Buying used HPX170 need help and advice

A

aeide13

New member
Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I have been looking to buy my first prosumer camcorder. I wanted to buy used and have been searching Ebay for weeks. After doing research I decided that a Panasonic HMC150 sounded like the best used camera for the price I wanted.

Then, this week I found an ad on Craigslist in my town for someone who is selling a Panasonic HPX170 for $1800. The cost includes the camera, two batteries, a 64 gb P2 card as well as a hard case. Assuming the camera is in excellent condition, does this sound like a deal I should jump on? I read on here that the HPX170 is a better camera than the HMC150 and I have yet to find a used HMC150 for less than $2000.

Basically I'm just trying to find out if this 170 is as good of a deal as I originally thought. Any help you guys could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks
 
Thanks everyone for your responses!

Yes, the camera is used. I think the thing that threw me off the most was the fact he was including a 64 gb P2 card. Those are at least a few hundred dollars themselves, right? He did originally list the same package for $2200 a month ago. He has steadily brought the price down over the last couple weeks though.

Anyway, since he's local I should be able to look at and test the camera beforehand. We'll see what happens...
 
Meet at Starbucks, bring a monitor, bring a gun, bring the money in a suitcase, and test it out in person. If it works, no scam.
 
the 170 is about the most flexible camera ive ever used. the price drop is probably because all the lemmings out there drunk on DSLRs have lowered the demand (and thus the price) on traditional, dedicated video cameras.

that deal is very, VERY good. but not like super-unbelievably so that id immediately suspect foul-play. thats probably a $2300-$2600 package depending on how "used" it is and where you live - demand varies with geography.
 
I'd take the money AND the gun.
Either way you get the camera.
But one option won't cost you, OR it will cost you dearly.
HPX 170 is a great camera, a gem IMHO.
Two P2 64s, and two 16s.
Usually never need more.
 
I'm in the same boat. What exactly should I look for in terms of wear and tear besides hours, lens/scratches, making sure the buttons/switches work etc.

Is there a way to tell if it is a grey market, PAL or anything that should send a red flag?

Thanks
 
You want to look it over, how is the overall condition? Does it look like its been abused?
Check the glass.
Confirm the serial #.
Confirm the hours.
Shoot some footage and play it back.

If all that checks out, you're probably good to go.
 
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