Is there a comparision of the hvx200a, hmc150, hpx170 cams?

[renegadewill]

I would love to see a comparision of all the new panny cam. Thanks, Will

 

[Barry_Green]

What do you mean by HVX100A -- did you mean HVX200A?

 

[renegadewill]

yea, sorry. hvx200a.

 

[Luis Caffesse]

The 200a, 170, and 150 all have the same exact sensor block - so you aren't going to see any major differences in the footage.

IF you can tell a difference, it will be between the 150 and the other two, given that it's the one shooting to a different codec. But honestly, even then I don't think you'd notice a difference in most situations unless you dissect it pixel by pixel.

EDITED TO ADD:
I fixed the camera name in the thread title... lest anyone think Barry was seeing things.

 

[Cranky]

Not exactly what you want, but still a great read: http://kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/hardware_and_reviews.html

 

[David Saraceno]

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/hpx_170_evolution_brockett.html

 

[Nick Walters]

I think there are diffrences, and personally I prefer the 170, BUT if you are working with an absolutely stock camera:

HVX : best for all environments, be them sub zero, or desert
HPX : best for all warm environements
HMC: best for warm environments where data isn't important

I think it's been shown that the HVX is best suited for all environments

HPX, which in my estimation is the best of them all has LCD flip, exposure and focus helpers...basically this is the big bad on the block, but if you'll be working near or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit it isn't what you want.

HMC works on everyday memory cards, and as such, if you loose your data, IT'S LOST!!! be aware that it might seem like a good choice, but it'd be best to have a backup plan, and like the HPX, it won't play nice in sub-zero temps.

 

[brandtb]

Nick, what are the temperature issues for you specifically. I have read a number of posts (including weigh-ins by Jan C.) re. the "tightening up" of the focus ring on the HVX. Have you had any low temp problems like this with the HPX focus ring?? I shoot in upstate NY during cold weather outdoors 20 - 30 degrees F. sometimes...using a DVX100b. Tight focus ring not an issue with this cam at all. I am considering either the HVX or HPX...but a non-performing focus ring at these temps...might be a non-starter for me.

 

[Barry_Green]

The focus ring on both the HPX170 and HMC150 is going to freeze up in those temperatures. It doesn't happen on the HVX200 or DVX100, but it does on the others. It can still be used to focus, but you have to exert force to get it moving again. If you need to use one of those cams in that environment, a remote focus controller might be an option.

 

[brandtb]

Thanks Barry. I use a VZ Rock PZFI about 70% if time now anyway on my DVX...so issue would be covered.

 

[righteous.]

Is the HPX only "bad in sub-zero" tempuratures because of the focus ring? I've shot in -10 F numerous times without any problems...

 

[Barry_Green]

The focus ring is the only thing. They used a bunch of HPX170s on this year's Iditarod, 50 degrees below and colder, and the only complaint was the focus ring stiffness. Didn't stop them from shooting, but it was an annoyance.

 

[righteous.]

The focus ring is the only thing. They used a bunch of HPX170s on this year's Iditarod, 50 degrees below and colder, and the only complaint was the focus ring stiffness. Didn't stop them from shooting, but it was an annoyance.

I was gonna say! I was at the Iditarod shooting and I didn't notice any problems...stiff focus ring ain't no thang.

 

[ROne]

Something I can't get my head around: surely if it's that cold then it's not going to do the tape/heads any good on the HVX irrespective of you using them.

I would've thought the HPX would be the most appropriate until I found out about this focus issue.