Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder
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The Panasonic AG-HVX200A is a P2-based camera that answers the demands of nearly any professional videographer. The camcorder builds on the overwhelming success of the original AG-HVX200, with the addition of some much sought-after revisions. The most important new feature being an updated sensor; the sensor yields higher sensitivity, creating less noise in low-light situations. With its compact and feature-rich frame, the camera will never disappoint. The unit is compatible with DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO25 and consumer DV recording standards.
- The Beast Just Got Meaner...
- The AG-HVX200A ups the ante from its predecessor, improving overall image quality in a variety of situations. Most notably, signal-to-noise ratio has been improved, creating an incredibly clean image. Additionally, better low-light performance and decreased levels of smear.
- P2 Flash Memory Recording Storage
- P2 is a recording medium for professional systems. Since P2 cards use no drive mechanisms, they provide superior resistance to impact, vibration and temperature changes. There's currently a choice between 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB P2 cards. A 64GB card will record 64 minutes of the highest quality HDTV video, 176 minutes of 720p/24 frame video or over 4 hours of standard definition DVCPRO25 or consumer DV video.
- Superior Quality Lens
- Developed specifically for HD recording, the 13x zoom lens system features an 82-mm diameter filter along with 15 lens elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical lenses. The Leica Dicomar lens incorporates advanced Leica optical technology. The use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration and increases resolution, while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting. This results in sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered images with delicate nuances and exceptional shading.
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Panasonic's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer dramatically reduces the blurring caused by hand-shake. Optical processing with an automatic correction function helps assure consistently clear and sharp images.
- Super Sensitive CCDs
- Each pixel has a large light-receiving area, giving this advanced 1/3" progressive CCD the kind of high sensitivity not available in previous compact HD cameras. This advanced CCD combines with a newly developed 14-bit digital signal processor (DSP) in combination with a very sophisticated offset spatial technology achieves a balance of high resolution and high S/N ratio that rivals HD broadcasting cameras.
- Advanced Digital Signal Processor
- The AG-HVX200A's advanced digital signal processor for 1080/60p video signals uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing to attain unprecedented accuracy. While the camera does not record 1080/60p, it is from this capture that all other signals are made. The DSP performs a variety of adjustments, including eight types of gamma settings, for each of the R, G and B channels. It also converts the signals to HD or SD format. With a performance equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end HD cameras, this DSP helps the AG-HVX200A deliver beautiful images in all video formats.
- DVCPRO HD Codec
- Using the DVCPRO HD codec recording system, the AG-HVX200A records HD video with outstanding image and audio quality onto a P2 card in file format. This codec, thanks to a low compression ratio at a video bit rate of 100 Mbps (1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p) and the easy-to-edit intraframe compression system, is suitable for recording fast-moving subjects with no motion artifacts other than motion blur. The 4:2:2 sampling rate minimizes jaggies at chroma edges and is advantageous in image and compositing. Sound quality is excellent too, thanks to DVCPRO HD's uncompressed 16-bit, 4-channel digital audio recording capability.
- VariCam Functions
- The AG-HVX200A inherits many of the functions of the popular VariCam which enhanced the production of movies and television programs. It has variable frame rate features that respond to fast and slow action. Its true 24p/30p progressive video, cine-like gamma curves, and cine-like color matrix capture images and scenes with much the same look and feel as footage from a film camera. All controls and system interfaces are designed to meet professional needs.
- 8 Gamma Modes
- Drawing on technology developed for the iconic VariCam, Panasonic has equipped the AG-HVX200A with advanced gamma functions that address eight different shooting scenarios. Included are the Cine-Like Gamma, which gives recordings the characteristic warm tone of film recordings, and a cooler, harder-edge News Gamma that's designed especially for news gathering.
- Professional Camera Functions
- The AG-HVX200A camcorder offers several functions that would most commonly be found on cameras costing many times its price. It has a cam-driven manual zoom ring, focus ring and aperture dial. It gives access to up to four channels of uncompressed digital audio. It retains a FireWire connection (IEEE 1394) and USB PC interface. The camera also has 2 XLR audio inputs with the Phantom Power option.
- Super Reliable Work Flow Process
- The P2 card is a new solid state recording media that Panasonic developed to bridge the gap between information technology and professional video. About the same size as a PC card, the P2 card stores large amounts of video and audio data in MXF-format files. This solid state memory is free of tape related problems such as drop-outs. It's impossible to overwrite important data. Unlike tape, there's no need to fast-forward or rewind; the user selects a thumbnail image and the video clip can be viewed right away! Similarly, once the record button is pressed recording starts immediately.
Go To
| Signal System |
NTSC 1080/60i, 30p, 24p 720/60p, 30p, 24p 480/60i, 30p, 24p |
| Image Device |
3-CCD, 1/3" 16:9 Native Aspect Chips |
| Lens |
Leica Dicomar 13x Zoom 4.2-55mm f/1.6 (35mm Still Film Equivalence 32.5-423 mm) 82 mm Filter Diameter |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1080 Lines |
| Sensitivity | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Minimum Illumination | 3 lux |
| Vertical Smear | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Built-in Filters | 1/8 ND, 1/64 ND |
| LCD Monitor | 3.5" |
| Viewfinder |
0.44" Monochrome/Color Switchable |
| Scan Matching |
Yes Different Ranges for Different Record Modes |
| Memory Card Slot |
SD Memory Cards for Scene-File Sharing Two P2 Card Slots for Video |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/12 to 1/2000 sec (Range depends on Record Mode) |
| Gain Selection | 0-18 dB Range |
| VTR | |
|---|---|
| Tape Format | MiniDV |
| Tape Speed |
SP: 18.812 mm/s LP: 12.555 mm/s |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Maximum Recording Time |
60 min with Mini DV Cassette 128 min with 32GB P2 Card (256 min with 2) |
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format | 16 bit/48kHz Four Channels |
| Audio Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Input and Output Connectors |
FireWire: 4-Pin (x1) Component Video: Special D Connector (x1 Output) S-Video: 4-Pin (x1 Input, Output ) Composite Video: RCA (x1 Input, Output) Audio: XLR (x2 Input) Audio: RCA (x2 Input, Output) Headphone: Stereo Mini (x 1) USB: Type 2 (x1) Power: Special Coaxial (x1 Input) |
| Power Requirements | 7.9 VDC |
| Power Consumption | 14W |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.7 x 7.1 x 15.2" (16.9 x 18 x 39 cm) |
| Weight | 5.2 lb (2.4 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 41 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great picture quality (37)
- Great features (29)
- Versatile (29)
- Durable (27)
- Comfortable to operate (23)
Cons
- Uncomfortable (4)
Best Uses
- Movies/short films (29)
- Documentaries (16)
- HD shooting (16)
- Travel (11)
- Outdoor events / games (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro videographer (16), Professional (15), Semi-pro (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Exactly what I expected
I've been researching and planning a move up from standard definition for a couple of years. I shot several shorts, a feature, and a few instructional videos on a Panasonic DVX100A. I've always ...Read complete review
I've been researching and planning a move up from standard definition for a couple of years. I shot several shorts, a feature, and a few instructional videos on a Panasonic DVX100A. I've always been pleased with the DVX, and surprised more than a few people who thought the end product was done with HDV (even a couple thought it was film).
I ruled out the HDV format because of the long GOP issue with the MPEG2 compression in favor of the DVCPRO HD. Also, the HVX200A is so similar in operation to the DVX, the learning curve with a new piece of gear is much shorter - and I can copy settings I like the most about the DVX.
However, the HVX is not a DVX that simply exchanges standard definition for high definition output. There are a myriad of features that require a greater understanding of general photography as it relates to motion picture production than the DVX.
Overall I am very pleased with the HVX and quite satisfied with it as an excellent intro level camera for serious HD production.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Reliable technology?
I bought this model in April 2008, the image quality is great, the lcd panel is inferior to the ones found in similar models and the sound knobs in the camera are hard to ...Read complete review
I bought this model in April 2008, the image quality is great, the lcd panel is inferior to the ones found in similar models and the sound knobs in the camera are hard to use. The quality and features in the filmCam mode, satisfy any 16mm addict, However, after 7 months of little use (65hours), the camera
will not work in the P2 mode and when it is in the P2 mode not only does it not work, the camera does not turn off, so the only way to turn it off is by pulling the battery out. Great Eletronics, so its is a five star camera, but not reliable, that´s why I am giving it 1 star.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 41 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- MEMORY TOO EXPENSIVE
- NO CARD READERS
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
It takes a while to get use to the slow focusing system, otherwise the video quality is great. One minor issue is the memory card reader, Panasonic is now offering the P2 card reader after having the camera in the market for more than a year. Also P2 memory is absurdly expensive!!
Pros
- Changeble frame rate
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Recording from DV thru HD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I bought product for my multi media business and personal use. I am taken a back as how close the options are to a full film and broadcasy quality carmeras. The fact that you can switch from video to 24p and get great results it awesome. I will recommend this prodect to any aspiring filmmaker beacuse you'll wont anything else.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I use the HVX-200 as my main camera for my freelance work. Everything from sporting events, fashion shows, online and tv ads, as well as digital shorts for online viewing. What's makes it so versatile is the fact that it shoots both SD & HD making it easy to satisfy every clients need. I can shoot on the sunniest day as well as in the darkest sexiest night culb with ease. This Pani is my work horse and will be for a while. Shooting with the HVX's P2 cards makes editting HD stress free.
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Weak Auto-focus
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
Very nice camera, some what noisy/interlaced picture at 1080 setting, 720 is stunning. Love variable frame rate. P2 is expensive but a great format. Can't wait for the price of those to come down.
Auto focus isn't the best.
Great features include: Variable Frame Rate, Focus Assist, 2x XLR inputs, nice UI
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
Very Good Camera
Pros
- Controls are familiar
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I use this camera for work. We ramped up to HD last year but due to budget cuts are not shooting HD.
Being able to shoot both tape and card is a great combo
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Low light abilities
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
one thing i would get when getting this camera is an on-camera light. There have been multiple times i wish i had gotten one. Other than that this is a good little camera :). Also a mic but the one that comes with it is.. okay.
Pros
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Uncomfortable
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
After shooting with the DVX 100A & B for the last four years, I assumed the HVX 200 would be a simple, logical progression into the HD world. And I guess it is compared to the EX-3 or other Pro cameras, and the HVX definitely puts out a great image in 1080i and 720 p but I will say that I kind of miss the DVX's ease of use and lighter weight. Still, I've had the camera a week, so you know, kind of early in the game.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Versatile
Cons
- Menu display poor
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
After one month of ownership and average use it has been easy to get used to and has worked well with CS4.
Pros
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Fixed lens
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
One of the most versatile and easy-to-learn (yes, the best way IS to read the manual first!) cameras. I have shot a feature film and several shorts with this baby and can vouch for its quality and reliability as an HD camera. You'll absolutely love using the variable frame rates!
One note of caution though - learn the P2 workflow thoroughly if you are a first-time user. Several casual/amateur users have some back to me after having a hard time working with the format. But do not worry, most leading NLE software programs work with it without too much trouble.
So go ahead, buy it.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I have tried my AG-HVX200A in a variety of conditions (day, night, outdoors, low light), and have not been disappointed. The quality of video is supperb, image is very stable when shooting while walking and it produces quality videos in challenging light conditions.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
Totaling user friendly with controls in a logical order. Used in a videography class and in the field. Students pick up on the features this camera has faster than I can teach them! Quality of image when paired with Final Cut Pro on the new iMac is rich and vibrant.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
Cons
Best Uses
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
Panasonic has always been user friendly.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Menu buttons inconvenient
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I found this camera to be an exceptional value for the money. The tapeless workflow along with true 24P capability and the addition of a mini DV tape drive provides a lot of functionality in a small camera. Compared to the DVX100B this unit is much sturdier with a bigger lens and optical zoom. Can appear complicated at first, but most non-sophisticated shooting modes are easy to learn.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- It's not mpeg
- Multiple modes
- P2 AND tape
Cons
- LCD artifacts
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I owned the original HVX200. Great camera, and I like the better low-light performance in the HVX200A. Only bad thing is that the LCD shows severe noise artifacts in HD modes in low-light. This did not happen with the original HVX200. I brought it up with Panasonic's techs, who were unaware of it. That knocks off a star, but it's still the camera of choice for me.
Pros
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
Nothing beats it in this price range for versatility. For my own projects I shoot P2, while most freelance jobs entail me shooting to tape. Oddly, the first camera B&H sent was DOA, wouldn't even turn on, which I've never heard of in an HVX200. But they promptly did an exchange at no cost. I have no worries, this is overall a very reliable camera.
Pros
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- On-board mic
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Sports Coverage
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
As a videographer, I can't start to tell how impressive the 200a really is! There are cameras out there easily double the price that can't produce the great image that it does. I've already done different shoots with it and it is very mobile and allows for very quick shooting. One of my favorite things about this camera is when using the tape drive, immediately when you hit the record button, it records instantly, no waiting and missing the shot you wanted. The camera's on-board mic isn't the best but, being able to plug an xlr up to the side compensates for that, in my opinion. Last, the simplicity of the camera is great. Within 1 hour of having the camera out I knew most of the basic operations and settings.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
It has great color. Shooting in 1280x1080i makes for a great picture and Makes for a great price.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I like this camera. It feels great to operate and is very similar to the DVX100 which I've been using for the past 5 years prior. Only complaint really is that P2 cards are really expensive, but since other brans of it are coming out to create competition, hopefully prices will go down.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Editing
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic AG-HVX200A P2HD Camcorder:
I have been using Panasonic DVX 100a for almost 3 years, many people believe that the horizontal resolution in SD between HVX 200 and DVX 100a is the same, but i found lots of different. HVX 200a has better color, less noise and better sound quality in SD setting.
I am not using P2 yet because the price will definitely come to our budget range soon.
one thing i found from this camera!
even though the battery is out from your camera but the camera is still at "switch on" position then the hour meter keeps going high. So don't forget to power it off before you put it in the bag for your future resell value.
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- Operating Instructions (PDF 15.8mb)
- Brochure (PDF 1.1mb)
Media
Recording media is not included. Be prepared-always carry extra media.
- Price: $349.00
Batteries & Power Adapters
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $149.99
- Price: $99.95
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Capture your desired angle of view with a quality conversion lens.
- Price: $459.95
- Price: $799.95
External Microphones
Focus your sound with a high-quality microphone. Audio quality can make or break your video.
- Price: $199.00
Tripod & Stationary Supports
Stabilize the your footage and eliminate handheld fatigue with the support you need.
- Price: $149.95
What's in the Box
- AJ-P2E016XG 16GB E-Series P2 Card
- CGA-D54 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- AG-B15 AC Adapter and Battery Charger
- Accessory Microphone Holder
- Component Video Cable
- 3 x RCA to BNC Adapter Ends
- Remote Control
- Shoulder Strap
- CD-ROM with PCMCIA Driver for Mac/PC and P2 Viewer
- Barry Green's HVX/HPX Book
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
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