SMiXeL

All in all, I like to be as polyamorous as possible when it comes to camcorders. But I do have a special affinity for Panasonic’s gear. In fact, Small Media Extra Large is the proud owner of a bouncing baby HVX200 camcorder.

I just saw Panasonic’s press release for the new HPX170:

Panasonic Debuts Ag-HPX170, A New Fully Solid-State P2 HD Handheld Camcorder

Basically, the HPX170 looks like it mirrors the features of an HVX200, with three main differences:
1. - No MiniDV tape deck. Bye-bye tapes.
2. - Adds HD-SDI out.
3. - A wider-angle lens

What’s really cool is that assuming this camera sells for around the same price as the HVX200, it means you’ll be able to output full-raster 1920×1080 over HD-SDI to a computer, from a camera that costs around five or six thousand dollars. Looks like it will output 1080 24p or 30p over 1080i.

My big question is will this thing record in DVCPRO HD, or AVC-Intra, or both?

Just noticed something cool on the high-res photo of the camera. There’s a switch on the side that changes the function of the focus ring from focus to iris. This would be a nice plus when using a 35mm lens adapter. When I shoot with our HVX200 and Redrock M2, I always have to worry about bumping the focus ring and screwing up the backfocus.

Can’t wait to play with one of these at the store, when it hits shelves this Fall.

-=D=-