First Look: Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPro HD Camcorder
March 3, 2006
I wrote a detailed report of my first experiences with the HVX200 camcorder titled “First Look: Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPro HD Camcorder, Part 1” (a more orderly and polished version of my previous posts on the camera) for NEFilm this month, check it out. Some notes from my experience with the camera are captured in two previous posts: Taking the HVX200 out for a spin, Part 2 (which has links to a short sample movie) and Taking the HVX200 out for a spin, Part 1 (with links to still frames). Clicking on the image will take you to a photo tour of the camera on Flickr.
I own a DVX-100 – I love it, but the zoom has always been a problem. How is the zoom on the HVX-200?
The zoom on the HVX200 is very similar to the one on the DVX100. You have a choice between direct mechanical control of the lens without any delay unlike the Sony HVR-Z1U. The servo mode is also very similar. The thing you have to remember with both cameras is disable the servo when using the zoom ring manually to avoid stressing, and eventually damaging, the gears. One disabled, the manual zoom is very smooth.
[...] I learned how to edit using a Steenbeck editing table at Film Arts Foundation in San Francisco very similar to this one here located at Documentary Educational Resources in Watertown, Massacusetts. While testing the Panasonic HVX200 camera I was struck by how beautiful the flatbed was, especially with the afternoon light coming through the window, so I shot it both as a still frame and a slow panning shot. [...]
[...] After shooting with the Panasonic AG-HVX200 I’m convinced that’s the camera I’d like to own, but there are two downsides to the HVX200 (as well as the HVR-Z1U) and that’s the cost and size. If I’m going to own an HD camcorder I’d like to be able to take it with me everywhere I go, so size and weight are critical factors. But a personal camcorder should also be affordable. For personal use I’d like something as small as possible, when I need something bigger I prefer to rent (that way you always have the latest technology when you need it). But for a personal go-everywhere camcorder the criteria are different. What I’d really like is for Panasonic to take their AG-HVX200 and create a little guy like Sony’s HVR-A1U, and I’m sure they eventually will. In the mean time, I need something to shoot with, so what to get? [...]
[...] Apple recently released a white paper discussing P2 workflow with Final Cut Pro, the document covers P2 cards and card-reading devices, recommended capture and ingest options, shooting modes and formats, importing P2 footage into Final Cut Pro, using log and capture with P2 footage, recommended setups, and some workflow tips. Some people report they’ve had a smooth and seamless experience with P2 (my first one was), while others have reported horror stories (as with any new technology). I think it boils down to doing your homework and really understanding the ins and outs of your workflow, as well as the possible pitfalls. P2 is certainly not right for every project. I’m working on a Part 2 of my HVX200 article which will cover P2 workflow in detail and I found this document provided a good starting point. I will share my experience in the article and future posts. Stay tuned. [...]