The AG-HVX200A, AG-HPX170 and the AG-HPX500 are cameras that have a similar menu structure that is unique among the Panasonic line of cameras because each of these cameras has a scene file dial, allowing the operator to choose one of six scene files, also referred to as "looks." In reality, the look is only a portion of the total scene file. A look changes the way the camera sees tones and color, but a scene file can change everything about the way a camera performs.
Each of these scene files contains only one look, rather than six different looks that customarily change with each turn of the scene file dial.
To change a look, you must change the scene file's parameters for tone and color. Panasonic has done that for you by creating many different scene files for each of these cameras.
There are 20 scene files for the HVX200A. Eighteen are for color variations, and two are for quick shutter/frame rate manipulation (FILMFPS, SHUTEFX). Each file contains six scene files that change with the rotation of the scene file dial on the rear of the camera (F1-F6).
When taken with the factory defaults, these provide a total of 26 different looks for the camera. FILMFPS is based on the FILMIC look. Each file advances the frame rate accordingly to facilitate rapid frame rate selection without entering the menus.
SHUTEFX is also based on FILMIC, with the following fps and shutter combinations that are used most frequently. The first number represents the frame rate, and the second number corresponds to the shutter angle. Shutter must be set to synchro scan.
Many of the files have color spaces that are not "legal" by NTSC standards. This is because the colors are oversaturated. Because HD has no such "legal" limits, these colors can be captured by the camera but will be clipped in an NTSC transmission. However, they are useful when used in HD display or in a filmout. Nevertheless, it must be understood that oversaturation produces a diminished sense of form in the oversaturated colors that tend to emphasize a graphic or 2D effect on the image consistent with the flattening of the three-dimensional form. These effects are further enhanced or diminished by lighting choices on the set.
The scene files, CRISP, ADDSTOP and MUSICVD2 all use the synchro scan shutter. While the choice of degrees has been made in the menu, you are required to use the Shutter switch on the front of the camera to set the shutter to the synchro scan position, at which time the degree angle from the menu appears on your LCD display.