Panasonic giving Varicams away!!!

[Tony]

What could this mean in the long run?

SDX prices drops and then we are told the product is being phased out.

Varicam drops pricing while HDX 900 is being released.

Simple math might predict something will be replacing the current model of the Varicam in the near future.

Disclaimer: Just my magic ball predictions

Tony Salgado

[Sada]

Where is that being offered–went to Panny’s site and couldn’t find it.

[John Sharaf]

Nancy,

Here’s link to their website:

https://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelList?storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&catGroupId=14569

See section entitled: $14000 cash back, or contact your nearest dealer!

JS

[Pat Mcgowan]

20% off seems reasonable for a product at this stage of life cycle.

[Sada]

Thanks John—I guess they had to drop it with the HDX900 coming out.

[Famousmoose]

Well, I was told that Panasonic will come out with a VariCam that will work with P2 cards in the next year. However, I am in the process of buying a Vari and still feel that it will pay for itself in under a year and be usefull and productive for the next 3-5years.
And in response to the HDX900, I’m still told by two different camera techs that you still get better overall contriol over the look with the VariCam, that you won’t get with the 900. Also, it’s a status deal, if you show up with a VariCam, especially for a broadcast situation, your client will know that you mean business.

Does anyone agree or disagree? I’m still researching.
Also, does anyone know if the 900 still will also shoot SD or is it only HD?

famous moose

[Peter Steinman]

I attended the last Varicamp and Panasonic told us the Varicam 2 is three years away still. Now changes in the market could accelerate that I’d imagine but, camera development takes time and they don’t want to anger owners. I belive the P2 camera coming will be more a hdx-900 with P2 cards rather then a Varicam. To get full color controls, totally variable frame rates, and shutter in degrees you will probably have to go Varicam for awhile.

Not that they couldn’t just flip a switch and make all the 900’s have that but, its about protecting Varicam owners a bit. If somebody releases a new camera that offers all this in the 900’s price point I bet we’ll see a Varicam 2 a lot faster.

I think John’s price might be off a bit. I’m hearing about $42,000 for just the body with the rebate at the best discount you can get from a dealer. You know dealers know about this rebate too and will be softer on the discount as well . Viewfinder is $3,000, mic is close to $1,000, and plate is close to $500 all at discouted prices. Yes its cheap but, its not going to be $40,000 it’s going to be about $45,000 if you’re lucky and more likely about $48,000 for that package.

[Tony]

Johnny has special magical buying powers which enable him not to pay full price for Varicams.

Plus he know how to wheel and deal.

Tony Salgado

[Peter Steinman]

Obviously as retail with rebate would be $51,900 for body alone. He’s getting something like another $17,000 off on top of that if he gets the body, plate, viefinder, and mic kit for $40k. I’d call those more like god-like dealing powers.

[John Sharaf]

Leakin’,

The rebate only helps tthe dealer tp close the deal. I’m fairly certain you can get the basis package (camera, mike, vf and plate) for close to $40-42K. Check out Abel Cine (Milton Brinkley in NYC) or Birns and Sawyer in Hollywood and let us know what you paid!

JS