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 P2 solid-state cards or DV video to MiniDV tapes.

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 media that was introduced in 2004 by Panasonic.

One of the main advantages of the 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, you can save a lot of time and effort trying to transfer the data.

The Panasonic AG HVX200 has many additional and enhanced features that make it a high-end camcorder for the most professional video producer. The Panasonic AG HVX200 offers an extensive menu which new users may find a bit intimidating, more professional users on the other hand will be amazed 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 adjustments: color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temperature, breakpoints
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 Take, and Interval Rec functions

Mini-DV tape transport for DV recording
Internal down-conversion 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 swapping, looping, pre-recording (3 seconds HD, 7 seconds SD), One Take and Interval Rec function

SD memory card slot for sharing scene files
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 newsreaders.

When purchasing any camcorder, always ask if there are any additional items you may need. Quite often, a spare battery or case can mean the difference between getting that extra bit of film or not.

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