They could be, and that would be interesting to see. But if I was to bet, I'd say that their energies are more likely to be spent on lower cost models.

They overhauled their mid range two years ago. This year they overhauled their high-end range. In the meantime the low end is looking pretty long in the tooth... they only have one tiny HD model below the HVX in their whole lineup, the rest is all standard-def (DVC30, DVC60, DVX). I expect we'll see more action in the low-cost arena before we see another mid-range model.

Barry,

I would be giving reports on InteBEE, my booth is right behind Panasonic,

Should have some actions going.

If they want to keep up, they need to be!

1/2" chips under $7,000 with full 1080 resolution makes the HVX-200 look like a second place camera.

Sony has created a family of cameras where you could get big ones and small ones and they will offer similar output, great for a migration to HD.

Panasonic offers this as well, but the big ones have a better image than it's little brother, and the small one offers some compromises.

I use Panasonic cameras right now and would like to continue, but I have to give the nod to Sony right now.

If I buy the HPX500, the HVX200 as a second or third camera IMHO is not quite up to keeping with the HPX500.

Tim,

What I don't understand is why we even have the HPX 500. To me it is only slightly better than the HVX 200. (please don't yell at me if your happy with it I'm happy for you but it just didn't work for what I needed).

Now if Panasonic had taken the HDX 900 (which I have always thought was a great camera), dropped the tape transport, and reworked the case for P2 cards that would have been the deal. That setup could have ruled that section of the market.

K

I agree,

I use the DVC-200 1/2" chip SD camera.

I would love for the HPX500 to be this camera in HD, but it is not.

The DVC-200 cost $8,000 with a decent lens, the HPX500 costs over $20,000 with a decent lens.

To me, the idea of uprezzed chips that Panasonic has stayed with will or do look long in the tooth compared to other cameras.

That makes the 500 look like a transitional tech camera.

If I need to spend over $20,000 on a camera and lens, I would want the chips to be full resolution, especially if there is a camera with full rez decent sized chips for $7,000.

There are plenty of people who dislike Sony and believe Panasonic has often offered better value, but I think Panasonic is a bit behind right now.

Kaku Ill come see you. I am not 100% of day I am going though. But Ill defientely pop in. If youve got your HPX on hand Ill grab some footage of pana with a pana

Great, so we can do online broadcast report from Musetex.
Thanks Noel, and see you on this Saturday, too.

As Barry mentioned, Panasonic will release something in the lower priced range. It is called AG-HMC75, shoulder mounted AVCHD camcorder.
Takes 160 minutes of video on 16GB SD card and it has XLR audio inputs.
Priced 300k yen.

(Information provided from Pontaro at H/DVX Fan site)

off subject but ...
 

Is Red Camera going to be at InterBee Tokyo. It says so on their site but doesn't list the company at the InterBee Tokyo site?

They probably demo at the Apple booth. I know Ted is coming.

My wish is for Pana to drop the tape drive unit off the HVX202 and just concentrate on P2 recording. You have a lighter camera.

I like the tape drive -- I consider it an emergency backup. If only it could record hdv or something...

Tape is only good for SD. I use the HVX202 as a HD camera all the time (if I need only SD - I will go back for my Canon XL2) - hence, the tape unit won't be of any use to me.

Also, tapes are fragile. I have tapes wound up on capstans before - shooting in subzero temperatures. The P2 card poses no such problems (and have posted it elsewhere - that at -15deg C, the camera was still functioning perfectly).

I'm talking about an emergency, not for regular use (if the P2 functions stopped working for whatever in the middle of a job). I'd rather have an SD backup than nothing at all.

Didn't InterBee just end? Any news???