Subcategory
HPX500
Audio
P2
Camera Profiles
Resources
Here's your source for helpful tips and explanations to help clear up some questions that are big in this constantly evolving industry.
The HPX500 is a Full body professional camera with three 2/3" CCD chips, capturing beautiful picture in a broad spectrum of recording formats from Standard Def to High Def in both NTSC and PAL formats. Not only is it similiar in just the name, but the HPX500's operation and features can be easily identified as improvements from its older sister, the HVX200. Watch the video below and see if you can spot the similiarities with the HVX200. But be assured, this is not déjà vu.
The HPX500's audio is one major difference from the HVX200. It has 4 audio inputs allowing recording up to 4 independent channels. Looking at the Audio Panel can be daunting at first, but we hope the interactive Flash below will help grasp it.
This interactive Flash below demonstrates the Monitor Select switch. Use the Monitor Select switch to select the audio channel whose signals are output to the speaker, earphones, or AUDIO OUT connector.
One of the biggest advantages to the P2 workflow is the ability to take out P2 cards that are full, offload them, and then return them to the camera while it's recording, allowing an infinite amount of record time to the production. But in order for this to work properly, you need to pay attention to the P2 Status LEDs that are located on the P2 slots to know which cards can be taken out. Just remember that on any blinking Orange, you should NOT take out the cards, which can corrupt data or make the card unusable unless reformatted.
Below you will find a table of all the recoding formats that both the HVX200 and the HPX500 can shoot as well each recording format's recording time per 1 Gigabyte of P2 storage. Knowing these numbers below can help you determine which recording format to use and how to make the most of your P2 cards.
| Recording Format | Recording Time (per 1GB) |
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| DVCPro HD* | 1 min | ||||
| DVCPro HD 720/24pN** | 2.5 min | ||||
| DVCPro HD 720/30pN** | 2 min | ||||
| DVCPro 50 | 2 min | ||||
| DVCPro/DV | 4 min | ||||
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Below are links to free P2 support software that will help get your computer setup to start working with the P2 workflow.
P2 Driver: Install the P2 driver before installing any P2 related software or inserting any P2 card. Required
P2 Driver (Mac)
P2 Driver (Windows)
P2CMS P2 Content Manager: This program allows you to view P2 native MXF files. You can preview clips instantly straight off the P2 card, or view offloaded clips at any time. This program also simplifes the offload process and helps ensure a successful transfer. Optional
P2CMS (Mac)
P2CMS (Windows XP Only)
P2 Card Format Station: The program allows you to format your P2 card from your computer, which is a valuable tool for any P2 Technician. Simply offload the card, format, then return it to the camera ready to be recorded. Requires a PC with an external PCMCIA or PCIe slot with Duel Adapter. Optional
Windows:
Windows P2 Format Station
Macs:
This software is bundled in the Mac P2 Driver download:
Mac P2 Format Station
Duel Adapter: If you are using a Duel Adapter to connect the P2 card to your PC, here is where you can download its drivers. However, look carefully because your OS version may not require installation of this driver. Optional
Duel Adapter Driver
Goodman's Guide to the Panasonic P2 Guide: This is a very useful guide with fairly simple, intelligent explanations to understand the P2 workflow. Optional
Goodman's Guide to the Panasonic P2 System
Panasonic P2 Support Desk: Here's a link to Panasonic's P2 webpage where you will find all the Panasonic links listed above as well as additional resources for your P2 workflow. Optional
Panasonic P2 Support Desk