170/200a
- Thread starter vanvideo
- Start date
Barry_Green
Moderator
They have the same imagers, yes. And many of the same features. But the 170 has many new features, and is smaller and lighter and has HD-SDI and a waveform monitor and such.
The images from the two camcorders are not quite identical; the HPX170 has been tuned to make it look a little "sharper", which by contrast makes the HVX's image look a little "cleaner". You can compensate by using the coring function.
If you need DV tape, the HVX200A is the way to go. If you don't need DV tape, the 170 is the better unit.
Oh, one last point of differentiation -- if you're using it in freezing temperatures, the 170's focus ring will get really stiff, and the 200A's doesn't, so if you're shooting in freezing/sub-freezing the 200A has the advantage there.
The images from the two camcorders are not quite identical; the HPX170 has been tuned to make it look a little "sharper", which by contrast makes the HVX's image look a little "cleaner". You can compensate by using the coring function.
If you need DV tape, the HVX200A is the way to go. If you don't need DV tape, the 170 is the better unit.
Oh, one last point of differentiation -- if you're using it in freezing temperatures, the 170's focus ring will get really stiff, and the 200A's doesn't, so if you're shooting in freezing/sub-freezing the 200A has the advantage there.
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
A few other things to consider:
If you're looking at new cameras, the price of the AG-HVX200A was higher and recently dropped in price, because it no longer ships with a P2 card. If you consider that the higher price of the AG-HPX170 includes a 16GB P2 card, they are actually pretty close.
If you're looking at used cameras, there are a few variables that effect the prices. For one, the HPX170 is a newer camera, so there's a higher chance that a used HPX170 will be "younger" than a used HVX200(A) of like quality.
Since the HPX170 has no tape deck, there is less potential "wear and tear" to those moving parts.
That is also why the warranties are different. The HVX200(A) comes with the standard one year warranty. The HPX170 has a five year extended warranty. This can also make a difference on the used camera price. There seems to be conflicting information about whether or not the warranty is transferable... I will say "officially" it's non-transferable but "unofficially" some have done it without problems. So I would say don't expect it and if it's covered, consider it a pleasant bonus.
Oh, and: if you are looking for new cameras, use caution if you're looking at eBay. There's a lot of grey and blackmarket peddlers there, very few legitimate dealers are selling new gear on eBay, so make sure you do your research. If the price looks too good to be true, it is. Having said that, it's a great place to find used gear.
Best,
Jasmine Moore
Administrative Assistant
Specialized Communications / Noventri
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858 (US)
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
jasminem@spec-comm.com
Specialized Communications Broadcast Video Equipment
Noventri Digital Signage
If you're looking at new cameras, the price of the AG-HVX200A was higher and recently dropped in price, because it no longer ships with a P2 card. If you consider that the higher price of the AG-HPX170 includes a 16GB P2 card, they are actually pretty close.
If you're looking at used cameras, there are a few variables that effect the prices. For one, the HPX170 is a newer camera, so there's a higher chance that a used HPX170 will be "younger" than a used HVX200(A) of like quality.
Since the HPX170 has no tape deck, there is less potential "wear and tear" to those moving parts.
That is also why the warranties are different. The HVX200(A) comes with the standard one year warranty. The HPX170 has a five year extended warranty. This can also make a difference on the used camera price. There seems to be conflicting information about whether or not the warranty is transferable... I will say "officially" it's non-transferable but "unofficially" some have done it without problems. So I would say don't expect it and if it's covered, consider it a pleasant bonus.
Oh, and: if you are looking for new cameras, use caution if you're looking at eBay. There's a lot of grey and blackmarket peddlers there, very few legitimate dealers are selling new gear on eBay, so make sure you do your research. If the price looks too good to be true, it is. Having said that, it's a great place to find used gear.
Best,
Jasmine Moore
Administrative Assistant
Specialized Communications / Noventri
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858 (US)
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
jasminem@spec-comm.com
Specialized Communications Broadcast Video Equipment
Noventri Digital Signage
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