Panasonic HVX-200 in high temp. question

[Barry Green]

I bet it’ll work just fine. I’ve used it in 105 degrees w/90% humidity in North Carolina, I’ve used it in 110+ degrees with something like 50% humidity indoors, and I’ve heard of it being used in Death Valley at 120+ degrees.

Panasonic won’t guarantee you it’ll work, as it’s outside the printed/stated operating temperatures, but — I bet you could put it in that 120-degree environment and probably light a campfire next to it and it’ll still work fine.

[Rennie Klymyk]

I’ve had dew sensor circuit lock up problems in Key West after a heavy rain on a hot day. The main rule is to climatize your gear by leaving it in the local temperature prior to shooting. Keep gear in the trunk rather than inside the air conditioned cab. Trying to keep it cool and then bringing it out to shoot will cause condensation. Bring lots of silica gel packs and sealable bags. A picnic style cooler would be handy to store gear in to keep it warm once in an air conditioned hotel.

The HVX200 is probably better than any other camera. I’m not even sure if it has a dew sensor built in. Traditionally moisture forming on the tape caused extra friction on the heads/head drum which ultimately clogged heads, wound around the drum, etc. etc. Without a tape-head recording situation there may not even be a dew sensor in the HVX200.

I don’t have experience with the HVX200 in these situations so as Barry has indicated this may be a non issue. Maybe the engineers at Panasonic could give you some pointers.

Hey, isn’t that a large silica gel pack drawer on the right side of the HVX200 (under the hand strap)?

[Mitch Ives]

Have been using them in Arizona since they were released. We’ve shot outside all day without a problem. In your case, I’d shield the camera if possible (just in case), since you may not have an operator standing there…