Panasonic AG-HVX200 format question

[skidmark steve]

I was wondering what the difference is of using P2 to record, or mini DV with this camera. The p2 cards are extremely expensive, and I'm not too sure what it good about them. Is quality lost when shooting on mini DV?

 

[skidmark steve]

In other words.. What is the difference in using mini-dv on the hvx200, and using mini dv on a less expensive camera? Does the hvx only produce high quality with a p2 card?

 

[filmmakerone]

You can only record standard-def to tape. All high-def resolutions must go to the P2 cards.

The standard-def quality on tape will vary from camera to camera. Depends on the sensors, the glass, the compression, etc. Hard to say if one camera is better than the other without side-by-side comparisons and detailed spec study.

If you are only interested in standard-def on mini-DV, you may be able to get by with a less expensive camera than the HVX200. Don't get me wrong, I like my 200, but I would not have bought it if I had not intended on using it's HD capabilities.