards the HVX.
 
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