720p mode still using 1GB/min?

[Kevin Shaw]

Had an opportunity to test the HVX200 yesterday and thought I would be able to extend my recording time on P2 cards using the 720/30p mode, but it looks like I still only got 4 minutes of video per 4 GB card. Am I misunderstanding how the camera works, or is there some trick to getting longer recording times in 720p at 30 or 24 fps?

[Earl Thurston]

Originally Posted by Kevin Shaw

Am I misunderstanding how the camera works, or is there some trick to getting longer recording times in 720p at 30 or 24 fps?

Be sure to choose a Recording Format of either 720p/30pn or 720p/24pn. The "n" at the end is important. It's the "native" recording format that only records the active frames to the P2 card. All of the formats without the "n" record 30p and 24p within a 60 frame or field rate.

[Kevin Shaw]

Ah, thanks - that's what I was missing. One thing I learned from using this camera for a day is that there's a lot to learn to use it effectively. Kudos to Panasonic for offering so many options in one piece of equipment.