HVX-200 "A" Dreamsheet

dregenthal

dregenthal

Veteran
I really love the capability of my HVX-200 and, at the price point, have difficulty finding fault with it (as a 1/3" camera). I think it would be interesting to compile a single list of what current owners (and prospective ones) would like to see changed/added to future production. I've listed a few of mine (some randomly stolen from previous threads), what are yours?

1. lose the tape transport (but still be able to shoot SD to P2).
2. all varible frame rates for 720 (and 1080).
3. the "flip"
4. better LCD (or maybe lose it entirely, the view finder is sharper anyhow)
5. ability for the camera to play all formats without having to manually change the format in the record menu (kinda like "auto-sense" each clip when you hit play).
6. ability to set a user button to where you can press it twice and it will delete the last clip (this one would be a favorite for me).
 
Equally happy with the current model, however this seems harmless enough!

1. A recessed or side mounted firewire port so an attached cable does not stick out precariously.
2. Change orientation/assigned menu buttons so the direction fits with the most likely operation angle.
3. BNC component connectors instead of the 'port'.
4. The 'flip'.
 
I have a much more radical suggestion ... remove the tape transport and in its place mount a 2.5" ruggedized harddrive with a P2 interface.

Ned Soltz
 
nsoltz said:
I have a much more radical suggestion ... remove the tape transport and in its place mount a 2.5" ruggedized harddrive with a P2 interface.

Ned Soltz
Click to expand...

I'm with Ned on this.

I wonder what percentage of users actually use tape.
 
Move the user buttons, mode chk button etc. from below the current LCD module and use the extra space for a much bigger unit - 5" say - for more precise HD monitoring and focusing.
 
Even though I'm not a fan of Mini-DV, I would rather they DO NOT remove the Tape Transport. I've actually used the camera more for home movies on DV Tape so I can get used to it while I'm waiting for Barry's book.
I also like the ability to take a bunch of tape as a butt saver.

"Delete last clip" A big yes. There are countless times where it's obvious you don't need that last clip and why not save the space and hassle.
 
I would say;

1) find a way to do out with Pixel Shift.- use full 720x1280 chips (this shouldnt be a problem if losing the tape transport, they could shift the budget towards the sensor)

2) Improve the noise/signal ratio, similar to the DVX100A/DVX100B improvment.

3) That LCD flip-out. more sharper

4) (this is a long shot), but add one more P2 slot.
 
Most of these suggestions are pretty radical, something that would not happen on a revision. Things like HDD, losing the tape transport, etc. What I personally would like to see is vastly improved OIS and a viwefinder/LCD that actually is useful for focus, the Z1 has a MUCH more useable LCD. Also would like to see a better monitoring option than the proprietary connection to component.



ash =o)
 
The biggest problem with this camera is without question, is the LCD.
With that said, it would be almost impossible to get all the pixels required, without greatly increasing the cost. But i agree the Z1 has a far better LCD.
The LCD, just does not do the cameras images any service at all.

Kind regards
THE HONEST LIAR
 
We use tape for smaller jobs as well. Some companies only accept the Mini DV format so its nice that it's there.
 
At a street of $5400 or so the HVX is still a good SD miniDV cam with true 16:9. Also, lets remember that as long as P2 remains expensive and limited in size, many people will be buying the HVX for SD only with the option to upgrade later.


ash =o)
 
obendega said:
We use tape for smaller jobs as well. Some companies only accept the Mini DV format so its nice that it's there.
Click to expand...

There's no need for tape-rec ON the camera:

- you just record DV or DVCPRO50 or DVSPRO-HD to P2 and transfer then to a tape (e.g. via MiniDV recorder)

The lost of the tape and its whole mechanism on the camera would mean:

- less weight for the camera
- less potential trouble sources on the camera
- less price because less technology and less material

Sooner or later no professional camera will rec on tape anymore... why not sooner? - We are ready today: look at our PCs, media, prices of PC and media, speeds, capacities, ..... We are ready TODAY for a tapeless world of video, so why not lose TODAY that useless part of the camera? - Keep your HD-tape, DV-tape, etc. -recorders as standalone devices in your workplace but there's no need for carrying it together with the camera all the time.
 
Sony has some portable Mini-DV players/recorders for about $1700 or so. Panasonic even has one for about $1,500, no LCD on it though, so I can see how this could be possible if you want/need tape.

But do remember the trade-off, that Mini-DV/Beta/DVCPRO/ect. player will be something extra to lug around where you could just pop a Mini-DV tape in the camera and be able to go.

However, I do agree with a lot of the changes on this thread, I don't have an HVX200 but I can see how these things would make the HVX200 a much more capable camera than it already is.
 
Jack_Felis said:
Sony has some portable Mini-DV players/recorders for about $1700 or so. Panasonic even has one for about $1,500, no LCD on it though, so I can see how this could be possible if you want/need tape.

But do remember the trade-off, that Mini-DV/Beta/DVCPRO/ect. player will be something extra to lug around where you could just pop a Mini-DV tape in the camera and be able to go.

However, I do agree with a lot of the changes on this thread, I don't have an HVX200 but I can see how these things would make the HVX200 a much more capable camera than it already is.
Click to expand...


1.a shoulder mount for the hvx.
as the current design for the hvx is much bigger than the dvx.
ideally for event, if we are using the fs storage, plus lighting.
i think shoulder mount is the best way to go .

2. reduce the size of the hvx to dvx size will be good

3. should include bundle package for pal.
the pal market is not that small at all.
 
That Tape drive is invaluable. We use tape solely at present as HD is still someway off here in NZ. I also like to know that the tape drive is there and in the event of technical fault with HDD be it firestore or P2 reader I would be thankful for that DV tape in my pocket. As far as Im concerned dropping down to SD from HD is preferrable to losing that winning run or magic moment.
 
1. HD quality lcd screen
2. shave off one or two pounds, make smaller
3. Fix the focus ring... you have to spin it forever to get it in focus
4. make the audio dials pop out like they do on car stereos.. when you have to adjust audio with one hand while you're shooting forget about it.
5. I'd really love to see an HD pass through like it can do dv pass through
6. it only allows archiving to tape from 720p.. make is so you can archive to tape from any format.
7. make 1080p a native mode.. most cable channels require this now for delivery.
8. did i mention fix the LCD screen, cause it suks?

p.s. while we are on the subject of talking about the dream camera, why can't you make the tape transport also like a DLT, where you put regular dv tapes in and use them to store data? yeah, somebody mentioned being able to swap out harddrives.. why can't you put in a DLT recorder to archive your info? just a thought
 
An auto focus that atually works would be nice. I've yet to see my auto foucs do anything.

Pipe 24p Native out the firewire port!
 
Allow custom reference grids (over/underscan, rule of thirds, safe area, custom crops) to be overlayed on the LCD and EVF.
 
1-Lcd shouldn't display beyond the display area of a TV. It should do the same as the Original DVX for 4:3. I'm having a headache trying to do good framing since I'm used to the DVX LCD for framing. As for HD, everything works fine.

2- Higher Resolution (true HD) LCD- It shouldn't be that much more expensive. From 5400$ to 5700$? That would be a no brainer.

3- The Flip- This should be available also for non-A users by firmware update. I really want to get an M2, but I find it a hassle to have to go for a new monitor , making an already heavy camera with the M2 practically unusable for handheld.

4- Allow DVCPRO50 footage to be recorded on the Mini-dv drive, or Allow in camera downconversion from DVCPRO50 to Mini-dv. (this would allow us to keep the dvcpro50 master in file format and a quick and editable Mini-dv proxy)

5- Ok, not really an HVX200a upgrade, but also a very big need indeed:A new, lower cost (About 3 to $4000?) DVCPROHD deck- It could be striped down to just be able to record and play, with no fancy functions or displays. This would be great for our archiving needs. (I would ratter have all my footage in a Tape than in a HDD... Or REV, or DLT)

6- Universal compatibility. ALL Frame rates for both Pal and NTSC, like the HDV cameras.

As for the noise... No problem here. I mainly find noise problems when I've done a bad White balance.
 
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