Rumors of new Panasonic cameras

[pkakert]

I'm looking to make a move from my HVX200. I was tempted by the deals on the HPX170, then also looked at the HPX300. But then I realized the HPX170 has been out for over a year and perhaps there are new cameras on the way in 2010 (thus the incentives to buy up inventory with these rebates??). Any word on the streets on anything new? I don't invest often so I'd hate to buy now and see something new in 6 months.

 

[Timothy Harry]

buy the tool you need for the job now. if you dont need the tool buy it later, but I am still functioning fine on my 2 first generation HVX200's...I have not lost a job yet because I didnt have the latest and greatest. You should be selling yourself and not your equipment, my advice is to make some money off your current camera, it is in no way a shabby solution to any problem. spend the money on some new P2 cards, that you will be able to use for a long time!

 

[wgzn]

paul, there are a few things to consider here.

about the only real "alternative" or "upgraded" options on the horizon that are in the general price range of an hpx170 are DSLRs or the fixed lens red scarlet. from what ive seen, the DSLR workflow still has some bumps in the road and isnt going to quickly replace a dedicated video camera. and its anybodys guess as to when general consumers will be able to take delivery of a red scarlet.

second thing is a question: are you making money with your camera? if the answer is YES, then even if something better came out in six months - it shouldnt take you too long to recoup the cost of an hpx170.

third thing to consider is that whether or not an arguably "better" camera comes out in the next 3, 6, or 12 months, the PLAYBACK paradigm isnt going to dramatically shift anytime soon. hell, id say that for most of us here our primary delivery mechanism is either web or SD DVD. and people are still making money in that arena with dvx100s.

so if you WANT a camera now - buy one!
if you NEED a camera now - BUY ONE!