If I was spending $25K for a camera body, it wouldn't be on a PMW-500 with 8-bit internal codec.

Panasonic offers two very attractive $20K camera body solutions--HPX2700 P2 Varicam and HPX3100. Both have 10-bit in-board codecs and Panasonic look, P2 robustness, proven workflow and myriad of accessories options.

At this point, 8-bit recording belongs in sub-$10K cameras, not $25K + cameras, IMO.

At least for 1080 shooting i really can`t see why anyone would buy PMW-500 over HPX3100, considering image quality on paper. The 3100 also is considerably cheaper...

But Panasonic should have included a proper 720p mode, for some users that important. Or maybe we will see 1080p50/60 camera soon?

At least for 1080 shooting i really can`t see why anyone would buy PMW-500 over HPX3100, considering image quality on paper. The 3100 also is considerably cheaper...

But Panasonic should have included a proper 720p mode, for some users that important. Or maybe we will see 1080p50/60 camera soon?

Agreed. We own an HPX2700 and find it to be a very versatile, "true" Varicam. In the past, most 720P was shot with DVCPRO HD with a horizontal resolution of 960, now, with AVC-Intra 100, it's a true 1280 horizontal. I shoot with the 3700 and 2700 often and prefer the 2700, with the exception of green screen work. 2700 has 1080, 720, 2-60 fps, 10-bit, 100Mbps full raster recording.

The 2700 shoots in 1080 for those wanting that delivery format, and does so better than an HDX900. For those that must have 1080X1920 native sensors, the 3100 is a bargain with its studio quality codec.