HPX250: Should I buy a 250

Doug_EX

Doug_EX

Well-known member
Hi,

I'm already a proud owner of a HPX170 and a GH2. I do multicam event (corporate and rock concert) also as corporate stuff. Usually we use a few EX3 and my 170 on my jimmy jib lite (all connected to a tricaster)for our multicam shoots. The sony's are from our local tv station. I will be buying soon a Sony MCS-8m switcher and looking to buy one or 2 other camcorders (I want to work on my own now).
I like my 170 but the resolution isn't that good but although I'm quite surprised how well it performs for the price.
would the 250 be well suited for my needs? At the B&H site the 170 is only 3000$, so should I stick with this model?


Thanks!
 
If you're mostly using EX3s already, perhaps it would be best to wait until next month when the PMW-200 comes out? It will be a fixed lens EX-series camera with a better codec (though not as good as the AVC-Intra on the HPX-250).

I love my 170 and the 250 seems like an excellent camera, but in multi-cam shoots it seems like its best to stay in the family to keep a consistent look. Of course, if you're fine with the difference between the EXs and the 170 and want to stick with your P2 media, then, yes, the 250 is an excellent choice.
 
Gary Huff said:
If you're mostly using EX3s already, perhaps it would be best to wait until next month when the PMW-200 comes out? It will be a fixed lens EX-series camera with a better codec (though not as good as the AVC-Intra on the HPX-250).

I love my 170 and the 250 seems like an excellent camera, but in multi-cam shoots it seems like its best to stay in the family to keep a consistent look. Of course, if you're fine with the difference between the EXs and the 170 and want to stick with your P2 media, then, yes, the 250 is an excellent choice.
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Like I said, I want to be independant and not use the sony's at my job.
I will never buy a ex1, ex3 or a pmw 200...for 2 reasons...the codec, but primarly because there almost no way of controlling the camera (focus, zoom, iris and record) from a distance, in my case with a jib.
I already have a varizoom controller for my 170 that would work with the 250.
If I upgrade to a bigger cam it will be for a full size and with a pro lens cuz I have all of the motors and controls that came with my jib that are just sitting in their case (brand new).
i thought about the 370 but it still a 1/3 chip and it's 2 thousands more than a 250.
I think the logical thing would be the 250 and another 170. But the 2/3 chip cameras seems appealing...but way to expensive.
 
Doug_EX said:
I think the logical thing would be the 250 and another 170. But the 2/3 chip cameras seems appealing...but way to expensive.
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Cheapest then would be two used 170s in good condition. Nothing wrong with the camera, still an excellent option (especially with the future-proofing that Panasonic wisely included with the SDI out). I would at least get a hold of a 250 and see if its a camera you'd really want to add in the setup. It will definitely be better in lowlight and resolve more, if those are concerns.
 
Thanks!

But would I see a big difference (quality wise) between the 170 and 250? Especially in wide shots...is it like night or day?
 
Doug_EX said:
But would I see a big difference (quality wise) between the 170 and 250? Especially in wide shots...is it like night or day?
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Wide shots are exactly where you will see the difference. In closeups, not so much, but in wide shots, the higher res of the HPX250 will make for noticeably sharper images versus the softer HPX170. I don't know whether you'd call it "night and day", but that's where the biggest difference in imaging will be visible.
 
I went from HMC150 to AC160 and I'm happy with the results - same/similar sensor on 150/170 and 160/250 as far as I know. For me it was worth it, because now I enjoy cutting to the 160 on wide and master shots, instead of using it as a last resort. Also, because of the sharpness and reduced noise, it seems to mesh more easily with "newer" type cameras like AF100/FS100/DSLR etc, if you ever find yourself shooting in that kind of situation. It is expensive though! So make a smart business decision and don't necessarily jump at the latest and greatest if it won't earn you real $$!
 
Haha! Happy to "help." It's nice camera, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Quick tip, make sure to dial in the picture profile settings when you get it – the default settings can be a little disappointing when you're asking yourself that initial "was it worth it?" question!
 
Nate Haustein said:
I went from HMC150 to AC160 and I'm happy with the results - same/similar sensor on 150/170 and 160/250 as far as I know. For me it was worth it, because now I enjoy cutting to the 160 on wide and master shots, instead of using it as a last resort. Also, because of the sharpness and reduced noise, it seems to mesh more easily with "newer" type cameras like AF100/FS100/DSLR etc, if you ever find yourself shooting in that kind of situation. It is expensive though! So make a smart business decision and don't necessarily jump at the latest and greatest if it won't earn you real $$!
Click to expand...

How's the iMac holding up with the video files? I'm debating another mac pro vs iMac
 
@ Doug_EX

I've been researching the same question for a while, have a look at http://www.panasonic.com/business/pr...p?model=HPX250 for new sets of scene files. haven't tested them yet, but I'm tempted by the dslr look.

also have a look at the bbc scene files (film and tv), i think there's a link to them in the 370 thread. it gives a clean slightly flat image, great for grading.
 
I never have any trouble with the AVCHD and iMac - so much that I've stopped transcoding to ProRes most of the time. The thing that limits me most with the iMac is the throughput of external hard drives connected by Firewire 800. I added an eSATA port to the iMac to ease the problem, but with the new Thunderbolt connection it shouldn't be an issue for a new setup.

I also really like the "Clean" preset for general use, and the "Rich" preset is awesome for when you want something super bright and punchy without any grading. Used "Rich" for a highlight video last weekend and I didn't touch the footage afterwards - it looked great!
 
For the type of show we were filming, the "clean" setting was perfect...almost no need to touch it afterwards either. Cuts pretty nice with my Gh2 with the cinema setting(-2,-2,-2,-2).
I'll have to try "rich" setting, and the "portrait" too.

Thanks!
 
Yes! I used portrait as well for the podium sections of the event I was shooting. Skin tone detail worked quite well in my opinion.
 
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