[Chris Bell]

Here it is:

https://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=329237&modelNo=Content02112009033022795&surfModel=Content02112009033022795

[Chris Bell]

Panasonic has indicated that a color viewfinder is on the way. I suspect we’ll see it at NAB.

[Chris Bell]

That would be a deal-killer for me. May be OK for folks strictly shooting 60p.

[Chris Bell]

It’s amazing how quickly the Varicam is becoming old.

I would only consider such a device if it could reliably record the user bits, and not degrade the image. It would have to have a more integrated method of trigging…. running a switch or cable anywhere is a no-go for me.

[Chris Bell]

I checked out that product. Here would be my concerns:

1) The recorder is triggered by a remote cable which uses the camera’s tally light. I am not sure I would stake my reputation on such a method.

2) It is not clear if the hard drive records the user bits, so I am unsure if 24p or variable frame rate would be an option. Not sure how to remove redundant frames in J2K format.

3) The hard disk is a spinning drive, which does not like lateral movement or vibration. Solid state would be the solution, but the drives are very expensive.

I like the concept behind this product, but I wonder how Varicam friendly it is. Panasonic is also offering a P2 recorder which will mount on the back of a camera. It’s not as small, though.

[Chris Bell]

What are you attaching to record from the Varicam?

[Chris Bell]

I have to agree with Erich. The current line is too fragmented, there are too many options. Rental houses need to buy equipment which will service the needs of their clients and have a reasonable shelf life to pay for itself and produce income. As an owner/op I am in the same boat. I need to buy a camera which can service my various client needs, and not be worthless in 2 years. I don’t have the luxury of buying 2 or 3 different cameras. I need one camera that does it all and for $65,000.0 the 3700 should do it all: 1080, 720, 480. The whole point of P2 is to have flexibility. If the HPX-300 records every format, why can’t the 3700? The lack of 60p at 1080 is a big disappointment too. I hope Panasonic is reading these postings. We want to buy your products.

[Chris Bell]

I too concur with your assessment. There are way too many options, the line is too fragmented. We need a high end version of the new 300. A 2/3″ 1080p camera that records both 1080p and 720p. Tape would be good too, but clearly there will be no more innovation in that department.

[Chris Bell]

An impressive list of features. Panasonic is going to sell a boat-load of these. Too bad the 3700 does not have the same multi format flexibility.

Chris

[Chris Bell]

Excellent analysis.

Welcome to the great race to the bottom. I feel Panasonic sold-out Varicam owners with the HDX-900. It has all but killed off the resale value of the Varicam. Producers don’t understand that ANY Panasonic HD deck can convert 720p to 1080i (how HDX-900 works) and as a result won’t rent the Varicam. The Varicam still makes a great image, and i’ll get a few more years of life out of mine. P2 has its place, but Panasonic has put too much emphasis on it in their product line. I have no interest in a P2 Varicam… my RED ONE is miles ahead in functionality/quality. I’d buy an updated 1080p tape based Varicam, but I don’t see that ever happening.

I will say that Panasonic’s service has been very good, and their sales/support staff are top notch.