Panasonic rep on HVX200 availability

[CineAlta]

I spoke, in person, with a Panasonic USA representative regarding the availability of the HVX200. Some of you on waiting lists may be interested in the info. I was told that Panasonic has sold 4,000 HVX200. Of these approx 35% are to end-user pre-orders (I'm assuming people like us on waiting lists). Panasonic USA is currently receiving "a couple hundred per month." Manufacturing will ramp up this month (Feb) to "several hundred per month." I was not given exact numbers.

So, by my rough, off-the-cuff estimate, 35% of 4,000 is 1,400 cameras. If Panasonic USA has been getting a couple hundred per month (200?), then roughly 600 cameras (Nov, Dec, Jan production) have been fulfilled. That leaves 800 orders still outstanding. Panasonic is ramping up production to several hundred per month (400?), then that would take another 2 mos to fulfill the 800 outstanding orders.

This is totally my estimation, but based on the Panny reps data. In any case, it sounds like everyone who wants a camera, will get one by June? One factor I didn't take into consideration though, is what percentage of the end-user pre-orders, are news organization purchasing multiple cameras?

 

[Paul Farmer]

what percentage of the end-user pre-orders, are news organization purchasing multiple cameras?

Having worked as a TV news reporter for 10 years I'd be very surprised if many medium/major market stations are all that interested in this (prosumer, like it or not) camera. Maybe small markets, though. Call it an image thing. The Panny SPC700 (also a P2/DVCPro50, but not hi-def, format) is more up their alley, for the time being.

Just my opinion . . .

 

[CineAlta]

Having worked as a TV news reporter for 10 years I'd be very surprised if many medium/major market stations are all that interested in this (prosumer, like it or not) camera.

I would have agreed with you, especially when networks can afford the SPX800, but the rep mentioned KRON in San Francisco, as wanting some of the cameras.

I'm a filmmaker, not in news, but I guess the new trend proposed in network news, will be to decrease the number of professional cameramen, and give HVX200's to the reporters themselves. Apparently, the reporters will film the action, reverse the LCD screen and then film themselves (with the wireless remote control focus/zoom/iris). Edit the story on a laptop, send the piece in on Wi-Fi (I guess Panasonic is going to put WiFi on their cameras or they can go to Starbucks), and the piece will be broadcast within 30 seconds of hitting the network news server?

Like I said, I'm a filmmaker, but this is what I hear has been proposed for news workflow. Apparently, it will let them get more reporters and stories out in the field. Who knows? I won't use those functions.