Panasonic's AG-HPX170 is a formidable camcorder with great image quality and it's easy to operate. The era of solid state recording is firmly here, DVCPRO HD is a fantastic format, and Panasonic is backing up its belief in the HPX170 by offering an astounding 5-year warranty for the model. However, the cost of P2 media and limited recording times continue to be an issue with the adoption of P2 outside the broadcast and indie cinema industry.

If you understand the trade-offs involved with P2, you'll find the HPX170 is a serious professional camcorder at a bargain price.

Recording Media: P2
Data Format: DVCPRO HD (720p/1080i); DV/DVCPRO/DVCPRO50 (480i)
Image Sensors: Three 1/3" CCDs, 1.1 million pixels/sensor effective
Lens
Interchangeable Lenses: No
F-Stop: f/1.6
Optical Zoom Power: 13x
Focal Length: 3.9-51mm
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Focus: Auto/manual
Max. Shutter Speed: 1/2000 (60fps); 1/1000 (24 or 30fps)
Image Stabilization: Optical
Internal ND Filter: Yes, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
Video Features
Manual Shutter Speed Control: Yes
White Balance Control: auto, manual, preset
Direct Iris/Gain Control: Yes
Zebra Stripes: Yes
Viewfinder: Color
LCD Monitor: 3.5", 4:3 aspect ratio
Frame Rate Modes: 12-60fps, variable steps
HD Focus Assist: Graph, magnification
Color Bar Generator: Yes, SMPTE
Audio Features
Audio Modes: PCM
Standard Mic Input: 2 XLR
VU Meters: Yes, appears on on-screen display
Level Controls: Dials
Headphone Jack: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Video Input/Output
Analog Video In: No
Analog Video Out: Composite, Component
FireWire In/Out: Yes
Analog to DV Conversion: No
USB (for Video File Transfer): Yes
Other Digital Video Out: HD-SDI
Miscellaneous
Wireless Remote: Yes
Battery Charging: On AC Adapter
Form Factor: Standard
Media Loading Orientation: Rear
Onboard Video Light: No
Accessory Shoe: Yes

• DVCPRO HD 4:2:2 Codec
• Wide angle lens
• 5-year warranty

• P2 media costly
• Short record times
• Only 650 lines horizontal resolution

Panasonic's AG-HPX170 shows good color detail and has extensive picture customization options. The P2 based media, though, is still costly, and the tradeoff for great pictures is short record times.

John Burkhart is Videomaker's Editor in Chief.

Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems
1 Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
www.panasonic.com
Price: $5695

View the Manual for the Panasonic AG-HPX170.