Now that I’ve had more experience with the Panasonic HVX-200 I’ve had time to reflect on both the pros and cons of this HD camera. You can read about my initial impressions here. I just recently returned from North Carolina where I was working on a video for the Wake Forest Medical Center. I used the HVX and noticed some things about the camera that should be considered before purchasing one.
First, as a consumer, you should always keep in mind what it is you will be using the camera for. Not every camera is suitable for every shooting situation. For example, the fact that the HVX shoots to P2 cards rather than tape should weigh heavily in your decision whether to use this camera or not. In my experiences with it, I can tell that it was designed with the filmmaker in mind. It isn’t necessarily suited for “run-and-gun” ENG style shooting, because of the frequent need to dump the media. It also isn’t really designed for extended takes, like a sit-down interview. This was the situation I faced while using the camera for the Wake Forest job. Since you use up about 1GB per minute in 1080i mode, I was forced to stop the interview on occasion just to swap cards. That can really interrupt the flow of the interview. It’s nice when you can shoot to tape and allow the interview to run for 60 minutes before stopping.
Second, it’s a good idea to have an AC with you when operating this camera. In the world of film, the AC (asst. cameraman) is in charge of removing the exposed film and then loading a new mag onto the camera. This helps keep the shoot moving efficiently. The same can be said of the HVX. Since you must unload the P2 cards and dump the media, it’s good to have someone on your team who functions as a “digital AC.” He can remove the cards, load new cards, and work on dumping the media while you continue shooting. Everything comes to a grinding halt if you are the one forced to do everything. So, if using this camera, pad the budget to include this vital crew member.
I don’t consider the above comments to be negative. These are simply considerations that should be contemplated before purchasing this camera. I still feel that the HVX is one of the best HD cameras on the market, simply because of its incredible versatility and variable frame rates (of course, that’s the filmmaker inside me speaking out). However, I am frustrated by some operative details of the HVX.
1. When shooting 1080i 24p, 720p 24p, or 720p, 24pn, the frame rate is always reset to 24fps when you power off the camera then power back on. It’s easy to forget to change the speed back to the desired frame rate before rolling.
2. The frame rate is never displayed in the viewfinder. I would like to know, at a glance, what frame rate I’m set to, without going into all the menus.
3. The menus are cumbersome and the navigation buttons on the camera are aligned in a confusing manner.
4. Playback from the P2 cards can be tricky. For example, if you shoot footage in 1080i 24p, then switch to shoot in 720p 24pn, you cannot playback the 1080i 24p footage unless the camera is set to 1080i 24p. This was especially scary for me the first time I used this camera when I tried to review some footage I shot early in the day and couldn’t.
The key to selecting the right camera for you is to simply take one out into the field and start experimenting. I hope these observations have been helpful to you as you pursue better looking video.
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