Panasonic HPX-502 first impressions

David Heath · October 6th, 2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Cleverly

The problem is I went from a cam that, while it had some minor shortcomings, it did everything very well for me. I have taken a step backwards here, I feel.

Exactly my feelings when I looked at it, and also compared to a DSR570. As I said before:

Quote:

There seem to be two reactions to the HPX500. Users who have moved up from 1/3" prosumer cameras seem to love it - it's better than they were used to. Users who are used to 2/3" cameras find it lacking in several areas - a step down.

You get what you pay for.

Bob Woodhead · October 7th, 2008, 12:10 PM

Have had our HPX500 for almost a year, here's my feedback on your comments...

(1) Monitoring (either speaker in side of camera or earphones) distort when monitoring volume knob is turned over 1/3 of the way.

Odd. Yes, the itty bitty speaker will distort when cranked, but not headphones. I use in-ear canal headphones (VModa Vibe Duo) & have no issues at all. Then again, I can't turn it past about 50% or it's too loud for my ears.

(2) Only three white balance memories including preset. I would like 4:
Yeah, it'd be nice, but two serve without slowing me down much at all.

(3) How the heck can you change the audio recording levels mid-shoot by using buttons you have to PUSH IN to make work? Today I made my camera move by trying to adjust audio levels mid shot. Great thinking, Panasonic!

TOTALLY agree! Dumb. Can't see how'd you accidentally hit them. But keep in mind there is the extra wheel up front that you can assign to channels. That one moves much easier.

(4) Why can't you program 18db gain into the normal switches?
Haven't shot more than 12db myself, so no issue for me.

(5) Inability to tweak the white balance settings of each memory position manually.
Agreed.

(6) Still finding the audio setup confusing, but that might just be time thing for me..
It comes with time.

But all things considered, FOR THE MONEY it truly is a HECK of a camera.

David Cleverly · October 9th, 2008, 07:15 AM

Actually, I have a solution to the lack of WB memory problem. Perhaps an "aha" moment for me! :-)

Set WB1 as 4200k (or thereabouts) for inside fluro work.

Set WB2 as 6500k (or thereabouts/higher) for daylight work in the shade.

Set Preset at 3200k and then - to get 5200k - use the AWB button on the front of the camera to flick between 3200k and 5200k whilst still in the preset position.

There you have it - 4 settings!!

Nick Stone · October 22nd, 2008, 02:01 AM

Hi David,

I'm wondering how the camera is going after a few weeks of using it?

I would like to hear your thoughts on this camera if thats cool.

Nick

Glen Vandermolen · October 23rd, 2008, 10:10 AM

If any of you guys want to trade your 500 for my JVC HD200, let me know.
If you really aren't satisfied with the camera, I'll be glad to trade for it.

October 7th, 2008, 12:10 PM	#17
Bob Woodhead Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 59	Have had our HPX500 for almost a year, here's my feedback on your comments... (1) Monitoring (either speaker in side of camera or earphones) distort when monitoring volume knob is turned over 1/3 of the way. Odd. Yes, the itty bitty speaker will distort when cranked, but not headphones. I use in-ear canal headphones (VModa Vibe Duo) & have no issues at all. Then again, I can't turn it past about 50% or it's too loud for my ears. (2) Only three white balance memories including preset. I would like 4: Yeah, it'd be nice, but two serve without slowing me down much at all. (3) How the heck can you change the audio recording levels mid-shoot by using buttons you have to PUSH IN to make work? Today I made my camera move by trying to adjust audio levels mid shot. Great thinking, Panasonic! TOTALLY agree! Dumb. Can't see how'd you accidentally hit them. But keep in mind there is the extra wheel up front that you can assign to channels. That one moves much easier. (4) Why can't you program 18db gain into the normal switches? Haven't shot more than 12db myself, so no issue for me. (5) Inability to tweak the white balance settings of each memory position manually. Agreed. (6) Still finding the audio setup confusing, but that might just be time thing for me.. It comes with time. But all things considered, FOR THE MONEY it truly is a HECK of a camera.

October 9th, 2008, 07:15 AM	#18
David Cleverly Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 220	Actually, I have a solution to the lack of WB memory problem. Perhaps an "aha" moment for me! :-) Set WB1 as 4200k (or thereabouts) for inside fluro work. Set WB2 as 6500k (or thereabouts/higher) for daylight work in the shade. Set Preset at 3200k and then - to get 5200k - use the AWB button on the front of the camera to flick between 3200k and 5200k whilst still in the preset position. There you have it - 4 settings!!

October 22nd, 2008, 02:01 AM	#19
Nick Stone Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 133	Hi David, I'm wondering how the camera is going after a few weeks of using it? I would like to hear your thoughts on this camera if thats cool. Nick

October 23rd, 2008, 10:10 AM	#20
Glen Vandermolen Space Hipster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,596	If any of you guys want to trade your 500 for my JVC HD200, let me know. If you really aren't satisfied with the camera, I'll be glad to trade for it.