Difference between HVX-200 and HVX-201?

S

sindrejibb

Member
Hi!
I have the opportuinty to buy a cheap used HVX-200.
What is the difference between the HVX-200 and the newer HVX-201?

A new 201 is wayyy too expensive for me.
I'm more targeting for the price of a new Panasonic HMC-151.

So, should I go for the deal or not?
How is the HVX-200?
 
The HVX 201 is the PAL version of the HVX. It isn't a newer version. There is a HVX200a, and and HPX170.

Are you in PAL or NTSC country?

And without knowing what the specs of the used HVX200 are, can't comment on going for the "deal."
 
I bump the thread, wouldn't normally do it this fast but this is pretty urgent now. I'll have to choose to buy it or not VERY soon.
 
The first HVXs sold in Europe were the HVX200E. It looks from the description that that's what this person has for sale; it mentions 25/50 frame rates, which would be appropriate for a 200E.

The 201 is the model number for what we here in the USA call the HVX200A.

So: HVX200E = PAL version of HVX200
HVX201 = PAL version of HVX200A
 
That's pretty much what Barry is saying :)

But do you guys think it's stupid to buy a HVX200 now instead of the HVX201 (or HVX200A in USA)? Or how do the old HVX200 compare to the HMC-151?
 
All other things (mainly, price) being equal, the 201 would definitely be more desirable than the 200E. It just depends on the price difference as to which is more desirable TO YOU.

As for comparing to the 151E, there's a world of similarity and a world of difference. If you're in the position of making money with your camcorder and/or you need variable frame rates, the 201 would probably be the way to go. If you don't have the money for a 201 plus P2, or you don't need variable frame rates, or you're shooting your own projects and not needing to interface with the broadcast/post world, or you need PAL/NTSC switchability, then the 151E has got a tremendous amount to offer.
 
Ok.. But if I can get the HVX-200 cheaper than the HMC-151, you would go for that one? Which puts out the best image quality?

I don't think variabel frame rates is THAT important for me. If I can shoot 50p with the HMC-151, I don't see why I should need all those frame rates. Maybe timelapses is the only thing I need it for. I can use a low framerate then.
 
Yes, I see.

But which of the old HVX-200 and HMC-151 gives the generally best video quality?

I can get a used HVX-200 with 2x 8GB cards, 4 original batteries and 2 chargers for 2/3 the price of one new HMC-151.
 
I guess I'm confused as to what answer you wish.

I've provided the specs for data rate and you can see that AVCHD is four times a more compressed codec than DVCProHD.

And I've provided the color space information as well.

Plus AVCHD is much more difficult to edit and requires a more powerful computer than DVCProHD.

We prefer the look of DVCProHD. But there is no objective "best video quality" gauge available.
 
Ok, I see. I thought the optics, CCD-chip etc. was important to video quality too. But if codec and color space information is the only important thing, the HVX-200 should be a lot better than the HMC-151 then!
 
The chips are superior on a 150. I prefer the look of the 170 over the 200 by a good margin, and the 170 has the same optical hardware as the 150.

The main thing David is getting at, I think, is that the DVCPRO-HD format is a robust professional industrial format. AVC-HD is not engineered to the same specifications. DVCPRO-HD is accepted as an unrestricted acquisition, editing, and mastering format by Discovery HD. AVC-HD likely wouldn't make that same certification.

However -- the footage looks awfully good. AVC-HD, at enough bandwidth, can deliver quality that will visually be very close to DVCPRO-HD at 720/24p. At 720/60p, DVCPRO-HD would probably be better, and at 1080 DVCPRO-HD might be better depending on whether the camera head can deliver enough resolution to take advantage of the full-raster nature of AVC-HD.

For a hobbyist, an indie, someone who's not working with clients, whose main concern is being able to afford it, I'd go with the 150. For someone who needs the established entrenched infrastructure that P2 offers, and variable frame rates, and standard-def as well as high-def, the 200 at less cost would be a compelling choice.
 
Hehe, thanks for good answer, Barry.

Well, my main concern IS being able to afford it. But now I can get a used HVX-200 cheaper than the HMC-151 (actually 2/3 the price). That's why I'm asking.

By the way, something important to me: How are the sizes and weight on them? Is it a big difference?
 
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