HVX 200a or HPX 170?

Sherman

Sherman

Well-known member
So, if you had a choice, which one would you choose?
I've heard of some of lens wobble issues and cheap construction associated with the HPX 170.
Overblown?
 
Vastly overblown. The 170 is the better camera in nearly every way; the only reason to consider the 200A over the 170 is if you really need a DV tape drive, or you're doing a lot of manual focusing in freezing or sub-freezing weather. Other than that, the 170 is better.
 
the lens wobble has been addressed at the factory and is not an issue on current shipping 170 models. i was one of the loudest initial critics of what i still consider the cheaper build quality compared to the original hvx200 - but so far none of it has caused me any problems.

but barry pretty much summed it up. unless you see yourself NEEDING to shoot SD to tape frequently - its 170 all the way!
 
I have read a lot about the 170 and own the 1rst generation HVX. All I can say is that I love the HVX and either way your purchasing a solid camera.
 
Barry_Green said:
Vastly overblown. The 170 is the better camera in nearly every way; the only reason to consider the 200A over the 170 is if you really need a DV tape drive, or you're doing a lot of manual focusing in freezing or sub-freezing weather. Other than that, the 170 is better.
Click to expand...

I shoot a lot in cold weather. What's the deal with the 170 focus ring in sub-zero temps?
 
The 170 can also act as a i/o for a HD production monitor with a SDI Output. Not a shabby feature. The Waveform Monitor, Vectorscope, and Focus Assist Options on the 170 are also a step up over the HVX... I am for sure biased, but both are excellent cameras.
 
Bought the HPX 170.
Thanks for the input.
Now I just need a couple of those new "E" series P2 cards, (fathers' day tomorrow!) and Raylight to get footage to the NLE timeline.
Vegas user here.
Installing three TB drives tomorrow and entering the frightening world of HD.
Daunting for the 60 year old.
 
Peabody said:
Bought the HPX 170.
Thanks for the input.
Now I just need a couple of those new "E" series P2 cards, (fathers' day tomorrow!) and Raylight to get footage to the NLE timeline.
Vegas user here.
Installing three TB drives tomorrow and entering the frightening world of HD.
Daunting for the 60 year old.
Click to expand...

I thought father's day was on the 21st this year? Early father's day? E Series P2? I would just let them get it for me early :).

Regardless, I am just a few weeks away from picking up an HPX170. If I don't, something major like "Scarlet pricing / release date" or "banking error" has affected my purchase. I don't think that the world of HD is too scary...but I am only 21. Good luck!

RJ
 
Good luck! I hope you enjoy this outstanding camera.
It's capable of producing fantastic content. Work on it!
 
Two problems with the "Professional P2" cards.

1) They are a LOT more expensive.
2) They may outlive me!
 
GoodLuck said:
I'm looking into getting an HD cam also and have considered the HPX 170 but have read and seen photos that the HPX 170 with avchd is not as clear as regular HD..(hvx200). I'm not to familiar with it, but those photos seemed to desuade me from any avchd cam.

link..
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-HG10-Camcorder-Review-33146/Performance.htm
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=998
Click to expand...

Sorry but the HPX 170 records DVCPro HD not AVCHD. You are thinking of the HMC 150.

Daniel Weber
 
Maybe next version?

Maybe next version?

I have spent hours on DVX user, asking myself the very same question; to HVX or HPX, so thank you for continuing the dialogue.

I have to say that, even after Barry's informative and detailed comparisons of the two (and the noise results), I am still concerned about the other shooters who seem disheartened at the 170. Before you jump on me and say "read the other threads about ..." , I have. The image quality seems to be an issue for more than one user, so either there is a discrepancy between what people are seeing vs. what they are getting, or there are a few users that are smoking HPX crack. ;)

Please excuse my concern, but this is a big jump from SD to HD, and I only have one shot to get it right (monetarily speaking.) Perhaps visiting a production house and shooting side by side might be the only way to settle it.

I would love to hear more of a consensus from others who own both. Anyone else own both?

Thanks again, and I really *am not* a trouble maker. Just want to make a decision that is right for me. Thanks all, and Barry!
 
I bought the 170, and sold my 200. No way would I go for a 200A over the 170, no possible way. The image is basically the same, and the 170 has all sorts of features that the 200A doesn't, and it's a lot more ergonomic. 170 all the way.
 
You know it's the strangest thing - but I have this nagging itch that the HVX200a has better image quality than the HPX170. I know it shouldn't. I know on paper the specs are exactly the same with the same imaging system, codec, and storage, and I even wanted to buy the 170 because I wanted the SDI out. But when I look at finished pieces from both of them - the hvx200a footage always looked a tad better. I don't know exactly why, or if I am just crazy, but it did, and so I went with the HVX200a. The build is considerably better as well, although bigger and heavier which while sturdier is not a great thing for many.
 
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