I currently shoot with a Canon XH-A1 and would like to move to a solid state camera. I like the look of the HPX170, but would like to hear from folks familiar with both cameras. I don't need an improvement in image quality, but I sure don't want to take a step back, especially in noise levels. Thoughts? Would the HMC150 be just as good? Is P2 going to stick around?
How does the HPX170 compare to the Canon XH-A1?
- Thread starter vivsavage
- Start date
andythefilmer
Veteran
P2 is here to stay. On either the HMC150 or HPX170, you will get an image quality improvement. If you are having to choose between the two, it really depends on what you're shooting. What will your primary uses be for the camera?
snowleopard
Well-known member
I've used an A-1 several times, and currently own an HPX170. I shoot doc/ENG/spots for the most part, if that helps you out. Here is what I can tell you off the top of my head:
• Shooting solid state will change the way you shoot, cut, etc. for the better. Perhaps you have experienced this, and it's why you wish to switch.
• Picture quality similar. I found the 20x versus 13x factor in favor of the Canon nice, but not a game breaker to me. If you're covering sports, it might. IQ slightly better on the HPX. I can't list specifics, but its related to being newer, plus DVCPRO HD versus HDV would be my guess.
• HPX is lighter, a bit smaller, fits better in my Cinebag.
• LCD on the HPX is larger, better.
Now would be a good time I think to pick up an HPX, as people have been selling them in favor of the DSLR madness.
• Shooting solid state will change the way you shoot, cut, etc. for the better. Perhaps you have experienced this, and it's why you wish to switch.
• Picture quality similar. I found the 20x versus 13x factor in favor of the Canon nice, but not a game breaker to me. If you're covering sports, it might. IQ slightly better on the HPX. I can't list specifics, but its related to being newer, plus DVCPRO HD versus HDV would be my guess.
• HPX is lighter, a bit smaller, fits better in my Cinebag.
• LCD on the HPX is larger, better.
Now would be a good time I think to pick up an HPX, as people have been selling them in favor of the DSLR madness.
TheReverend
Well-known member
We have 2 Hpx170s and we did do a shoot a last summer with a XHA1 before we had the 170s.
Personally, I find the Hpx170 far better. Reason 1 isthe codec. HDV is just not that great. It's ok, better than DV, but still is 4:2:0 and interlace sometimes... Just yuck. Combine that with using a tape as opposed to the 170's tapeless P2 and Hpx is lovely.
Other notes: Hpx has SDI out. Big deal for monitoring or to an external recorder. P2 media is expensive, but shooting 720/30pn or 720/24pn gets you lots of shoot time and no quality loss. Good stuff. If you need more record time, we've used a Firestore with never a bad experience. Nanoflash/Kipro/ninja and others are possibilities too.
In conclusion, I recommend the HPX170. Over the HMC because of the HDSDI, and over the XHA1 because of DVCProHD and tapeless. HOWEVER, the new cams that Canon has, XF300 line, and the new AC130/160/250 line by Panny I would highly recommend. All the above have improvements over the 170 that are incremental but nice. We have an AF100 now and I have fallen for AVCCAM. The file sizes are small and the quality is amazing. SD cards are so cheap compared to P2. The above cameras i believe have 1080p sensors which is also a HUGE benefit. The XF line has 50Mb/s 4:2:2, which is a great codec and fantastic image.
If you need to buy used to keep in your budget, the 170 is a STEAL. Get it for $3000 and you have a super solid event camera. If you got the extra time to wait, I recommend checking out the XF300 (the one with SDI), and AC160 especially. 21x zoom, SD cards, 1080p sensor w 1080p60 overcrank, SDI, etc... Great cam.
Personally, I find the Hpx170 far better. Reason 1 isthe codec. HDV is just not that great. It's ok, better than DV, but still is 4:2:0 and interlace sometimes... Just yuck. Combine that with using a tape as opposed to the 170's tapeless P2 and Hpx is lovely.
Other notes: Hpx has SDI out. Big deal for monitoring or to an external recorder. P2 media is expensive, but shooting 720/30pn or 720/24pn gets you lots of shoot time and no quality loss. Good stuff. If you need more record time, we've used a Firestore with never a bad experience. Nanoflash/Kipro/ninja and others are possibilities too.
In conclusion, I recommend the HPX170. Over the HMC because of the HDSDI, and over the XHA1 because of DVCProHD and tapeless. HOWEVER, the new cams that Canon has, XF300 line, and the new AC130/160/250 line by Panny I would highly recommend. All the above have improvements over the 170 that are incremental but nice. We have an AF100 now and I have fallen for AVCCAM. The file sizes are small and the quality is amazing. SD cards are so cheap compared to P2. The above cameras i believe have 1080p sensors which is also a HUGE benefit. The XF line has 50Mb/s 4:2:2, which is a great codec and fantastic image.
If you need to buy used to keep in your budget, the 170 is a STEAL. Get it for $3000 and you have a super solid event camera. If you got the extra time to wait, I recommend checking out the XF300 (the one with SDI), and AC160 especially. 21x zoom, SD cards, 1080p sensor w 1080p60 overcrank, SDI, etc... Great cam.