High Definition Camcorder Review:
Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD Camcorder (page 2)

Shooting video at 100Mbps is another world compared to DV (which records at 25 Megabits per second). The difference between these two numbers is compression of color information or sound. DVCPRO HD records video with much less compression and no GOP structure like HDV. This is a benefit for pros who will do high-end compositing and color correction. DVCPRO HD also records more detailed color information than DV or HDV. Our shots looked stunning, even though the best flowers in our Northern California climate hadn't bloomed yet. Sound is another big feature of the HVX; you get four channels of pristine uncompressed 48kHz audio. Wrangling four audio tracks for each video track may seem like a task, but we found it fairly easy to manage.

Each P2 card fits into a standard PC Card slot found on many laptop computers. When the card is inserted, you can edit footage directly in most editors worthy of having 'Pro' in their title. Though, it's a good idea to copy your footage right away, so you can get that card back into the camcorder. Another option is to transfer your files via FireWire. Either way, your capture time is dramatically reduced. Copying your files can be complicated, and will be difficult if you haven't planned a specific workflow ahead of time. We'd advise you to consult your editing software publisher for best results. The big highlight here is the speedy transfer of footage, which makes us ask why we still wait an hour for each of our DV tapes to finish capturing.

Looking ahead, P2 solid state recording seems to be a smart choice for video professionals. We hope the computer industry continues to embrace the PC card slot on new machines, as P2 cards increase in capacity. Our time spent with the HVX200 was excellent. It performed without a hitch, delivering amazing color and resolution that broadcast High Definition camcorders are known for.

Image Device: 3 CCD
Imager Size: 1/3 inch, 16: Native aspect
Lens: Leica Dicomar 13X Zoom, 82mm Filter Diameter
Horizontal Resolution: 1080 lines
Video Signal System: NTSC
Scanning System: 1080 Line Interlace Scan, 720 Line Progressive Scan
Connectors: S-Video, A/V, Component Output, XLR IN (x2), i.LINK, LANC, Headphone stereo mini.
Minimum Illumination: 3 lux
Built in Filters: 1/8 ND, 1/64 ND
Exposure: Auto, Manual
Viewfinder: 0.44 inch B&W/Color Switchable
Audio: Four Channel 48kHz/ 16 bit
Internal Microphone: Yes
Speaker: Mono
LCD Panel: 3.5", Color
Memory Card Slot: SD Memory for Scene-File Sharing, Two P2 for Video
Format: DVCPro HD, DVCPro 50, DVCPRO/DV
Weight: 1 lb, 10 oz.
Power Consumption: 14 Watts (max.)
Dimensions: 6.7 x 7.1 x 15.2 Inches
Weight: 5.2 lbs

• 1080i and 720p switchable
• True variable framerates from 12 to 60
• Customizable scene files

• Cost of P2 media
• Balance in hand

The Panasonic HVX200 is on a good track to lure even the oldest luddite into solid state recording.

Andrew Burke is Videomaker's Editorial Assistant, a member of AIVF, and has worked in video production worldwide.

$5,995
Panasonic Broadcast
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
www.panasonic.com

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