Panasonic P2 cameras

One of the cameras I'm leaning toward is either the Panasonic AG-HPX170 or the 200.
I want an HD camera, not HDV so that's the reasoning behind this.

In either case the thought of buying those P2 cards at almost $1000 for a 16 gig is a big downside.

I'm looking at this as an alternative to the P2:
http://www.adorama.com/CJCDHD80.html

This would be like buying 5 of the P2 cards for the same price as 1 card, and easier to download to the PC.

Any thoughts about the HD recording or the Panasonic in general?

Thanks,
Jake

Hey Jake,

I start P2 with only one 16gig card and a Firestore FS-100. The FS-100 is not bad but after a few month I buy two 32gig cards and I’m working now ONLY with the cards because it’s quicker and I don’t have to worry about the cable between the Cam and the FS-100.

I buy the cards @ ebay. Was much much cheaper than the normal price!

BTW: I hear / read not so many good things about the CitiDrive. Take a look @ DVXUser!

Rudi

Hi Rudi,
Yes, the cables and having to hold on to the drive wouldn't be much fun.
I'll have to take a look at Ebay for the cards.
This isn't something I'll get until early next year so I have time to research.

Thanks for the input,
Jake

I have used the HVX 200, and I have few negatives to mention about it. It integrates super great with FCP (don't know what you are editing on). The image is actually anamorphic 960x720 and 1280x1080. so it does some streching on the pixels to get into 16x9. I think the 170 is supposed to shoot full frame HD, and it uses SD cards, much cheaper.

The HVX gives you variable framerates up to 60FPs and down to 12FPS, but there is a hack that can get it down to 2 FPS. Not sure about the 170 for this, haven't researched it enough. The Video stuff I have up is from Panasonic HVX 200

Make that I have few negatives to list.

I think you will get 1 16GB P2 card with the 200 when you purchase.

I would get the Sony Ex-1 or EX-3 if you are looking for solid state which isn't HDV. They are XDCAM ex at 35 Mbs which is better that the panny. They have bigger chips, better in low light, better control of DOF and also SxS cards are cheaper. There are some other even cheaper solutions to recording on SXS too but I reckon SxS will still get cheaper still as JVC have also announced that they will use SxS.

Yes, that maybe the way to go. It's about $1000 more then the Panasonic.
Just have to save my dimes I guess and get the Sony.

Thanks,
Jake

But remember your gonna save on P2 cards though. One factor I would say though is go an use an ex1 before you buy. The auto mode on it is really average and it is meant to be driven in manual mode. Not a problem if you are used to that but if not it will take a bit of practise.

Like I said I have been very happy with the Panasonic, very solid camera. I can't wait to see what this RED scarlet is going to end up being like though. I know that is diving the price up further when you consider lenses and attachments, but it should be an extremely versatile camera (if it comes to market as it is desrcibed).

Scott