New HVX200A purchasing recommendations?

T

TBRays

Member
Does anyone have recommendations on where to purchase a New HVX200A that has the best price and still get the Panasonic Warranty?

Thanks
 
The first thing I would recommend is that you consider a HPX170 instead of the HVX. Unless you need a tape drive or are shooting a lot in cold weather, the HPX offers you more features for less $$$. Having recently made the switch from tape to P2, I can't imagine ever shooting tape again unless you have to hand someone a tape at the end of the job. You do know that the HVX will not shoot HD to tape, only DV?

You may have another reason I am not aware of.....so do what is best for you.

For a good place to purchase, BH Photo or Specialized Communications are both good competitive dealers.

Spec Com also is a Panny repair station.

Best,
Grant
 
I have a 200A and love it, but I wish it had scopes, and SDI out and more robust connectors like the 170 did. They are both great cams and the above referenced dealers are a good way to buy them.
 
DGW, Ggrantly, Yeah I am not opposed to the HPX I am just weary of doing a wedding without the option of Tape but let me ask you this. Are there any features that the HPX does not fair better in than the HVX? I know there is less noise in shadows with the HPX but what about everything else? If it is truly the same or better in every way then I think I will take your advice and just rent additional P2 cards if I do long weddings.

David, sorry I am not sure what you mean by Compass and Customer Service.
 
TBRays said:
Does anyone have recommendations on where to purchase a New HVX200A that has the best price and still get the Panasonic Warranty?

Thanks
Click to expand...

My HVX-200 is a used model (over 1,100 hours of use) and after searching the forums and asking around, it seems like I have nothing to worry about. The previous owner rarely used the tape deck, and even if he did, I don't touch it. Only P2, baby!

I'd recommend buying a used one for a huge savings. Then you'll have extra $$$ for a role of gaffer's tape.
 
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i would sell you my HVX200 with like 55 hours for like 2600.. i cant figure this thing out. its to professional for me
 
Do you have proof it is an A and not a T?

Can anyone tell me the above question comparison between the HVX and HPX or attach a review. I can't find one that compares the two in detail.

Thanks
 
TBRays said:
DGW, Ggrantly, Yeah I am not opposed to the HPX I am just weary of doing a wedding without the option of Tape but let me ask you this. Are there any features that the HPX does not fair better in than the HVX? I know there is less noise in shadows with the HPX but what about everything else? If it is truly the same or better in every way then I think I will take your advice and just rent additional P2 cards if I do long weddings.

David, sorry I am not sure what you mean by Compass and Customer Service.
Click to expand...
If you get the HVX-200A (current model) the image should be equivalent to the HPX-170 since they use the same imager, and different but very similar lenses. The HPX has more and better features and costs less. There has been an ongoing complaint about the HPX focus ring getting sticky in cold weather, but other than that, there are very few operational complaints about the cam. If you use the DVX search function, you will get a ton of info about all this.

Addressing a few of your concerns:
HPX has a better warranty since it has no tape drive
The difference in price between the two could buy you more P2
P2 recording is expensive and solid; as good as it gets for reliability
The older HVX200 was upgraded to the HVX200A and is sharper and more sensitive, so if you buy used, make sure you get the model you want.

Because you were concerned about tape for backup, I'll repeat this: You cannot record HD images to tape on a HVX, only SD. If you want tape and SD recording, you might as well get a DVX100B and save a bucket load of money! A SD DVX will be easier to keep in focus in low light conditions like a wedding. Nice, low mileage DVXs can be bought used for $1200.

Maybe owners who have had both cams could chime in on any HPX drawbacks compared the the HVX.

Regards,
Grant
 
I do weddings with the HVX. Once I started with P2, I never looked back. I now shoot a ceremony with two 16GB cards at 720/24pn, which gives me 84 minutes, more than enough for the average Protestant wedding. I have an 8GB card for hot swap for Catholic weddings just in case.

These days I would probably opt for 32GB cards, but haven't really needed them yet. I dump footage to my laptop on the way to the reception, and reuse the cards. One of these days I'll get some more cards so I don't have to to that in a rush. And if I was buying today, it would be the HPX.

Just be sure you buy from an authorized Panasonic dealer, that's the only way you'll get the Panny warranty. All those recommended above are solid.
 
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