HPX300 Panasonic HD Camcorder, New product hands-on overview

[HellaBased]

Where do you rank this camera among others in it's price range? Also which do you think is better, the HPX300 or the HPX500?

[earav]

Because of it's 3MOS sensor, 10 bit recording capability, energy efficiency and lightweight design the HPX300 is a great choice in this price range.

As far as which camera is better, HPX300 or HPX500, I'd say it depends on your shooting style, workflow, and budget.

Also keep in mind technology is always changing. Look out for more from Panasonic in the coming months.

[earav]

Part2 for nelsonmilian00

I'm not saying the newer generation of still cameras aren't a great tool for video - just that some professionals need more than a larger lens and sensor. I can also assure you more cameras will soon be appearing that will make the Canon camera appear less of functional value in the future. It's the nature of our technology driven business.

[nelsonmilian00]

OK. Cameras are for pictures, right? Camcorders are for videos, right? But what the hell the Canon 7D DSLR make HD videos betters that any Camcorder of HD around 6k to 8k and it only cost $2,129. And as a Videographer a need to pay 6K to 8k for a HD camcorder and it get worst, those camcorder are 1/3 CCD chip,the worst thing in low light situation. Check this video "Canon 7D movie - Another night in Beijing" This is proof that SONY,JVC & Panasonic only whant to F... Y.. until they can't no more.

[earav]

Nelson - You are correct that the Canon 7D camera has higher resolution than the Panasonic HPX300 camera. This fact alone is not the only reason professionals would choose one over the other. The demands of professional video also include ease of use, flexibility with audio and video functions and much more. (see next post for added comment)

[ginogharehgozlou]

which do you prefer, HVX200 or canon XH A1?

[earav]

This camera has some very extensive audio features including 4ch mic or line inputs. If it's too much for your application I'd be happy to suggest some simpler.

[PeterPW]

What a beautiful camera! But look at all those buttons, I think it's a little too complicated for me... I wonder if you can plug a microphone into it?

[earav]

Good point on the green screen lighting. We're learning! Should be refined in the next version. The background (virtual set) product is Newtek's Tricaster Studio. It's an incredible value compared to what this technology used to cost.

When we're done with the next video - hope you let me know if we're making progress. More money and time will help with the production quality! Thanks again for the critique.

[itskevinlee]

your green/blue screen lighting needs work. You guys are getting jaggies all around, just light the background properly and that should go away. I love that program that you guys are using for the background generator though. Also thanks for the info, keep it up.

[videocamper]

Thanks Ed. You tube videos have been quite helpful to me as they give me the ability to demonstrate unique products. One thing I noticed with yours and mine, though, is that the video does not fill the youtube 'skin' completely. I have the same problem. Any ideas there??? Also, how do you do your virtual studio?

[earav]

I believe the "pillar box" look is due to the 16x9 aspect ratio Youtube prefers? We use many sites for distribution and it's a mix between the 4x3 and 16x9 for the next few year(s)? As for the green screen virtual set - we use the Newtek Tricaster. Great product. The workflow is still in the formative stages as we tweak the process. Thanks for the feedback!

[corman65]

you should make more videos