I just opened the box and unpacked my new HPX250. I'm commenting on physical features, no picture quality thoughts as of now. My first reaction (despite others commenting on this) was the SIZE. I'm used to the HVX200/HPX170/AF100. This thing is big. Any bigger and it would probably need to be shoulder mounted.
I thought the AF100 was cheap feeling. While there is plastic all over the 250, it feels really solid and tough - much tougher than my HPX170. The bottom plastic plate is, like lots of other Panny cams, very thin and cheap feeling. However, the guys at Juice Designs can take care of that no problem. I'd like to see them build a plate for the 250 soon.
I miss the hood/lens cap that the HVX200 and HPX170 have. With the 250 we're back to the little round cap from the DVX100 days. But, that is a very minute complaint.
The ND filter wheel is small and fly by wire and takes some getting used to instead of the chunky feel of the mechanical lever. The scene file dial is smaller and a little cheaper feeling than the old style of the HVX200 or HPX170. Again, not a big deal at all.
The P2 card door is solid. The hatch cover on the HPX170 was thin and flimsy. I like the new design. The output connector covers are similar to what you would find on the AF100. They work fine and seem like they will hold up great. I always hated the single large cover that was on the HPX170. I'm so glad Panny went to isolating the connections with smaller covers.
The power switch is smaller than the older cameras but seems to feel just fine.
Audio switches are a little different. Very tiny switches for phantom power that I need a small tool or pen to operate. I am a little puzzled since there is a menu option to control channel 1 and 2 audio as auto or manual. There are also hard switches behind the LCD for this too. I'll noodle around and figure it out.
I like the handle. It seems beefier than the HPX170.
All in all, I'm impressed with the build quality and the heft. The camera (as several reports claim) is well balanced but it is heavier than the HVX200/HPX170. The button lay out and overall placement of controls is good. I'm ready to drive this rig and see what the images look like. I'll post info and sample later.
I thought the AF100 was cheap feeling. While there is plastic all over the 250, it feels really solid and tough - much tougher than my HPX170. The bottom plastic plate is, like lots of other Panny cams, very thin and cheap feeling. However, the guys at Juice Designs can take care of that no problem. I'd like to see them build a plate for the 250 soon.
I miss the hood/lens cap that the HVX200 and HPX170 have. With the 250 we're back to the little round cap from the DVX100 days. But, that is a very minute complaint.
The ND filter wheel is small and fly by wire and takes some getting used to instead of the chunky feel of the mechanical lever. The scene file dial is smaller and a little cheaper feeling than the old style of the HVX200 or HPX170. Again, not a big deal at all.
The P2 card door is solid. The hatch cover on the HPX170 was thin and flimsy. I like the new design. The output connector covers are similar to what you would find on the AF100. They work fine and seem like they will hold up great. I always hated the single large cover that was on the HPX170. I'm so glad Panny went to isolating the connections with smaller covers.
The power switch is smaller than the older cameras but seems to feel just fine.
Audio switches are a little different. Very tiny switches for phantom power that I need a small tool or pen to operate. I am a little puzzled since there is a menu option to control channel 1 and 2 audio as auto or manual. There are also hard switches behind the LCD for this too. I'll noodle around and figure it out.
I like the handle. It seems beefier than the HPX170.
All in all, I'm impressed with the build quality and the heft. The camera (as several reports claim) is well balanced but it is heavier than the HVX200/HPX170. The button lay out and overall placement of controls is good. I'm ready to drive this rig and see what the images look like. I'll post info and sample later.