Hi all, I'm looking for a new HD camcorder. Sony EX3 or Panasonic HPX-301 /HPX-300 in the US / should be OK for me / and my shots /. I've read a lot of these camcorders at the web. Know technical specification. Done short tests. Can you compare these models as users ? I'm very interested in yours suggestions, opinions ... Thank's in advance.

Hello,

Not exactly the same camera, but, we have been using  3 Panasonic HPX-500's with Liquid for about a year now. We shoot mainly DVCPro 50-SD right now. The workflow works quite well for us. We copy P2 card contents and make a virtual p2 card as well as a copy that resides in two different places on our network. We xrecieve the clips to a bin. Shots go onto timeline and do not have to render.

The frame size of HD footage is 1280x1080. Pixel aspect ratio is 1:33 to 1. There is no default timeline for Panasonic P2 HD. You have to pick an hd timeline format and fiddle with individual clip scaling to get it to look right.

The shooters in our shop like the camera. We have 12 cards for 3 cameras. In 2010 we will buy 12 more cards (all 32 gig). One thing our model camera does not provide is proxy versions of video shot. We miss this feature.

Overall we rate this camera and its integration with Liquid as excellent

 

I don't think I would buy a camera because of Liquid integration. I would just buy the best camera and right now if I was looking for new one it would be the Sony PMW-EX3, or EX1 if the price was right. The only thing I don't like about these cameras is the media is so expensive.

I would also buy an EX1 (EX3 is ugly ;)) and the media are cheap if you use the adapters which can hold plain SDHC cards.

I have not had the chance to shoot with the EX3 yet, short of that camera, I really like the JVC-GYHD family. We have the GY110 and have just added a DTE unit to this camera. the 720p works in Liquid like warm butter. These cameras have become very inexpensive on Ebay since the new 700 started shipping.

 

 

Hi All,

Thank's for yours inputs.

It is not important for me when we're talking about editing. I work with MC / and Liquid :-)  /, so XDCAM or P2 media are not a problem.

HPX-500 - great camcorder, but too expensive for me.

I haven't got any experience with JVC camcorders :-( 

As a Sony man from years I prefer Sony's equipment, but:

- EX1/EX3 ...

are not a shoulder mount cameras / I shot a lot of live events, so often can not use tripod / 

can use cheap media

- HPX-301

full shoulder mount camcorder

AVC-Intra 100 codec  - much better than  MPEG2  long GOP /??/

I have V-mount system / batteries, chargers .... /, so can not buy another one

 

Any inputs wellcome...

Best, Max :-) 

Look at the Sony HVR 270 its shoulder mounted. Shots tape or flash card

dew:

Look at the Sony HVR 270 its shoulder mounted. Shots tape or flash card

As I know it is HDV camcorder, not full HD. Am I missing something ? 

You are correct, I just throw it out there as you were use to Sony and looking for a shoulder mounted cam.

I used to be a "brand man" however I have learned that my loyalty to a company does not mean they are loyal to me. So I try to buy what is best for my situation. For years JVC has not always had the best reputation, whats the name ... "JVC= Junk Video Corp" ... the GYHD 100 changed that for me. I really like that it has a more "traditional" video camera feel, ie shoulder mount, has a real lens that is interchangable and can use the best glass out there. I consider it to be a very Manual Camera, its not, IMO, a "run and gun" camera, it needs to be set up, yet the results are stunning. The new 700 shoots to multiple formats and using a DTE unit gives even more flexiblity.

FWIW, all the best with your new camera. 

I'm thinking that most of the newer cameras are "very manual."  I expected our EX-1s to be kind of VX2100 on steroids or scaled down DSR-3XX series Sony cameras. No way. They are almost unusable unless you have time to tweak and adjust. Then they are great.

I've been using a Sony HDR-FX1000 for some time now and really like it.  Still shooting on tape which has it's advantages, one of which the footage is automatically archived and doesn't take up much room.

I've been following the new Canon Mk7 DSLR for a while now and it really intrigues me.

Andy

Breaking news / for me / ?? New Sony PMW-EX1R shoulder mount camcorder ...

Look here :  http://news.creativecow.net/story/862786

 Can we talking about this ?? / in theory at this moment of course/ What do you think ?

PMW-EX1R, $7,790 can be a right price for me.

 

ooops .... my mistake .... EX1R is NOT shoulder mount ...  

 

Best
 

the EX-1R is the replacement for the EX-1. Some definite improvements but same form factor.

You're right, my mistake. The PMW - 350 is shoulder mount, but too expensive for me. No Sony's shoulder mount cam in  around  9 - 10k USD :-(

The EX1 with a shoulder mount is still way under $10k and works great.

Buy a strap on eyecup adapter for the flip out monitor and you will be quite impressed with how well it can be handled for long events.  

The key is finding the mount that fits you and your style.