[David C jones]

I just now checked out the P2 forum. I think you’re right about 250Gb storage drives. And, that the whole workflow thing with tapeless cameras will be more “in place” in about 48 months. But that’s so long from now! lol.

[David C jones]

My only point compairing M2 with P2 is that not enough companies have adopted it (yet anyway), and that the (p2) format is already becoming outdated. Now before everyone starts screaming “bloody murder”, I understand that you can get a $100 adapter. That’s fine for now, but if the newer format (sxs) becomes dominant, or even Sony’s disk cams, will Panasonic bail on P2 for another format (like they did with M2)? All that being said, I am still considering the P2, but the cards really need to come down in price.

[David C jones]

I think it was just my hope that they pulled it to make some improvements but, alas, it doesn’t sound like the case. I’ve always been a fan of Sony’s BVW cameras throughout the 80’s and 90’s (nobody makes a viewfinder like Sony!), but lately, I can’t say as I get their MO: first, putting 1/2″ chips in their XDCAM HD; now that they finally have the 3/4″ version ready, it’s lacking in other areas. As a freelancer, I’d like to make a decision about what way to go, and I can’t afford to get one of everything. I’m sure eventually the choice will be clear, but until then, I’ll just keep using M-II. Just Kidding!

[David C jones]

In situations like the one I described, I think you’re right the field producer will just show up with a “case” of cards to shoot on. There is still the question of what format to go with; I really like the full-size P2 cameras but, I’m having visions of the M-II debacle. I kind of feel like we’re already headed down that path (I know…I just started something with that statement…lol).

[David C jones]

According to John (in another thread) it is suppose to be out in May of 2008. I remember seeing prelim stuff on it (which has since dissapeared). Personally, after looking at the specs, I believe Sony pulled it because they want it to compete with the Panasonic HVX 2000/3000, and the way it was, it had some problems; compression rate of 50mbps instead of 100mbps on the P2, and doesn’t record 1080p (at least there’s no claim of it in the prelim info). Hopefully someone with more insight on this than me will post here, though.

[David C jones]

Thanks for the info. I’m still considering which way to go, P2 or EX, but it sounds like workflow issues would be the same ether way. I guess I would be concerned with downloading on a clients laptop because, wouldn’t they need to have clip software already installed? I also wonder if they would want to wait around while the footage downloads. I guess I’m just use to working with producers from tv shows that always seem to be in to big of a hurry for anything!

That’s interesting about the Ikigami system. I was looking at it a while ago, but could never get much info on it at the time.

[David C jones]

Thanks for this thread! I, like so many, was ready to pull the trigger on getting an hvx200 until I saw the ex1. I had a couple of questions for the experts: One, is the picture quality really comparable to the Pany 2000/3000? What would the drawbacks be? And two, any suggestions on labeling the cards? Is that possible without damaging the cards or posing any problems with inserting them in the camera?

[David C jones]

I did find the prelim info on the DVW-700 and I can see (or guess) why they pulled it for now: Unlike the Panasonic HVX-2000/3000 it can’t record in 1080p, appears to have a standard def viewfinder, and has a compression of 50/mbps. My guess is that Sony would want the 700 to compete with the Panasonic 2000/3000 but, again, maybe I’m wrong :o)

[David C jones]

Ahhh…thanks for the clarification. I still think it’s crazy to by any SD gear but, maybe they know something I don’t. I knew I had heard that Sony was coming out with a 2/3″ XDCAM HD but then all info on it is gone! I swear I saw info about it on their (Sony’s) website but now, nothing. As far as NBC going p2, Panasonic is running ads that at least make it appear that NBC is going p2 for the Olympics but maybe that’s not the case?

[David C jones]

Wow! I’m completely shocked by this. As a freelancer I’ve always looked to the networks for what cameras to buy but this is insame. Wouldn’t you also have to buy not just cameras but all the supporting gear as well?! SD is dead but I guess ABC didn’t get the memo. As far as I know NBC is going p2 HD, and CBS will stay with XDCAM and upgrade to XDCAM HD. ABC just needs to PICK SOMETHING! Something in HD that is.