HPX-170 @ Specialized Communications is $5199 w/ 16 GB Card and one of their Super-Long-Life Batteries
http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=118_23&prod ucts_id=784 HVX200A is $5299 > http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=118_23&prod ucts_id=737
I would also check with Tommy Mack at Express Video Supply in LA.. Their website price will be MSRP, but call him directly and you will get the same if not better pricing than SpecComm.. Just keep in mind that you probably won't get the extra battery like with SpecComm. Another thing to consider is that you only have to pay 3% tax since it's being used professionally..
So Extra Battery + Shipping & (possibly no sales tax since it's out of state) from SpecComm VS whatever Tommy @ EVS can come up with.
btw - Panasonic has 24 month lease-to-own with 2.99%.. Instant write off! Comes out to about $240/month
(Message edited by dcervenka on October 11, 2008)