Panasonic abandoning P2?

Panasonic introduced the single-slot P2 reader, a P2 offloading device, and a high-end broadcast-truck P2 deck, as well as the 370, and some announcements of univision and nbc/telemundo/cnbc converting entirely to P2. I think the idea of "panasonic abandoning p2" is pretty much unfounded.
 
I think it's becoming clear that Panasonic are migrating their lower cost cameras away from P2 recording due to the extreme competitive price point pressure in the sector. Jan said the AF100 would have cost $2K more, plus P2 cards had they gone that direction.

I'm less concerned about the memory media than I am about the work flow. I'm not sure AVCHD will be taken seriously by my clients who are used to DVCPRO HD, much less AVC-Intra 100. However, we know that XDCAM EX is used on some higher end productions and AVCHD at 24Mbps compares favorably.

P2 is still the work flow of choice for higher end Panasonic cameras and I expect to see AVC-Ultra to carry that forward.
 
Barry_Green said:
Panasonic introduced the single-slot P2 reader, a P2 offloading device, and a high-end broadcast-truck P2 deck, as well as the 370, and some announcements of univision and nbc/telemundo/cnbc converting entirely to P2. I think the idea of "panasonic abandoning p2" is pretty much unfounded.
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True, but are they going to focus it strictly towards broadcasters? I think P2 is a fine storage media for indie film production (both in DVCPRO and AVC-Intra), but there aren't any cameras coming out in the HVX range that support it.

I prefer P2 to SD because of the data safeguards that P2 uses, but if someone wants that DSLR look, I'll have to shoot to either CF or SD cards because that's all I can do, even after the end of this year with the AG100.

I guess that's where the frustration lies.
 
subtleinspiration said:
True, but are they going to focus it strictly towards broadcasters? I think P2 is a fine storage media for indie film production (both in DVCPRO and AVC-Intra), but there aren't any cameras coming out in the HVX range that support it.

I prefer P2 to SD because of the data safeguards that P2 uses, but if someone wants that DSLR look, I'll have to shoot to either CF or SD cards because that's all I can do, even after the end of this year with the AG100.

I guess that's where the frustration lies.
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I said this earlier in the thread, but I think that the HPX170 is the last Prosumer P2 camera from Panasonic, and that they are shifting P2 to the HPX370 and up.
 
subtleinspiration said:
True, but are they going to focus it strictly towards broadcasters? I think P2 is a fine storage media for indie film production (both in DVCPRO and AVC-Intra), but there aren't any cameras coming out in the HVX range that support it.
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Um, you do know that the HPX170 and HVX200A are only about a year and a half old, right? They're not exactly ancient old creaky octogenarians...

I prefer P2 to SD because of the data safeguards that P2 uses, but if someone wants that DSLR look, I'll have to shoot to either CF or SD cards because that's all I can do, even after the end of this year with the AG100.
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Or use a Letus/Brevus/Blade...
 
agcohn said:
I said this earlier in the thread, but I think that the HPX170 is the last Prosumer P2 camera from Panasonic, and that they are shifting P2 to the HPX370 and up.
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But the evidence doesn't support that -- there is now and likely always will be a need for a handheld broadcast camera. NBC bought bucketloads of HPX300s and they bought bucketloads of HPX170s to go with 'em.
 
Well, that's reassuring to say the least...I just shudder to imagine what kind of beast an HPX-170 body with a FF sensor would be...:love4:
 
Dino said:
I think it's becoming clear that Panasonic are migrating their lower cost cameras away from P2 recording due to the extreme competitive price point pressure in the sector. Jan said the AF100 would have cost $2K more, plus P2 cards had they gone that direction.

I'm less concerned about the memory media than I am about the work flow. I'm not sure AVCHD will be taken seriously by my clients who are used to DVCPRO HD, much less AVC-Intra 100. However, we know that XDCAM EX is used on some higher end productions and AVCHD at 24Mbps compares favorably.

P2 is still the work flow of choice for higher end Panasonic cameras and I expect to see AVC-Ultra to carry that forward.
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Yes but the 3D camera is $21,000 and doesn't record on P2...wth?
 
The 3D camera records on two cards simultaneously. This would be expensive and inefficient using P2 cards and AVC-Intra 100--not the mission of this camera. Even though it's $21,000, it really is an "entry level" 3D camera.


From Panasonic's 3D landing page:
"The recording system uses AVCHD Pro high-image-quality PH mode. Full-HD left-eye and right-eye images are recorded in sync onto two SDHC Memory Cards."
 
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Saw a video online with Jan where she said, when asked about a p2 version of the AF100, that they were planning to do a p2 version of the 3D camera first. So there may be on forthcoming.
 
I always though Canon would be first to market with a cam like the AF100. It just makes sense considering they do big sensors and they make glass. Be it as it is, I am pretty excited about the possibilities to use my Canon glass for something besides vacation snaps <8-0

Did anyone say Squuuue? They will for sure update it with a year with the AF-370

Said with a smile,
Grant
 
I say get rid of P2... I've always hated it.

You know that Kirk line in Star Trek VI "I've never trusted Kilingons, and I never will."

I feel that way about P2. I know all you buggards have 90 of them and are committed to the format like your wife.. you already have her and have to deal with her and love her and respect her but there is this so much better chic coming around the corner, and she's cheap, and fast!

If a $21,000 frikken thousnad dollar camera isn't using P2.. i say that's a pretty big statement that P2s on the way out the door.

DOWN WITH P2!

So says the great Okapi! Ruler of all things strange!

okapi.jpg
 
IMO, those lil p2 cams(200a/170) have become more valuable being the most reliable media in the prosumer game... still. Especially if the trend continues pushing p2 towards the richer pro and fluky sdbs cards to every new prosumer handheld.

What is it Conan the barbarian's Dad said, "You can only trust steel."
 
Hey Blackout,

This is mostly about Pannylove here. I am sure there are boards that are all about whatever brand X you love, which you didn't specify. Oh, and why it is so much better... and....

I appreciate any opinion which give reasons and or some logic or rationalization for the opinion. You sir, are nothing butt a troll.

Regards,
Grant
 
P2 is NOT on its way out. It will continue to be used in the higher end cameras, and the new AVC-Ultra codec. It has a 1200Mbps throughput, so 4:4:4, super high bit rates and high end 3D are no problem. The 3D camera that Panasonic is showing uses SD cards because it records onto two cards simultaneously--this would be expensive using P2 cards, and even at $21K, the 3D camera is considered entry level where the lowest price point is a priority.

P2 has been used and trusted in mission critical production applications around the world since 2004, such as broadcast news and sports. It is rugged, reliable and proven. These are features that professionals insist upon. There are also a myriad of hardware solutions that allow professionals to have options that no other tape less format offers.

Low cost memory cards like CF don't even offer write protection. This is not very professional, IMO.
 
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