-
Tell me about your HPX500
We’re about ready to pop for an HPX500.
I’d like to hear from USERS of the camera about what they like and dislike and about picture quality with the lens ‘package’ they went with. I’m sure other cow-people would as well…
The camera interests us because of its ability to shoot in everything from DV to HD – we do a fair amount of web video and HD is overkill with that amount of compression for a share of our business.
P2 is not a concern – with 500gb hard-drives running $100 now – vs. 20 xd discs running $600, I can stock the shelves with LOTS of big hard-drives and be way-ahead in the game.
-
5 Replies
-
This was one of those rare purchases where you are very happy you did it. We couldn’t be happier with the results we’re getting. We own an aging BetaSP package and it was time to move on. We didn’t need HD for most of our clients, but it would be crazy to purchase a SD package. We just delivered our second project shot in HD, but delivered on a SD DVD.
Technically, it’s a dream. We also purchased the remote control unit with the camera so our video engineer can shade as we go. Visually, it’s pristine. I can’t compare the results to other HD options as I haven’t worked with them. The variety of looks possible through frame rate and gamma choices is fantastic. I know there’s been discussion about the “goodness” of the supplied lens. Looking at the pictures on our Panasonic HD broadcast monitor, I find no fault. The picture so surpasses Beta, there’s no comparison.
The single most critical change in your shooting life is to perfect your P2 workflow. It’s a completely different way of shooting. You must be careful every step of the way to protect your data. It is easy to lose data if you’re not extremely careful with it. We don’t “run and gun.” We shoot scene by scene so we have time to backup our P2 cards in the field and again at night. I understand how the P2 workflow might be difficult with limited crews and not enough time.
Good luck with your decision. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
John
Dual 2.5 G5 4 gigs RAM OS 10.4.8 QT7.1.3
Dual Cinema 23 Radeon 9800
FCP Studio 5 (FCP5.1.2, DVDSP4.1.1, Comp2.3, STP1.1, Motion 2.1.2)
Huge U-320R 1TB Raid 3 firmware ENG15.BIN
ATTO UL4D driver 3.50
AJA IO driver 2.1 firmware v23-28
Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neuman U87s, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN -
Thanks John. Is there a dealer you’d recommend?
Which lens did you go with?
-
ProSource BMI in Fairfield, CT is my dealer. Panasonic dealers sell by territory, so if you’re in the New England area, call John O’Keefe and he’ll help you out: 203-335-2000.
We went with the Fuji CAC lens without telextender.
John
Dual 2.5 G5 4 gigs RAM OS 10.4.8 QT7.1.3
Dual Cinema 23 Radeon 9800
FCP Studio 5 (FCP5.1.2, DVDSP4.1.1, Comp2.3, STP1.1, Motion 2.1.2)
Huge U-320R 1TB Raid 3 firmware ENG15.BIN
ATTO UL4D driver 3.50
AJA IO driver 2.1 firmware v23-28
Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neuman U87s, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN -
Only had my 500 for 2 days and I wish I’d had more time to play with it, but I will say that I’m rather impressed with it thus far.
Pricing was essentially the same at the three vendors I checked, but I got great service from the guys at Able Cine Tech.
—
Video Photographer / Avid Editor
Maximus Media Inc. -
I’ve been shooting with my HPX500 for the past few weeks now. I really like having a real full-sized real camera that I can call my own. I’ve always hated using the smaller DV cameras. That was all I was able to afford up until now. I used the Sony VX100, PD150 and most recently the Canon XL2 and I really hated the way they handled. Those cameras made some really nice images and I did a lot of work with them, but they just don’t have that “pro” image when you are on location. They have their proper applications, so that is why I also purchased a HVX200. The HPX500 camera made it possible for us to upgrade to real HD production facility at a realistic price point.
My company produces DVDs, TV programs and corporate videos within the action sports industry. My past experience is from a news, documentary and live sports background where I used a variety of different cameras throughout my career. My HPX500 handles just like all of the other full sized ENG cameras I have ever used. All of the common switches and buttons are in the places they should be. I’m still learning about all of the different menu settings and record mode options. And I
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up