Panasonic AG-HVX200

way22b16 January 2010

I can't wait till I can afford to get my own one of these beauties. Wish they weren't so expensive though! Does anyone know where to get a deal on one?

billybobbignuts31 March 2012

These cameras first came out in 2006, they are HD and have been used by big broadcasters including the BBC for documentries, and news broadcasting. They were also used in part to film "Cloverfield" although this is not the best example of what they can do, although now very long in the tooth they are an excellent "prosumer" unit for the money. You can pick up a brand new AG-HVX204 for around £2500 from a couple of retailers that still have them in stock, (although this will be the end of line left overs hanging around), but you are most likely to get the best deal on somewhere like e-bay where if you are careful may be able to get a good used one for around £1200, as did I. Just a couple of things to note, "the basics" description from the gadget show is entirely incorrect they do not have built in DVD recorders or hard drives. This camera can record standard definintion to mini DV tapes (Digital Video), or alternatively you can record full 1080 HD to optional Panasonic P2 memory cards which are really robust, but still extremely expensive. Alternatively you can record to an optional external hard drive in full HD the FS-100 Firestore now only available second hand. Or thirdly if you have a powerful enough laptop with a pro hd editing suite you can record diretly into your NLE, Non-Linear Editing Suite, via firewire connections, again if you have this type of interface on your laptop. Still records a great picture, in good light, by todays standards, and some of the most appealing features include the variable frame rates making it possible to record slow motion direct to the camera, and the ability to get a good film like effect with the ability to record at 24fps (23.98 in reality), and the film gammas.