[Chris Botte]

Hey all, I really need some advice on this as I have to make the decision by today or tomorrow. I have researched the add-on gadgets and they seem be valuable, which makes this deal a good package, but I am not sure if these items are outdated and therefore the deal is not so good. I’d appreciate some knowledgeable insight on this. Thank you so much (in advance)!

[Chris Botte]

I continue to appreciate all the help. I do have another question as I am debating on whether I should buy an HVX200 package, or a HPX170 without a package. The package included in the HVX200 is as follows:

Panasonic AG-HVX200
Dolgin TC-400 Battery Charger
3 CGR-DU54 Batteries
Azden SGM-PDII Shotgun Microphone
Varizoom V2-Rock-P2FI zoom/focus/iris control
Chrosziel 450-HVX200K Mattebox
Tiffen 4×4 video essential DV kit
Petrol PMH-2 mini Hood
Pelican 1604 Hard Case

Are these items expensive add-ons? this package is $2,500, however I have found websites that sell the HPX170 for $3,000 sans the extra items that are included in this package. I need advice on what to do. I am trying to get the best deal, not really trying to cut corners, but I am a beginner and not fully educated/aware of added quality from the above listed add-ons. What is your opinion/insight. Greatly Appreciated!

[Chris Botte]

Yes. That is a good point, but that would only be beneficial if you had a laptop to upload to on location. B/c if you didn’t have the laptop on site, then you would have to upload separate from while your shooting.. unless you have one of these card storage devices that I read about, but those are expensive right? It seems that they have internal storage.. that seems very beneficial but they are very expensive. I suppose the preferred method is to have a card reader and laptop on location.

[Chris Botte]

Thanks Guys,

I really appreciate all the help and am most def. going to go with the HPX170 camera, and probably get a 16gb and a 64gb P2 card. One thing I am still not certain on though: Am I able to hook up the camera, with the P2 card inside, directly to my Mac via Firewire and upload my videos onto computer and the fast speed of firewire as opposed to buying this reader and hooking up via USB. Is the only benefit of the card reader the size and reduction of having to clumsily hook the camera up to a computer? I really appreciate the advice as I am learning as I go. I will be taking a class in a month or so, but I do want as much info as possible before I make my investment in camera/equipment. Thanks again.

[Chris Botte]

Hi Shane,

I appreciate the response. Def did some research and came to the conclusion that the HPX170 is the way to go. As far as my budget, its not that low, but its one of those things where I am afraid I will buy the camera and find out I need all this extra additional equipment just to get the camera to work with my Mac. I am aware of the cost of P2 cards and that is fine, however, I did see some sort of storage device for P2 cards that was like $1,500 so that is why I was trying to find out how the P2 cards work with a Mac. Does it transfer through firewire or is only USB? B.c I have heard some complaints about slow uploading time, etc. I def want to shoot in HD so unless my extra costs after the camera won’t tack on another 3K or so.. I should be fine. That clip of yours will def. come in handy once I am up and running, but right now I am still trying to get just the basic hardware technicalities understood.

From what I gather, I could either buy a P2 card or two, and when they full up, upload onto the Mac, then reuse.. or buy some sort of device that will store the P2 files and then erase it for re-use.. is this correct?