Should I invest in an HVX200A or HMC150

[rabbitearsmedia]

So, here's the deal:
I am applying for a 'micro business' grant (ie. working capital grant). I already shoot with a DVX100A (hence membership on this forum) and have considered upgrading to HVX200A so that
A) Have a HD/Pro camera while keeping tape (as many of my clients still want tape back ups
B) share tapes & batteries with DVX100A
C) There are several production houses in my area that have switched to using the HVX200A and I could work with them

But I'm also attempting to local ahead, and considering current prices, HMC150 looks inviting. But then there is the workflow for AVCHD vs. the workflow for the HVX200A: I'm working in Final Cut Pro and trying to turn projects around as quick as possible. Having read up on AVCHD, the work flow for FCP still seems time consuming.

So, thoughts? Suggestions? (and for the record, the grant budget has a bit of wiggle room, so perhaps don't think about the price of P2 vs SD cards)

Thanks in advance

 

[David Saraceno]

If you need and want tape and so do you clients, then you have to go with the HVX200a.

HMC150 is much less expensive to edit with, and produces quality images.

I don't find the AVCHD transcode to be that time consuming.

You can even edit while transcoding subsequent files, and transcoding is pretty quick on my MacPro at least.

But it's hard to say one over the other if tape is a necessity.

 

[steev'sHVX]

I thought the 200a was strictly P2 but if not I deffintly recommend it. I love my hvx200 rarely use tape but it's there. i say hvx it's an industry standard.

 

[Cranky]

The 200 cannot record HD to tape. It cannot even record DVCPRO50 to tape. Unless you want to shoot widescreen DV, there is no point in the 200 over the 170. OTOH, a used 200 can be found for a little over $2K.

 

[Dave ©]

I thought the 200a was strictly P2

It's not. David S. is right on. And so is Cranky with respect to the HD/tape portion of his comment above.

OP, if you didn't need tape, I think your thinking might turn to the 150 vs. 170 (as Cranky suggests) instead of the 150 vs. 200. Read about the differences between the 170 and 200A (eg. vectorscopes, etc). But if you do need tape then your question is moot since the 150 doesn't offer tape recording at all.

a used 200 can be found for a little over $2K.

Where are you finding hvx's for "a little over $2k?"