Panasonic AG-HVX200A - A Good Video Camera?

[willm17]

Our church is looking to buy an actual video camera to record and maybe even stream services via the Internet. We also want to use the camera for recording video announcements. Our administration's viewpoint is if we get one, we might as well get the best out there for what we're looking for. We want clear video in HD quality and we saw the price and are willing to pay $5400ish for that type of camera. We found the Panasonic AG-HVX200a on the internet. Does anyone have any experience with this camera? Is it reliable, etc.? Let me know if you can. Thanks!

[bladeaudio]

For what it sounds like you are going to be using this camera for, I'd go with the Panasonic HMC150. It's cheaper, uses a better codec (AVCHD) and records on SD cards instead of P2 cards which will be a much easier and cheaper workflow in the long run. It also has a vectorscope and waveform monitor built in. It also has an HDMI output for viewing or capturing on an HD tv.

The only reason I'd get the HVX200 is if I needed the variable frame rates.

Just my $0.02

[JHVideoGuy]

At my previous job we used the HVX200a. The HVX is a nice camera but it's old technology. The HPX170 is the same imaging technology they just left the DV tape drive off. It doesn't shoot a full frame image but does some pixel offsetting. P2 media is expensive. The codec is intraframe and easy for older computers to edit with but it's not as efficient, takes up more space than newer cameras.

At my current job we just purchased the Sony EX-1 a few months ago. The EX-1 blows it away having full frame 1080p capture, 1/2" sensor is so much sharper than the HVX. The EX-1 is about $6k. It does use SxS cards but do a web search for a MxR adapter. It allows you to use SDHC cards in the SxS slot. We use 16GB SDHC cards with the MxR adapter for a total cost of $100.

Another option would be JVC-HM700 on the higher end than the EX-1. This is an awesome camera and has a much better form factor than the EX-1. Interchangeable lenses and great controls. I think the price for the HM700 is around $7k. This is the best camera under $10k on the market right now.

On the lower end I'd look at the JVC-HM100. I think all 3 cameras use the same codec but JVC uses a slightly different wrapper than Sony. The HM100 is around $3,500.

Of all these cameras the HM700 is my fist choice followed by the EX-1. Between 3rd and 4th I'd have to go with the HM100 because of the price and the HVX200/HPX170 would be my last choice.

[jonereb]

I have a HVX-200. Great camera. Whatever camera you buy, make sure it's compatible with what you're trying to do. If non-linear editing, make sure your software manufacturer (Avid, FCP, Premiere Pro, etc.) has tested this camera and approved it. I'd guess that the HVX-200 would work great for live streaming and IMAG...just make sure it works with whatever editing software you use.

[AustinChurch]

That's the one we use. I like so far, but I seem to have some trouble getting the color just right. I've tried white balancing but it still seems to pick up that red, but I think there's a way to fix that. But don't just jump into it, research first. My pastor just went and bought three of them without asking our opinions first, if he would have we'd probably have a different camera.

[stevelam]

My recommendation is the Canon XL-H1n. It goes for about $5995.99, it's a shoulder-carry model (WHY HAS EVERYONE STOPPED THAT IN THIS PRICE RANGE?!?! MY KINGDOM FOR A JVC GY-HD200U AGAIN.......with an SDHC slot for recording not just scene saving), it has a great lens, and it's reliable. Otherwise I agree with Bladeaudio on the HMC150. Same exact camera as the HVX200 except it doesn't have a Mini-DV slot, a P2 Card slot (which you would probably never use), and Varicam functions (again, probably not going use.).

So in closing I would recommend the HMC-150 for the price point, the Canon XL-H1n for quality and function, and if you wanted to reach for the stars a little bit than the JVC 700 is where I would steer you.

Hope this helps!!

Good looking out Bladeaudio, so few people actually take the time to realize the HMC150 and the HVX 200 and the HMC-170 are all the same camera (generally speaking)

Anyone else miss the JVC GY-HD200U? I used to sell a ton of them.

[Paris MkVI]

Didn't get the JVC 200's, but we have a pair of 250's. Good cameras for the price.

[stevelam]

I agree, I love the JVC 250s! I really hope they keep that camera around for a while, it's the last one in that line from JVC. JVCs new line-up of cameras is great but there is a big nostalgia factor for me with the older line and they fit so well into a church media dept.

[tkpeterson12]

I've been looking at the HMC150 from Panasonic, so it's good to hear others suggest it. Is anybody actually using it in their church in a multi-cam setup?

If so, are you switching live or in post? I ask, because the HMC150 doesn't have HD-SDI (at least I don't believe it does) so what type of cable are you using? Some type of HDMI to HD-SDI adapter?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[stevelam]

I have the HMC-150 into a few different live cam setups. For SD we run Composite to lower-end mixers, and component for higher end SD mixers. For HD I would only use the HMC150 with the SDHC recording.

If I were going HD live I would go with a HPX-170 for the HD-SDI output to live mix. It's $4495 (recent price drop) compared with $3495 for the HMC150 and if you are getting a live HD setup then I wouldn't scrimp on the camera. Go with the HPX-170 for the HD-SDI.

[jcwu]

Originally Posted by stevelam

If I were going HD live I would go with a HPX-170 for the HD-SDI output to live mix. It's $4495 (recent price drop) compared with $3495 for the HMC150 and if you are getting a live HD setup then I wouldn't scrimp on the camera. Go with the HPX-170 for the HD-SDI.

Another camera with HD-SDI output that we've been looking at is the Sony HXR-NX5U. How would that compare to the HPX-170? It's actually priced lower, too, at $3999.

[stevelam]

I am really impressed with the capabilities of the HXR-NX5U, my only complaint with it is that it uses CMOS sensors. I don't beleive that CMOS is the equal of CCD. I know they are two different technologies but they are both trying to achieve the same end result. Great video. My recommendation would be to get the HPX170, you will be happier with the quality of video on that camera. However if you really like the feature set on the HXR-NX5U we are taking pre-orders right now.