HPX170 - A Second Look

just when i thought i knew it all. just read the hpx170 has a 2x ,5x,10, digital zoom? is this right? ya digital zoom sucks but is that true?
Yes, it's true. And yes, it sucks. But it's in there. I don't know why. I guess if you were shooting news and you really needed a doubled zoom and you had to go to air right now, then yes, the 2x might be acceptable, but I really can't understand the 5x and 10x options... :huh:
 
Yes, it's true. And yes, it sucks. But it's in there. I don't know why. I guess if you were shooting news and you really needed a doubled zoom and you had to go to air right now, then yes, the 2x might be acceptable, but I really can't understand the 5x and 10x options... :huh:

Why would you need a x2 zoom for news? Do they sometimes request that?
And is this you are talking about that the camera tells you your setting in that scale?
 
Most news cameras have a lens with an extender on them. You flip the switch and suddenly you're zoom way in, and you haven't even zoomed yet. This is particularly useful when you're stuck behind a police line but the action is farther away than your zoom can reach--flip your extender and it looks like you're close to the action. Sometimes it's the only way to get the footage.

Will news use the digital zoom? Likely. Will the image quickly fall apart? You bet, but when you need something to air you make it work.

Michael.
 
Oh, snap! I missed it said DIGITAL zoom... well yea, that might help someone that needs to get something they can't see unless they magnify it on the screen at the expense of resolution. Interesting... yea something like a x2 x3 x4 x5 might be good to have... x10 might be like the camera from those missiles that hit the buildings on Desert Storm and such... crap... but sometimes that is WAY better than nothing for news! I see what you guys were talking about.
 
Late October?

Late October?

The rep told him he would get a second shipment in mid October but he's thinking they'll probably get in around late October.

Sheeze, Pano sure makes it hard to give them 5+grand. That used EX1 is looking better and better.
 
Why would you need a x2 zoom for news? Do they sometimes request that?
If you needed to punch in closer and you didn't have an optional telephoto lens, then yes having the dzoom option might be mildly attractive. Yes it'd be lower res, but if you can frame up and get the shot you want, it's better than nothing. An optical doubler as on a broadcast lens usually robs you of two stops of light, a digital zoom doesn't cost you any light - but it does cost you res.

And is this you are talking about that the camera tells you your setting in that scale?
Not sure I understand what you're asking. When you press the digital zoom user button it comes up and says "D.ZOOM 2X", then if you press it again it says "D.ZOOM 5X", then again and it'll say "D.ZOOM 10X", then if you press it again it says "D.ZOOM OFF", IIRC.
 
Yea, I get it now Barry... I totally missed the "DIGITAL" in the post. And it is a great point that you make about the Digital Zoom not costing you any light. If you need to frame it, or send it cut together, then it is a no-brainer so long as you are nice and tight but not too tight... on the spot. Good feature for this camera to have. Better get a nice tripod!

:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
Does anyone know if AVS in San Diego is legit? Are they Pan authorized seller? They look OK but just wanted to make sure.

They are legit and they are Authorized.
I have bought gear from them for the last year and a half. All my stuff has been the best price and all legit.

Julian is a great guy and will shoot straight with you. He is very interested in getting DVXusers to be happy clients. He sees us as continuing future clients not just a one time buy, so he is interested in making all the transactions go well and above board.

To get the best deals remember to call him and leave a message, he will call back. I only got him one time in the office.

Search my other posts and you can see his contact info.
 
I have been checking a few stores and video pro mags here in Germany and they list the 170 as PAL / NTSC switchable...

I thought this is not the case or rather an optional upgrade???
 
I have been checking a few stores and video pro mags here in Germany and they list the 170 as PAL / NTSC switchable...

I thought this is not the case or rather an optional upgrade???

If it's a HPX171e (european model) it's Pal and NTSC.
only the US model needs an optional upgrade.
but it's 6800$ without a P2 card. it's our bonus in europe.
 
If it's a HPX171e (european model) it's Pal and NTSC.
only the US model needs an optional upgrade.
but it's 6800$ without a P2 card. it's our bonus in europe.

yep. it was the 171e. but hey, that's cool that we get that "upgrade".

still no p2 card, but this feature is certainly a pretty attractive one for a great camera I think.
 
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