The Panasonic AG HVX200 was released in December 2005 in NTSC format and in April 2006 in Pal. It is a high definition video camera with a fixed lens. Record HD video to solid-state P2 cards or DV video to MiniDV tape.

What is P2?

P2 is a tapeless recording of DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO-HD, or AVC-Intra broadcasts onto a solid-state flash memory card. It is a professional digital video storage medium that was introduced in 2004 by Panasonic.

One of the main advantages of P2 is that the card can be used directly with your PC if a slot is available. There may be some additional drivers that need to be installed for this to work, but once you’re up and running it can save a lot of time and effort trying to transfer the data.

The Panasonic AG HVX200 has many additional and improved features that make it a top-of-the-line camcorder for professional video producers. The Panasonic AG HVX200 offers an extensive menu that new users may find a bit intimidating, more professionals on the other hand will be surprised at what this camcorder has to offer.

Panasonic AG HVX200 Features:

Advanced gamma functions and eight gamma settings including two CineGammaTM modes and NewsGammaTM mode

Advanced Image Settings: Color Matrix, Detail, Chroma Phase, Color Temperature, Break Points

Two ND filters: 1/8, 1/64

82mm filter diameter

Two hot-swappable P2 card slots

Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds HD, 7 seconds SD), one shot and interval recording functions

Mini-DV tape transport for DV recording

Internal downconversion and frame rate conversion of HD source recorded on P2 cards to Mini-DV tape

True HD picture quality with low compression DVCPRO HD intra-frame recording

Multiple formats: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable

HD recording formats: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p (variable frame rates)

82mm filter diameter

Two hot-swappable P2 card slots

Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds HD, 7 seconds SD), one shot and interval recording function

SD memory card slot for scene file sharing

Remote control for zoom, recording (start/stop)

Remote control for focus, iris control

SMPTE timecode reader/generator with multi-camera timecode matching via IEEE 1394

SMPTE color bars

Three programmable user buttons

Finding a camcorder with all these features is half the battle when it comes to creating professional videos. The AG HVX200 is so high-tech that it is widely used by newspaper photographers and news readers.

When shopping for any camcorder, always ask if there are any additional items you may need. Very often, a replacement battery or case can mean the difference between getting that extra piece of film or not.

This camcorder varies in price. It can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on what is offered along with it or as optional extras.