Panasonic AG-HVX200K 3-CCD P2/DVCPRO HD Camcorder

Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200K 3-CCD P2/DVCPRO HD Camcorder:

I had many HD cameras - first Sony Z1, next Canon XLH1, (but NEVER JVC - most stupid cameras), and only for updating the equipment also has bought Panasonic HVX200P....But after the several projects I simply have sold Canon and Sony more cheaply to get rid from even of memories HDV....I read many reviews and comparisons (pixel quantity, vertical resolution and ect....)But after job on all these camcorder's I shall say honourly and directly - this camcorder (HVX200) cannot be compared with Sony Z1 and Canon XLH 1, because is simply IS BETTER than all camera's in cost less US $ 15.000...Now I prepare to buy PANASONIC AG-HPX500....PANASONIC DVCPRO HD is best compression standard for create QUALITY & ART PICTURES ...Thanks.

Expertise: 15 year of making any videos

Problems Encountered: Only one - not interchangeable lens ... And not real manual focus - bad work . Now need buy HPX500 with fujinon lens ...Thanks

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon (XL1, XL2 ,XLH1) SONY ( Z1 )

Items I Recommend: Two pieces Panasonic P2 card 16 Gb

Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200K 3-CCD P2/DVCPRO HD Camcorder:

I recently rented this camera to shoot a wedding video for a friend of mine. I picked this camera after reading all of the features online for months. The image quality is excellent. It was my first experience with HD, but I was blown away with how good the shots looked, especially outdoors. The P2 system is awesome as well - no more tapes, or rewinding, etc. I used the native mode of the camera, which means TRUE 24P, no pulldown etc. It looked good, but while panning it seems a little bit skippy. Some more experimentation might be needed. All in all you need to spend about 10 grand to get a couple of 8 gig cards and the P2 store if you plan on using this thing in the field. Pricey - but I think it's better than 9 grand for the XLH. But I haven't used it..

Problems Encountered: Ok here's what I DON'T like:Like most prosumer cameras, the iris has been turned into some kind of magical knob - not a real dial that turns glass. This one isn't TOO far out of the way to use, but it's still not as good as a pro camera lens.The fastest zoom is still really slow. Critical focusing takes awhile this way. And you have to pull a lever to switch between manual and rocker zoom - kind of a pain, since the manual zoom is the only quick zoom there is.Lastly, and very important - the viewfinder and LCD screen have very low resolution. Even with focus assist, I often found myself squinting to make sure the subjects were in focus. This problem being fixed would jump the camera way up.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: GL-2

Items I Recommend: at least 2 8-gig cards, P2store