[Jp Driscoll]

I work for a small-market (100+) TV station looking at making the switch to P2. Right now we have the (dis)pleasure of using MII (not one of panasonic’s finer products) as our main format. Needless to say, when this station makes another jump in format, it will be as far ahead as possible because of the cost involved in format changes. P2 looks good. The initial investment may be spendy, but it’s future-proofed a lot better than say XDCam. It’s also cheaper than another tape format switch. No decks, etc.

The HVX200 looks like the key to convincing the people with the checkbook that this is worth it. The lack of removable lens is a big setback to me. But really, with news, the only time we take a lens off is when it’s broken. So have an extra camera on hand for any problems. They’re about the same price as a lens. But I’m in the comercial production side. Even though we are typically low-budget, there are times when a macro or wide-angle lens is needed. Will this camera have any of that?

If so – I’m in. If not, better think a little harder. I’ll even take an adapter that fits on the lens.

BTW – love the forum. Huge source of info for me in my research of P2. I’d love to hear from any low-budget commercial production or news broadcasters currently using P2.

JP