Panasonic's HVX200 represents a major move forward for video cameras. The HVX200 is a native 16:9, one-third inch, three charged couple device (CCD) camcorder that provides a very high degree of sampling precision. The camera combines the functionality of the variable frame rate DVCPRO HD and solid-state recording with the general format of Panasonic's popular DVX100A/B models. The HVX200 enters a new phase with its capture of true HD at 1080i and 720p in the 4:2:2 color space. The camera offers a chance to get a true high-definition (HD) camera at a reasonable price. It offers a choice of many frame rates, and to make it easy for users to select from its broad range of options, the camera uses color-coded menus. It can operate in standard-definition DVX format as well as HD. The camera includes a FireWire port that allows for live streaming to a computer or hard drive. There is a Focus Assist feature that provides 2X magnification to help with focusing, even with the camera in operation. The HVX200 offers support for four channels of uncompressed audio as well. Its drawbacks include its poorly designed, top-mounted menu buttons. It also lacks a capability to facilitate down-conversion of DVCPRO HD files to phase-alternating line (PAL) for European producers. The HVX200 also has a short runtime and relatively low P2-card capacity. The camera's introduction represents another part of a trend in the industry toward a tapeless information technology workflow, which means considerable potential savings for producers.