At first glance, it seems to me that the fairly new Panasonic HVX-200A has many of the improvements found on the HPX-170 P2 camera slated to come out in the fall of 2008.
The wider angle 13x Leica lens ... the improved CCDs ... the HD-SDI interface ... etc.
The HPX-170 does seem to be lighter in weight, but that does not always mean a better camera.
What is the advantage to waiting for this HPX-170?
Am I missing some important differences that would make it worth the wait?
The HVX200A does not have the HD-SDI interface, but has the Tape Drive so it can also be used as a DV camera.
I look at the products as being primarily equal but they have differences that would make them ideal for the target customer. The 200 would appeal to the person that still has a lot of DV based customers. The 170 would appeal to the person that is sold on the P2 workflow and wants a smaller camera that offers HD resording. The 170 also offers the HD-SDI output so it could also be used in a live output scenario.
Hope that helps,
Jan
Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, HPX500, HVX200, DVX100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems
Re: HVX-200A vs. the HPX-170 by Brad Neal on May 16, 2008 at 11:17:09 pm
I have 2 HPX500's, and now work within a total tapeless environment, so I have no use for a tape mechanism as in the 200. But I do have a need for a smaller P2 camera.
So as Jan points out, the 170 is the perfect solution for me.
Prior to the NAB, I was all set to spring for a 200... I think I'll hold out until fall :-).
