Better imager, improved low noise electronics, the Panasonic AG-HVX200A replaced the classic HVX200 camcorder this month. For over 3 years now Panasonic has dominated the HD camera world with the AG-HVX200 camera/camcorder. Priced at just over $5,000 - dollar for pound the "HVX200" delivered 100mb/sec intra-frame compressed HD with a feature set on par with cameras many times it's price.   Special buy now pricing.

Here's a quick rundown of the feature set:

The AGHVX200A offers all the invaluable features of the popular AG-HVX200 and adds a higher-resolution 3-CCD imager and improved image performance.

The HVX200A is equipped with a 1/3" 16:9 progressive 3-CCD imager (effective resolution of 1.1 million active pixels with a spatial offset) that delivers outstanding image quality. It offers lower smear and a higher S/N ratio that results in lower noise and better low light performance than the prior model. The HVX200A's image quality is also enhanced by a new high-performance digital signal processor (DSP) featuring 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing. Equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end HD cameras, this new DSP ensures precise, beautiful recordings in all video formats. Because the HVX200A scans at native 1080P for the initial picture processing, users get the highest level of vertical resolution, whether shooting in HD or SD.

Wider Angle (13X) Leica Dicomar® Zoom Lens

The camera's lens system features a large 82-mm diameter filter including three asperical lenses. With its powerful 13x zoom lens, the camera offers a wide 30mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle, covering most shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion lens. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function that ensures stable images during shooting.

Variable Frame Rates for Fast- or Slow-Motion Effects

The HVX200A offers variable frame rate capability, providing the cinematic expression of higher-end cameras like the Panasonic VariCam® AJ-HDC27. In 720p mode, the HVX200A's frame rate can be set from 24p/30p to any of 20 steps between 12p and 60p, allowing for undercranking/ overcranking for fast or slow-motion effects in 720P. These effects can be dubbed to a DV tape after recording to offer some unique capabilities in the SD mode.

Outstanding P2 HD Reliability and Flexibility, Plus DV Recording

Offering the vast advantages of P2HD solid-state acquisition as well as a mini DV tape mechanism for shooting in SD, the HVX200A is ideal for transitioning from an older standard definition, tape-based infrastructure to a file-based, high definition production.

With two 32GB P2 cards installed, the camera records for up to 160 minutes in 720/24pN native. It can record up to 64 minutes in other full frame DVCPRO HD formats, 128 minutes in DVCPRO50, 256 minutes in DVCPRO. Recording times double with the upcoming 64GB P2 card.

• Multiple format recording: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable • Supports 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p/60p, 720/24p (over 60p), 720/30p (over 60p), 720/24pN native, 720/30pN native 480/60i, 480/24p (over 60i), 480/24pA (over 60i), 480/30p (over 60i) • Uncompressed 4-channel, 16-bit digital audio recording in DVCPRO HD and DVCPRO50 • Eight Gamma settings for various shooting scenarios, including News Gamma and Cine-Like gamma for recordings that capture the warm tones of film • Advanced image adjustments include color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temp, knee points • Cam-driven manual zoom, large manual iris control, focus assist, gain, two ND filters (1/8th and 1/64th) as well as slow, synchro and high-speed shutter • A 3.5" LCD monitor allows thumbnail display of footage and a large electronic viewfinder can show peaking for easier focusing • A multitude of recording functions including pre-record (to capture moments that occur right before the start button is pressed), hot-swapping, shot-marking, loop recording, interval and one-shot recording for stop-motion and effects • Internal downconversion to Mini-DV Tape • Interfaces include IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces (connect directly to a PC or MAC), built-in stereo microphone, two XLR inputs with Phantom power and analog component signal terminals • Convenient operation functions include a programmable scene file dial with six presets, three user buttons and manual/auto settings for aperture, gain, tracking white balance and focus • Auto trace white (programmable to several locations), two manual white balance settings (3200K, 5600K), zebra levels, tally lamps and center marker • Offers full time code functionality (including time code jamming over IEEE 1394 (Firewire) from another device) • SD Memory card slot for sharing scene files or saving user files • Remote control offers quick control of settings, start/stop, zoom, focus, auto/manual/iris control, and more • Lightweight (5.5 lbs), ergonomic design with trigger/zoom control located on upper handle grip for hand-held work • Comes standard with a 16GB P2 card ($900 retail value) and the Barry Green HVX Book

If you are comparing the 200A to other similar priced products by Sony, JVC and Canon - you may want to consider the differences in their imagers. The HVX200A imager is a CCD type versus the CMOS imagers used by other manuafacturers - even at higher priced cameras. CMOS imagers are very popular because they have great resolution and are inexpensive to manufacturer. They do have their draw backs.

Two issues with CMOS imagers -   "rolling shutter" effect and "vertical skew"

Unlike CCD images that have one master shutter (all pixels see the same exposure and duration), CMOS imagers allow each pixel to act on it's own. So what? Well there are two very dramatic problems with this approach.

Example - Shooting with uneven or erratic light conditions: notice the picture below, a wedding reception. The bride and groom are dancing, people are snapping happy pictures of the event:

Notice  the back of the bride's gown, the flashes from the cameras have tricked the CMOS imager into over exposing the lower half of her back. The effect would also happen at a Police crime scene with emergency vehicle lights flashing or anytime light changes happen quickly. This could lead to unusable footage. You get the picture...

The other limitation with CMOS is that each pixel also grabs an image individually in time. This means if you are panning across a scene (skyline perhaps?) the image will bend or lean as the pixels take their own sense of the light. Example: "Bending picket fence"

Stay tuned for more details in coming weeks. Best advice? Test drive the beast before you buy any camera. Also consider the workflow from begining to end. Call EAR today for a personal demo or chat with one of our HD product and workflow specialists. 800-473-6914 or Contact Us online. Special buy now pricing.