HVX200a...is it still worth buying?

rzxrey

rzxrey

Well-known member
Hi. I have the chance to purchase a real camera; HVX200a, 400hrs use,just basic kit(like when you buy new)..no P2 Cards for $900. Is it worth that much? I have a D800 which i use mainly but find it not so convenient to use in events. What are other alternatives to it if ever?

Thanks
 
Great camera. 1080p is a little soft (and the 1 minute per GB data rate a little tough on storage space). But its an incredible camera and really shines at 720p (2.5 mins per GB). If you want to do long form 1080 shooting, I'd go for a newer camera like the HPX250. If you are fine with 720p for long form or need to do green screen, snatch that thing up!
 
rzxrey said:
I got it. Planning to get a Redrock M2 too so I can use my Nikon Primes on it.
Click to expand...
Be aware, GG adapters are like a photon-sucking vacuum. The only time I shot with a HVX200a and a RR M2 I was outside on a cloudy day.... and needed to use gain.
 
Be aware of the camera drying up and becoming useless and in need of a costly repair. You have to use the camera frequently to avoid it to malfunction.
 
Happens with most electro mechanical stuff. Contact points oxidize. tape drive lubricants go away (somehow) drive belts get brittle, rollers get flat spots.
 
That's not a problem for P2.

As for the tape drive . . . well, I guess that depends on what you mean by "frequently." The tape drive in the HVX on my desk hadn't been run in 4 years (maybe more), and it's fine.

There might be something to it, but it seems unnecessarily alarmist to phrase it such as it was. An HVX isn't going to brick just because it sits for a while.
 
It's a good idea to put your gear though its paces once in a while. P2 stuff may not have or use tape drives but the lens turns, autofocus motors and ois have moving parts as well as the power zoom and lots and lots of switches and buttons.
 
I don't argue with that, but it's a very different thing than the idea that you need to do it "frequently" or the whole camera will brick.
 
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