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 is an updated sensor, which yields higher sensitivity, creating less noise in low-light situations. With its compact and feature-rich frame, the AG-HVX200A will never disappoint. The unit is compatible with DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO25 and consumer DV recording standards.
16:9 Progressive 3CCD Sensor
The HVX200A is equipped with a 1/3" 16:9 progressive 3CCD imager (effective resolution of 1.1 million active pixels with a spatial offset) that delivers outstanding image quality. It offers lower smear and a higher S/N ratio that results in lower noise and better low light performance than the prior model. The HVX200A's image quality is also enhanced by a new high-performance digital signal processor (DSP) featuring 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing. Equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end HD cameras, this new DSP ensures precise, beautiful recordings in all video formats. Because the HVX200A scans at native 1080p for the initial picture processing, users get the highest level of vertical resolution, whether shooting in HD or SD.
Wider Angle (13X) Leica Dicomar Zoom Lens
The camera's lens system features a large 82mm diameter filter including three aspherical lenses. With its powerful 13x zoom lens, the camera offers a wide 30.3mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle, covering most shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion lens. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function that ensures stable images during shooting.
Variable Frame Rates for Fast- or Slow-Motion Effects
The HVX200A offers variable frame rate capability, providing the cinematic expression of higher-end cameras like the Panasonic VariCam AJ-HDC27. In 720p mode, the HVX200A's frame rate can be set from 24p/30p to any of 20 steps between 12p and 60p, allowing for undercranking/overcranking for fast or slow-motion effects in 720p. These effects can be dubbed to a DV tape after recording to offer unique capabilities in the SD mode.
Outstanding P2 HD Reliability and Flexibility, Plus DV Recording
Offering the vast advantages of P2HD solid-state acquisition as well as a miniDV tape mechanism for shooting in SD, the HVX200A is ideal for transitioning from an older standard definition, tape-based infrastructure to a file-based, high definition production. With two 32GB P2 cards installed, the camera records for up to 160 minutes in 720/24pN native. It can record up to 64 minutes in other full frame DVCPRO HD formats, 128 minutes in DVCPRO50, 256 minutes in DVCPRO. Recording times double with a 64GB P2 card.
Multiple format recording: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable
Supports 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p/60p, 720/24p (over 60p), 720/30p (over 60p), 720/24pN native, 720/30pN native 480/60i, 480/24p (over 60i), 480/24pA (over 60i), 480/30p (over 60i)
Uncompressed 4-channel, 16-bit digital audio recording in DVCPRO HD and DVCPRO50
Eight gamma settings for various shooting scenarios, including News Gamma and Cine-Like Gamma for recordings that capture the warm tones of film
Advanced image adjustments include color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temp, knee points
Cam-driven manual zoom, large manual iris control, focus assist, gain, two ND filters (1/8th and 1/64th) as well as slow, synchro and high-speed shutter
A 3.5" LCD monitor allows thumbnail display of footage, while a large electronic viewfinder can show peaking for easier focusing
A multitude of recording functions including pre-record (to capture moments that occur right before the start button is pressed), hot-swapping, shot-marking, loop recording, interval and one-shot recording for stop-motion and effects
Internal downconversion to miniDV Tape
Interfaces include IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces (connect directly to a PC or MAC), built-in stereo microphone, two XLR inputs with phantom power and analog component signal terminals
Convenient operation functions include a programmable scene file dial with six presets, three user buttons and manual/auto settings for aperture, gain, tracking white balance and focus
Auto trace white (programmable to several locations), two manual white balance settings (3200K, 5600K), zebra levels, tally lamps and center marker
Offers full time code functionality (including time code jamming over IEEE 1394 (Firewire) from another device)
SD memory card slot for sharing scene files or saving user files
Remote control offers quick control of settings, start/stop, zoom, focus, auto/manual/iris control, and more
Lightweight (5.5 lbs), ergonomic design with trigger/zoom control located on upper handle grip for handheld work
Comes standard with Barry Green's book on the HVX/HPX