Panasonic AG HVX200 :: The Buyer's Guide

by 6 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,483 in Tech & Geek, #36,764 overall

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is the world's first multi-format, affordable, true HD Camcorder:

Representing a quantum leap in camcorder technology, Panasonic Broadcast introduced at NAB 2005 the Panasonic AG-HVX200, the world's first 1080i/720p/480i multi-format camcorder. Offering flexibility and versatility never before available to video professionals, the Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD P2 hand-held camcorder provides 1080i and 720p recording with the production-proven image quality of 100 Mbps DVCPRO HD. The Panasonic AG-HVX200 shoots on a P2 card in 1080/60i, 30p and 24p; in 720/60p, 30p and 24p; and in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO or DV. By eliminating all moving parts from the camera recording path when shooting on a P2 card."

-from "Letsgodigital.org" review

A little about the system I use.

Our working solution:

The system we have is convenient and adaptable to various production needs.
-Firestore FS-100 DTE
-Redrock Micro 35mm Lens Adaptor
-Redrock Micro Matte Box and 2-stage filter holder
-Redrock Micro follow focus
-Redrock Micro Shoulder support (not shown)
-Bogen Manfrotto Microforce zoom remote handle
-Bogen Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod with 100mm fluid head
-"16x9" Israeli Arm
-Varizoom 7", 16x9 field monitor
-Sennheiser K6+ME66 Short Shotgun (super-cardioid/lobar)
-K-Tek carbon fiber fishpole boom
-Rycote wind muff
-AKG Circumaural Headphones

All in all, a nice working system.

Panasonic AG HVX200 items

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Shopping for the Panasonic AG HVX200

B&H Photo Video: In my opinion, the most reliable retailer in the electronics arena.
Birns and Sawyer, Inc.: Sales, rentals and service of professional film and video equipment. Lighting, cameras, accessories.
Abel Cine Tech: Respected film and video industry resource.
Armatos Pro Video: Video retailer for the Panasonic AG HVX200.
StreetPrices.com: Price comparisons from varius retailers for Panasonic AG-HVX200 at StreetPrices.com
Compare Prices at Epinions.com: Epinions offers comparison shopping information on Panasonic AG-HVX200 Mini DV Digital Camcorder-including customer reviews.
VidCom: Canadian reseller of the Panasonic AG HVX200.
Panasonic AG-HVX200 Production Pack (AGHVX200 Production Pack): Panasonic AG-HVX200 Production Pack - DVCPRO HD available in a handheld camcorder for the first time!Includes 2 x AJ-P2COO8HG 8GB P2 High Performance Card

Rental Houses that carry the Panasonic AG HVX200.

Not everyone can go out and buy one...

Zacuto Rentals: Rental house with a "Rent to Own" option.
DV24P Rentals: LA Based rental company
Birns and Sawyer, Inc. - Film and Video Camera Sales and Rentals: Sales, rentals and service of professional film and video equipment. Lighting, cameras, accessories.

Accessories for the Panasonic AG HVX200

Focus Enhancements: Direct to disk HD recorder and direct to NLE capture system.
CAVISION ENTERPRISES LTD: Manufacturer of Matteboxes, Follow Focus and other accessories.
16x9 Inc: 16x9 Inc. is dedicated to distributing an array of distinctive professional products for the video & film industry.

Hands-on reviews of the HVX200

Technology Evangelist: Review: Panasonic HVX200 DVCPRO HD Camcorder: This is a great review. Someone who goes beyond being dazzled by the technology and really deals with the technical issues users will face.
DVXuser.com : AG-HVX200 unleashed!: By Jarred Land and Barry Green. Jarred is the founder of DVXuser.com. Barry is an independent filmmaker and the author of "The DVX Book"-a well respected users guide to the DVX100.
Studio Daily Forum Topic: Is the HVX200 all that it's cracked up to be? And, how well does it compare to the JVC HD100?

HVX200 :: FAQ [Part 1]

Due to text length limits, the FAQ must be split over multiple modules. Source: Panasonic.

How is DVCPRO HD different than other HD formats?
There are several HD formats in the industry, namely D-5 HD, HDCAM, HDV and others that can be classified as either an intermediate codec, like one that may be used in the editing domain. DVCPRO HD's main characteristics are 100 Mbps, frame independent resolution (intraframe recording), 4:2:2 color sampling, and the use of metal particle tape or solid-state memory P2 cards.

What are the benefits of solid-state technology?
Because solid-state recording does away with the parts that are found on traditional tape mechanisms, it has a quiet operation; is virtually maintenance-free; and can be used in extreme and harsh environments.

What signals does the HVX200 record?
This camera handles standard-definition in 3 modes: DV and DVCPRO (which are 25 Mbps) and DVCPRO50, which as the name implies, is 50 Mbps, which is also 4:2:2 and has been compared favorably with DigiBeta. It also handles DVCPRO HD high definition at 100 Mbps in 1080i or 720p, recording onto P2 cards.

Does the HVX200 record still images?
The HVX200 can do a single frame capture in the intervalometer section of the camera. If you use an NLE application, you will be able to select that frame on the timeline and export it as a single still frame.

Does the HVX200 support NTSC and PAL signals?
There will be two versions of this camera; one to support the NTSC market, and one to support the PAL market.

What frame rates does the HVX200 support?
In 720p mode this camera handles: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60 fps.

How does the HVX200 record 24P?
It shoots every frame as a progressive frame, so it is true 24P (more accurately known as 23.98 fps). In most recording modes, duplicate frames are added in a 2:3 or a 2:3:3:2 pull-down cadence and the progressive frames are divided into two fields in order to conform to existing interlace 29.97 formats. The 2:3 mode follows all of the conventions of film to tape transfer, so that the recorded material can be treated as a film transfer or in the 2:3:3:2 mode it can be extracted for 24 frame editing. In the 720p "Native Capture" mode only flagged frames are captured with 23.98 time code; these files are directly compatible with a 720p 24-frame timeline, and require only 40% of the storage capacity of 720p 60 fps or 1080i HD recording.

HVX200 :: FAQ [Part 2]

What type of lens does the HVX200 have?
It has a wide-angle Leica Dicomar high definition lens with optical image stabilizer (which can be turned off). It has a 13X zoom range, or rather 4.2mm to 55mm in focal length; widest aperture is F1.6.

What size is the 3-CCD imager?
The imagers are 1/3" CCD, 16:9 native aspect ratio. These are scanned and captured at 1080/60p, and the signal is then converted to 1080i, cross converted to 720p or down converted to 480p/480i, or cross converted for the many modes on this camera. This assures the highest quality of recording.

Is the HVX200 16:9 or 4:3?
The HVX200 has 16:9 native imagers, and it is capable of recording 4:3 video in any of the standard definition modes.

What are the size and resolution of the LCD display?
The size is 3.5" and the resolution is 210,000 pixels. There are two focus assist modes available; one will zoom in on the center of the picture and give a 2X zoom of that image, so that focusing can be checked even during record. There is also a peaking circuit to aid in determining proper focus.

What resolution is the viewfinder?
235,000 pixels. It has the same focusing assist functions as the 3.5" LCD.

Does the HVX200 have manual or automatic focus?
Both manual and automatic focus are available. You can also adjust focus manually while the auto focus is working.

Does the HVX200 have manual or motorized zoom?
Like the DVX100, the HVX200 has both manual and motorized zoom options. Unlike many "prosumer" camcorders, the HVX200 has a mechanical zoom movement rather than an optically coupled system, snap zooms are a real possibility.

What is the zoom range of the HVX200?
13X, 4.2 to 55mm (35mm equivalent: 32.5 to 423)

What video inputs and outputs does the HVX200 have?
It pretty much covers the range of needed inputs and outputs, as it has HD Analog Component, 1080i, 720p, cross-converted 720p-1080i, 480i (D4) output, Composite input/output, S-Video input/output, Standard IEEE 1394 interface and USB 2.0.

How many channels of audio does the HVX200 support?
It supports 4 channels of PCM 48K 16-Bit audio via 2 XLR connections in DVCPRO HD, and DVCPRO50; 2 channels in DVCPRO and DV. DV tape can also record 32K 12-Bit signals for 2 channels live and 2 for dubbing later.

Does the HVX200 have IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface?
Yes, both streaming and file transfer.

HVX200 :: FAQ [Part 3]

Does the HVX200 have USB 2.0 connectivity?
Yes, for file transfer.

What are CineGamma and NewsGamma?
In addition to regular video gamma controls, Panasonic developed these two gamma sets specifically to help with film-look and news production. CineGamma is derived from the one found on the VariCam®, which helps emulate the latitude of film. NewsGamma helps to preserve important image data by suppressing over-saturation in highlight areas during sudden changes in contrast, which may happen as news in progress is being captured.

What shutter speeds does the HVX200 support?
Regular shutter speed.
60i/60P mode: 1/60 (OFF), 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 sec.
30P mode: 1/30, 1/50 (OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500,1/1000 sec.
24P/24PA mode: 1/24, 1/50 (OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec.

Does the HVX200 support Synchro-Scan Shutter?
PROGRESSIVE MODE OFF: 1/60.3%u20261/250.0
PROGRESSIVE MODE 30P: 1/30.1 %u20261/48.0 %u20261/250.0
PROGRESSIVE MODE 24P/24PA: 1/24.1 %u20261/48.0 %u20261/250.0

What are the gain settings of the HVX200?
0/+3/+6/+9/+12/+18 dB (60i/60P mode)
0/+3/+6/+9/+12/+18 dB (progressive mode (30P/24P/24P advanced))
(Note: set to 0dB when the slow shutter mode is used)

Can I control focus and iris remotely?
Yes. The HVX200 has a mini-plug connector that allows for focus and iris remote controls to be plugged in.

What is the filter size of the HVX200?
82mm

What signals and frame rates does the HVX200 support on Mini-DV tape?
While recording with the tape drive portion of the camera, you record in 25Mbps Mini-DV mode and in 30 frames per second. 24P and 24PA are available in NTSC models. You can also record variable frame rate footage in 720p mode and internally dub this footage to DV, offering a unique function and effect to your DV productions.

Can I use the HVX200 as a Mini-DV VTR source?
Using cameras as a VTR source is possible, but if this is a function that you wish to do all of the time it is recommended that you purchase a VTR for this purpose.

Can I record directly to a FireStore drive (Focus Enhancements)?
Yes. The FS-100 from Focus Enhancements will give 90-100 minutes of high-definition content in 720p or 1080i modes. In DVCPRO50 it will record 200 minutes, and in DV or DVCPRO it will offer 400 minutes.

HVX200 :: FAQ [Part 4]

Can I use the FireWire output to transfer previously recorded content from P2 cards to an external hard drive or Apple iPod?
Yes, we have done tests on original iPod models over FireWire by putting the camera into the "Host Mode," though its performance is a little slow. However, the latest iPod models do not have a FireWire port. On a standard 1394 drive, it would be a bit faster.

Can I transfer scene files over FireWire?
Transferring Scene Files is done using the SD Memory Card. In fact, you can attach the Scene Files to an email and send them to other production groups, who in turn will be able to match their cameras to the original one.

Can I transfer timecode over FireWire?
FireWire, as a transport specification, includes the transfer of timecode information. So yes, timecode will be transferred over FireWire.

What's inside a P2 card?
There are four error-free, 20MB transfer speed SD Memory Cards, a printed circuit board, LSI computer controllers to allow for maximum data speed, cardbus connectors and several clamping plates and a die casting for protection.

How many P2 cards can the HVX200 hold?
It can hold two P2 cards, as it has two P2 card slots.

How much recording time do I get on a P2 card?
It will depend on what mode you are recording in. For DVCPRO it is 4 minutes per GB; in DVCPRO50, it is 2 minutes per GB; in DVCPRO HD 720p it is 1 minute per GB, and in DVCPRO HD 1080i it is 1 minute per GB. Using the 720p Native Capture mode, only the flagged frames are recorded so the running time will depend on the frame rate (just like film). A rule of thumb in this mode would be to treat 1GB as 100 feet of 16mm film or 250 feet of 35mm film. For example, running an 8GB card at 24P in this mode will give you about 20 minutes per card of 24P HD footage. Or more simply, if shooting 720/24p, you would get 2%uFFFD minutes per GB.

How can I record for durations longer than the P2 cards' capacity?
In three ways: you can continuously record over from one P2 card to the next and hot swap them for unloading, or you can use the FS-100 mentioned above, which is an external FireWire drive. You can also open your capture window in your NLE and capture via FireWire to your external drive.

Panasonic's links for the AG HVX200

Panasonic's AG-HVX200 Page: The manufacturer's page about the Panasonic AG HVX200.
Defperception: Panasonic's "blog" about hi-def. Just remember it's sponsored by Panasonic.

Reviews of the Panasonic AG HVX200

ZDNet Shopper: An in-depth review of the HVX200.
Lets Go Digital: Digital Camera Review Test Compare Camera Specifications
VideoChump!: A review that proposes waiting on purchasing.

Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared

There are several cameras in the price range. These 3rd parties compare the cameras.

Panasonic AG-HVX200 Compared to DVX100, FX1, XL2: Fom camcorderinfo.com

Books on Digital "Cinematography"

Lighting for Film and Digital Cinematography (with InfoTrac )

Forums Discussing the Panasonic AG HVX200 P2 Camera

HVX200 - DVXuser.com - The online community for Digital Filmmaking: The most passionate discussions you will find about a camera...
Panasonic P2 Camcorders Forum: Discussions of all things P2.
Cinematography.com :: Professional Motion Picture Camera People, News and Resources: Forum for Professional DP's/Operators to discuss the Panasonic AG HVX200
Camcorderinfo.com Message Board - AG-HVX200 Forum: A forum for discussions about the new high definition AG-HVX200 P2 camcorder.

Blogs about the Panasonic AG HVX200

What people are saying...

HD For Indies: A blog on the HVX200.
AG-HVX200.COM: A blog that's totally devoted to the Panasonic AG-HVX200
benderydt.com: A filmmakers blog page focused on the HVX200.

Articles about the Panasonic AG HVX2000

VideoLifestyle.com: Singapore online digital video editing solutions provider. Discusses the AG HVX200.
Panasonic to Deliver AG-HVX200 High Definition Camcorder on December 29, 2005 | Digital Camera Review: Cameratown is the largest Digital Camera Review Portal on the Web
T E C H T R I B E S - Panasonic Announces AG-HVX200 for $5,995:HD Tape and Flash Media Camcorder with 24P: Article about the Panasonic AG HVX200
TG Daily: TG Daily is a technology news site-This article is about the upcoming Firestore Hard Drive from Focus Enhancements.

mjhardin

by mjhardin

Husband & father. Advertising Creative Director. Designer. Filmmaker. Artist. Amateur Chef & Chocolate fan. That's about it.

(more)

Explore related pages

Home Theater Projectors (Home Cinema): Home cinema projectors allow the real feel of a cinema or film theater in your o...
Panasonic AG DVX100 :: The Buyer's Guide: The camera that started a revolution! The Panasonic AG DVX 100 created a stir wi...
DirecTV Satellite TV: Got DirecTV, What do you need for HDTV? HD-ready Television Make sure your TV or...
Editing with AVCHD from HD Camcorders: I recently purchased a new Sony Handycam HDR-SR11. Once I had some good things r...
Get a free Samsung flat screen TV: Please read on to find out how to get a free Samsung HD LCD TV worth £250...
Lighting Cameraman: I’m a Lighting Cameraman with 16 years experience in television production...

mjhardin Recommends...

Create a Lens!

Squidoo

Panasonic AG HVX200 :: The Buyer's Guide