PANASONIC AVAILABITY AND PRICING for AG-HPX170

Ok... so apparently the dealer press-release stated that us cameras can get a free pal upgrade after registering for the additional 4 year warranty. it's listed on birns and sawyers website as such.

Can spec-comm confirm this detail?

late,r
Jason
 
I'm confused about this whole PAL upgrade. Does this mean you could shoot in both NTSC and PAL? Now I know pal is the superior format, but if you're shooting here in the U.S. why would you shoot in pal?

Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread here.
 
some people don't shoot projects only in the u.s. or only for u.s. markets. It's not about pal "being a superior format"... you shoot the format you need for your client, or your audience.

cameras being NTSC/PAL switchable is a growing trend IMO.

Later,
Jason
 
The straight story is that if you want the upgrade, it's a $300 service fee. The 170 is priced $300 less than the HVX200A, which means that if you want it switchable it's basically the same price as the HVX; if you don't need switchability you can save $300.

Bottom line being, yes there's a factory upgrade path for those who need it to be switchable!
 
Thanks for explaining that Jason. That makes a lot of sense. Now you've got me wondering if I should shell out another $300 for making switchable!

cheers,

Jon
 
If you don't know why you'd do it, then you don't need it. Guys like Jason and me need it because we spend a ton of time overseas. Rental houses need it because foreign crews come to the US all the time to shoot stuff. The average user probably doesn't have any need for it at all.
 
RYoshino said:
With the price point looking exactly the same, why would one want to buy a 200a over this new camera? It seems the 170 does SD on cards, better warranty, HD-SDI....Am I missing something?
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Not that simple. While the HPX170 advantages are many, there is something that is theoretically worse: The lens. Barry stated the new lens on full telephoto full open is 3.2, while the HVX one is 2.8.

Theoreticaly it would mean the HVX at 3.2 would be slightly sharper (by this I mean slightly, slightly!) due to it not being with the iris full open.

Also, the HVX200a has more telephoto. Again, slightly more. This is more evident compared to the Original HVX, the one with the longest telephoto compared to the 2. However, the HPX170 does have a better wide angle.

This can be something to take into consideration, specialy if you are into event coverage where bigger Zoom is needed.

If you are an indie (guerrila) filmmaker that uses adapters, however, it should theoreticaly be the HPX170 all the way- lighter, adapter friendly (flip LCD, waveform focus assist), HD-SDI (for capture boxes like convergent design's Nanoflash), etc.

I would still wait for Barry's final built review, by the way. He'll certainly take these issues into consideration on his article.

EDIT- Woohoo! Pal and Ntsc Switchable! 720p60 ! Woohoo! (Sorry for the outburst :) )
 
SPZ said:
Barry stated the new lens on full telephoto full open is 3.2, while the HVX one is 2.8.
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Not quite; the 170 is 3.0 at full telephoto, not 3.2. So the difference is 2.8 vs. 3.0, which (in practical testing) is negligible. It's like a 1/6-stop difference.

The 170 is wider than the 200A by about 7%, so more wide angle, and less telephoto.

If you are an indie (guerrila) filmmaker that uses adapters, however, it should theoreticaly be the HPX170 all the way- lighter, adapter friendly (flip LCD, waveform focus assist), HD-SDI (for capture boxes like convergent design's Nanoflash), etc.
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I'd have a hard time recommending the 200A over the 170 to just about anyone, excepting these special-purpose uses:
1) someone who needs a DV tape drive
2) someone who needs to be able to input analog video and convert it to DV.

Other than that, I'd say it's all in the 170's favor, top to bottom, start to finish.
 
A lot of talk about the Red Scarlett but who can handle 3k. And who here is constantly outputting to film. This camera seems to be pretty hot for the average pro shooter.

-Nate
 
Here's what I think about RED Scarlet. No one knows what's in store. RED has certainly rocked the expectations as to what a camera should be and how much it should cost. However, I agree with Jason. Let's just wait until it comes out and we start seeing workflow, demo footage, true cost, accessories, the works.
 
The difference isn't astronomical enough to infuse the fever. 200, 200a...if you know how to use a camera, you please the client. I've tossed together projects on a SVHS camera that have knocked the socks off of the money hand, ability and personality will always watch the sunrise.
 
Quick Question. Do you need to decided on the PAL upgrade before you buy the camera? or can you send it back later on to have the conversion done? Thanks!
 
you send it in once you've registered for the extra 4 year warranty is what I believe is the protocol.

You will have to send it in every time you update your firmware if you want to keep the pal functions and upgrade your firmware, according to Jan. She also said that there is a 500 dollar pal upgrade option that will allow you to do that for free forever if you want to stay current on firmware updates and keep your pal functionality. just pay for shipping to them, I would presume.

Not the most convenient thing in the world, but hey... at least the option is there for those who want/need PAL/NTSC switchability.

later,
Jason
 
In the 2.5-year history of the HVX200, the only firmware update that ever came out that was actually useful was the update to allow 16GB (and larger) cards. I doubt there will be much in the way of firmware updating going on with these new units either.

I'd vote that they just do the "once and it sticks" firmware update and that's it...
 
Hi Barry,

I would recommend the $500 upgrade which means that you can have the PAL upgrade redone for free should your desired download not be downloadable without causing the PAL to go away, especially if you have more than one camera.

You don't know, but I have a hunch that there will be a fimware upgrade towards the end of next year. Now I am not saying that it absolutely will happen, but I think the $500 is the safer investment.

Best,

Jan
 
Barry_Green said:
In the 2.5-year history of the HVX200, the only firmware update that ever came out that was actually useful was the update to allow 16GB (and larger) cards. I doubt there will be much in the way of firmware updating going on with these new units either.

I'd vote that they just do the "once and it sticks" firmware update and that's it...
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Same here
 
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