The HPX170 vs. HVX200a Dilemma

M

mrbrycel

Well-known member
After lots of consideration, I had finally decided to buy the HPX170. The extra focus assists, 5 year warranty, weight/size, wider lens, and a few other things made me choose it over the HVX200a.

But the side to side wobble has got me extremely worried. I was planning on buying the camera within the next month and renting a 35mm adapter for a shoot in november. But this wobble seems like its going to be a problem. Also, I shoot a lot of skateboarding, and was planning to eventually get a fisheye for it. A heavy fisheye on the end also seems like it may cause wobble.

Would I be better off just getting the HVX200a?
 
It depends;
This wobble issue doesn't seem to be inherent in every camera. Just a select few. I haven't seen any wobble in mine. I would opt for the 170
It's expanded features and focus/iris switch and image flip are incredibly helpful with a 35mm adapter

Just get the 200a if you desperately need a tape drive, or more weight in your hands. lol
 
I said:
It depends;
This wobble issue doesn't seem to be inherent in every camera. Just a select few. I haven't seen any wobble in mine. I would opt for the 170
It's expanded features and focus/iris switch and image flip are incredibly helpful with a 35mm adapter

Just get the 200a if you desperately need a tape drive, or more weight in your hands. lol
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So it's not with every 170?

There are so many reason's I want the 170 over the 200a. And I really have no need for a tape drive. I already have a vx1000 if tape was a necessity. Were you using a letus with a follow focus?
 
No, I'm using a brevis35. I like it better than the letus, less light loss, better edge to edge focus. Anyways, I haven't hooked it up to the camera yet but just by using my hand to grasp the fixed lens itself, i wasn't able to budge it.
 
I haven't seen a production 170 yet. On the preproduction HMC150 (which should be the same physical build as the 170) I mounted a Letus Ultimate using rails, and I never noticed anything to cause any concern.

I wouldn't hang an adapter off the front of a 170 without support, especially after seeing that vimeo video. But I've hung a Letus Extreme off an HVX without any support for short-term testing and didn't experience any problems.
 
As much as i want all the 170 features, I'm starting to lean toward the 200a again. Not just because of the lens wiggle, but the overall build/sturdiness of a camera.
 
After some hard thought I think i've finally decided on the 200a over the 170. I know I may be missing out on some great features, but I really feel like I'd be more comfortable with the bulky, solid feel of the 200a over the lightweight, delicate feel of the 170.
 
If you plan to use the hvx with a fisheye lens for skating, get ready for numerous backaches. When filming lines, the HVX tends to become extremely heavy, and I can only imagine even more weight from a lens.
 
kmper02 said:
If you plan to use the hvx with a fisheye lens for skating, get ready for numerous backaches. When filming lines, the HVX tends to become extremely heavy, and I can only imagine even more weight from a lens.
Click to expand...

Yeah I had a feeling that was going to be the case. Thats one reason I was planning on getting the 170. But we can only imagine how much constant stress a heavy fisheye will put on the end of a somewhat weaker HPX170 lens. Even if the 170's wiggle wasn't very bad, constant fisheye weight on the end is bound to make it looser.
 
sorry man, 170 all day for this filmmaker! :)

If there is a real problem with the 170 and the wobble scare then Panasonic will make it right.
 
mrbrycel said:
Yeah I had a feeling that was going to be the case. Thats one reason I was planning on getting the 170. But we can only imagine how much constant stress a heavy fisheye will put on the end of a somewhat weaker HPX170 lens. Even if the 170's wiggle wasn't very bad, constant fisheye weight on the end is bound to make it looser.
Click to expand...

Dude, with the HPX-170s warranty, wear and tear from fisheye lenses would be covered. The main advantages are the lighter weight (which would enable easier steadicam use for videos and the sort), the built in focusing features, and the overall redesign of a great camera. If you think an HVX is the way to go, the maybe you should buy someone's used HVX versus a brand new 200A. Personally, I think you need to go with the 170. Especially if you're going to be going handheld a lot.
 
I always end up handholding an HVX all day on set with one or two wireless mic receivers on a Bracket 1. Heavy bastard, really unbalanced and definitely gave me a backache the last time I did it. The lighter weight was one of the main factors in why I sold the HVX and bought the HPX.

Dan
 
unless you NEED tape. it s a hands down decision for the hpx. even with the array of pinkly/wobbly issues weve been tossing about - most of which ive not seen have ANY effect on my workflow. if they really are immediate "issues" with performance im sure panasonic will remedy it and if not, the 5 year warranty should very likely cover it when it does.

ive shot with the hpx for 3 days now and the low light performance is SOOOO far and away better than the hvx - its astounding. now i hear that the 200a is supposed to have the same guts as the 170. but its different glass at very least. so there is goingto be SOME difference. and the buzz ive read says the 170 indeed looks "better" than the 200a...
 
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