The Panasonic AG-HPX170 versus the Panasonic AG-HVX200:
A Buyer's Perspective
By Cliff Williams and Liz Martin
May 29, 2009
The best way to differentiate between the Panasonic AG-HPX170 and the Panasonic AG-HVX-200 is by speaking to someone who uses them both. DVPA recently caught up with video producer Cliff Williams. A DVPA member since 2008, Cliff not only operates both cameras on a regular basis, but owns both cameras as well. Cliff compared the Panasonic AG-HPX170 and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 from a buyer's perspective.
First off, the HPX170 is much easier to hold because of its slimmer shape and lightweight case. The HPX170 is light in weight because there is no tape mechanism built into the unit like the HVX200. At first glance, many casual videographers will notice the lack of a tape deck in the HPX170 and assume it's exactly the same camera (but missing this one glaring difference). This is not the case, however, as Cliff has uncovered many key changes and upgrades.
One significant change is that the HVX200 is rated at approximately ASA 320 whereas the HPX170 has an ASA rating of about 500. This difference accounts for the slight light loss with a longer focal length. Surprisingly, the HPX170 produces images with less noise and therefore performing better than the HVX200 in low light situations.
Additional features to the HPX170 include new ND filters, video outputs and iris control. The HPX170 now has 3 ND filter settings versus the 2 settings that the HVX200 offers. The 3 HPX170 settings are 1/4th, 1/16th, and 1/64th. The 2 settings on the HVX200 are 1/8th and 1/64th. The HPX170 has SDI, component, and composite video outputs, whereas, the HVX200 has component, composite and S-Video. Controlling the iris is now available on both the iris dial and focus ring. With the flip of a switch, users can adjust the manual iris in either place. Cliff found using the iris control on the focus ring particularly convenient when shooting live events in a hand held position. He sets his focus to auto, flip the iris control to the focus ring and then rides the ring as the light source changes.
Placement and positioning of controls on the new model are improved features according to Cliff, “What's so great about the HPX170 is that the placement of the menu setting button and the video playback controls have moved to the side making it a solute to the DVX100.” Additionally, the manual and lens servo switch has been moved from under the lens to the side of the camera.
Other noted improvements of the HPX170 over the HVX200 are the LCD screen, time/date stamp functionality and the firewire connection. New to the HPX170 is a waveform monitor, vector scope and brightness controls. Additionally, the LCD panel offers duel-monitoring options. Both the viewfinder and the LCD operate simultaneously. A much needed function when a producer wants to see the action at the same time as the shooter. The HPX170 will create a time/date stamp that can be permanently embedded with the video. This feature help put this camera on the approved list for court documentation and depositions. The HPX170 uses a 6 pin firewire connection versus a 4 pin firewire connection required by the HVX200. This minor upgrade gives shooters added trust in a larger, more robust connection.
The difference in the zoom and wide angles between the two cameras are, the HVX200 is a 13x optical zoom 4.2 - 55mm f/1.6-2.8 (32.5 - 423mm in 35mm equivalent) 82 mm filter diameter and the HPX170 is a 13x zoom 3.9 - 51mm f/1.6-3.0 (28 - 368mm in 35mm equivalent) 72mm filter diameter. This difference in lenses seems subtle, but the end result is a better image.
P2 cards work interchangeably between the two cameras. Cliff has found that P2 footage shot with the HPX170 is recognized by the HVX200 and can be used to transfer footage to an editor or external hard drive. He has also performed speed test and found the HPX170 significantly faster than the HVX200 when transferring P2 data.
Cliff's final thought, “I have only had the HPX170 for 3 months, but I've already logged over 100 hours on it, so I feel confident in my opinion that the HPX170 is a superior camera to the HVX200. In all honesty, if I did not need the tape mechanism from the HVX200 for a specific client, I would only use the HPX170.”
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Member Bio
Cliff Williams has been a video producer since 1999. His work ranges from weddings, recitals, documentaries, and depositions to corporate work. His clients include the CBF [Cooperative for Baptist fellowship] and Carolina Pregnancy Center in Spartanburg, SC. He has been an active DVPA member since 2008.
Member Comments:
I'm a Sony EX1 owner... and that was after extensive comparison testing between the HVX200 and the EX1. We did a shoot-out here at my studio. Indeed, I've read probably every comparison review between the two cameras and I have never seen a one that shows the Panasonic coming close to the EX1. I won't repeat all the technical data that show this, but there is one more thing that swings favor to the EX1& EX3. I have not used the even less of a contender HPX170, or the HMC150. But it could be a mute point anyway.
The Australian fellows that have come up with the MxR and MxM Flash34 card readers to allow SDHC cards to be used in the Sony cameras, makes the record costs absolutely minimal compare to expensive P2 cards. This becomes a no-brainer... I can buy a $45 16gb SDHC card, put it into a $45 MxM reader, and I've got about one hour of full 1080 HD record time (on a superior camera to boot). Compare that $90 to maybe $600 for the equivalent P2 (and even Sony's SxS) capacity. For that one reason alone, the Sony cameras are a better deal. Of course we all know this is a game of HopScotch, so Panasonic will have a new contender and then Sony, and then Pany, and then Sony, and so. The point is, it's important to pick when you buy, and what you buy, and for what purpose.
Best regards,
Frank Casanova,
The Studio Center,
Sacramento, Calif.
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