Panasonic AG-HVX200 – A Cut Above the Rest

The Panasonic AG HVX200 was released in December 2005 in NTSC format and April 2006 in Pal. It is a high definition video camera with a fixed lens. It records HD video on solid state P2 cards or DV video on MiniDV tapes.

What Is P2?
P2 is tapeless recording of DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO-HD, or AVC- Intra streams on a solid state flash memory card. It is a professional digital videos storage media which was introduced in 2004 by Panasonic.

One of the main advantages of P2 is that card can be used directly with your PC if a slot is available. There may be some additional drivers that need to be installed for this to work but once up and running it can save a lot of time and effort when trying to transfer the data.

The Panasonic AG HVX200 has many upgraded and additional features making it a high end camcorder for the more professional video makers. The Panasonic AG HVX200 offers an extensive menu which new users may find a little daunting, the more professional on the other hand will be amazed at what this camcorder has to offer.

Panasonic AG HVX200 Features:
Advanced gamma functions and eight gamma settings including two CineGammaTM modes and NewsGammaTM mode

Advanced image adjustments: color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temp, knee points
Two ND filters: 1/8, 1/64

82mm filter diameter
Two P2 card slots with hot swap capability
Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds in HD, 7 seconds in SD), one shot, and interval recording functions

Mini-DV tape transport for DV recording
Internal downconversion and frame rate conversion from HD source recorded on P2 cards to Mini-DV tape

True high definition image quality with low-compression DVCPRO HD intraframe recording
Multiple formats: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable
High definition recording formats: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p (variable frame rates)

82mm filter diameter
Two P2 card slots with hot swap capability
Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds in HD, 7 seconds in SD), one shot, and interval recording function

SD memory card slot for sharing scene files
Remote control for zoom, record (start/stop)
Remote control for focus, iris control

SMPTE timecode reader/generator with timecode matching with multiple cameras via IEEE 1394
SMPTE color bars
Three programmable user buttons

Finding a camcorder with all these features is half the battle when trying to create professional videos. The AG HVX200 is so high tech it is widely used by news paper photographers and news readers.

When purchasing any camcorder always ask if there are any extra items that you may need. Quite often a spare battery or case can mean the difference between getting that extra bit of film and not.

This camcorder ranges in price. It can be anything from $2000 – $5000 depending what is offered along side it or as optional extras.