[Chris Vater]

Hello,

I have been converted. When it comes to a choice between the Panny HVX200(a and/or hpx170) or the Sony EX1, the Sony is a better choice, moreso if you can also afford the Convergent Design Flash XDR or the upcoming nanoFlash. At this point, though, my opinion is that it would be better to wait until the RED company comes out with their Scarlet models. And if you can’t wait, but you want really beautiful true 1920X1080 HD video, spend 1/2 or less of what the EX1 and SxS cards cost and get the new Canon 50D Mark II. The EX1 is a big step above the HVX200 but the flaws prevent me from recommending them wholeheartedly. THEY ARE NOT WORTH IT>…wait for what’s coming soon, VERY SOON!

Chris Vater, Creative Director, High I.Q. Media

[Chris Vater]

If you are asking for opinions, my own would be that you really ought to go with the HVX200 unless storage is an issue (but if you’re editing with FCP then I think this issue can be solved by using the ProRes codec). The advantages to the HVX200 are the compatibility with the DVX100 you already own and the superior compression of DVCPro HD. Unless you have at least a year to really find out how this new Sony camera really handles, or unless that extra crispy super high-resolution look is what you really want for some reason, the safest bet for an upgrade is the HVX200. Maybe if there was a book comparable to Barry Green’s about how to get the most out of the EX1 I wouldn’t feel so strongly. I have purchased several of the HVX200’s and I really couldn’t be any happier with it. I am afraid this “CineAlta” EX from Sony deal is just their way of trying to cash in on the tape-less revolution. I don’t think they really made a camera that is better…the only one advantage I can see is that “true 1920X1080” resolution. To me, that’s just not enough to bet on; I love the real, rich, film-like quality of the images produced on the HVX200. I think that crisp glossy look that is produced by Sony’s new camera is overrated and if you really need that, you ought to be using a more expensive camera anyway. It’s going to be a long time before everything is shot AND distributed in HD. The issue of the P2 being based on the “old” PCMIA technology is silly. If you’re using the newest fastest computer without this type of slot, the adapter works really well, super fast when you are transferring to an external firewire hard drive, I have tried it with both the newest MacBookPro and the latest Dell Precision laptop. During this time of transition, the versatile HVX200 is the steady, reliable and PROVEN choice!

Hope that helps you in your decision, it’s just my opinion.

Chris Vater, Creative Director, High I.Q. Media