If I could justify it, I'd own both the 17x AND the 14x Canon. I just don't know what the best cost benefit is to do it... The 17x5 still isn't QUITE as long as the stock 16x (although more useable in terms of CA at tele) and I find I use full tele on my 16x out of necessity often enough that I know the 14x isn't going to be a "one size fits all" solution for me. ARGH! Can't we all just win the lottery or something?

I'm waiting to see what the body only price will be.

Well; the 17x is 85mm at tele, the 16x is 88m at tele. There really isn't anything in it...

This might have been asked and answered earlier, but I didn't run across it tonight.... but..... does the HM700 come with a battery system charger and battery, or do we pick IDX or AB in addition to the camera/lens package? Getting close to selling my HD110/IDX/DTE system, and I have an ugly feeling that the HM700 doesn't come with a battery system.

I was told that the unit does not come with battery and charger (ac adapter). Also, if you want to use IDX, you'll have to use the small adapter plate that converts AB to IDX - I think they are initially releasing only AB mounts.

This info came from a dealer. It may be right...or not.

It appears that North American "U" versions will ship by default with Anton Bauer mounts, battery and charger. Other regions may embrace IDX.
The battery mount plates can be easily changed just as with any professional camera. It's only held on with 4 screws.

Another thing: I've not heard any mention of the ability to store configuration (scene) files with the 700. Anyone know about this?

Yes it is there and even easier to work with than the HDXXX series.

Thanks Tim! Hopefully it will! If not I need to know before I sell my IDX system then have to turn around and rebuy an IDX or AB system. It also means I can get more for my used 110 system obviously. I may have a buyer for my 110/IDX/FE-DTE as well as my old GYHD10 from the old days. JVC should be happy that so many of us sound as though we are ready to jump when it comes out with only some sample footage from a pre-production model.

Tim, how did you like the Canon lens vs say the Fujinon 17x? or did you post your thoughts elsewhere?

Just got an update from BH photovideo from their sales rep. They are led to believe the HM700 with 17x lens will come with AB Plates... no batteries, no chargers. I may have to keep my IDX system and charge less for my used HD110.

Ouch, that means if we currently don't have an Anton Battery camera, then we are going to have to invest in that system.

Is it possible to buy only 1 anton battery and then just charge it while its on the camera? Or do we have to spend an extra $1000 to get that battery with a charger?

Well we shouldn't jump the gun yet. There might easily be a deal for the first 4 months like there was with the HD100/110 where you get a rebate for an IDX/AB system or a rebate for $$$ if you buy the AB charger/battery.

Or maybe the information is wrong and they are shipping the AB charger and a battery. A little too early to worry too much. However I did just email the person I'll be selling my HD110 with IDX system that I might want to keep the battery and charger and they keep the IDX mount, and change the price accordingly.

well here is what I know
 

Well just spoke to a manufacture rep and here are the points we discussed

1 Camera will ship by the April 1 configured only with the fujinon 17 lens
(Canon 14 will not be available till June !
2 camera does not come with a case or a tripod plate ($325) (:
3 In order to do mp4 ex format you need to order the card recorder that attaches to the back of the camera ( $500) Without this you can only record .mov format on the sd cards
and finally no discounts .

The rep told me that no big discounts will be offered by any of the vendors

Doug

How about a free 5-year warranty like Panasonic's HPX300?

Doug

Your details are all correct. You'll have to invest in a 3 pin battery option and charger. I'm a big fan of Anton Bauer but I realize the price is a bit much sometimes.. so check out Switronix options. I'm going to be working with the Abel sales team to make a package around the HM700. What would you like it to include?

This is what I have for a basic package:
Camera
Batteries + Charger Combo (Anton Bauer or Switronix)
Case
Tripod Plate
2 x 16GB Class 6 SDHC Card (Transcend)

Addition packages would include:
Light Weight Support Rods
Arri Mattebox
SxS Back & SanDisk SxS card

JVC is setting a price minimum like Sony so buying a package is the way to save money. Any ideas of what else to add? We could even replace the standard gold mount with a V mount and add a V mount battery option.

We've done similar packages for the HPX300, which you can find here - HD 24p Cameras :: SD, HD 24p Cameras :: Cameras :: Equipment Sales :: Abel Cine Tech