It would be nice if they'd make an upgraded HMC70

[PatrickR]

I like the shoulder mounted HMC70, but it only does 13mbps AVCHD. The HMC150 would be nice, but I just really like the shoulder mount since I was brought up in a broadcast news houshold. All of the videojournalists I know are used to 35 pound betacams on their shoulders and have no problems with the HVX, but I'm thinking about doing some "This Old House" type stuff, and a shoulder mount cam would just be perfect. I know I can get rails and stuff for the HVX, but it's just not the same. The balance is different, and the eyepiece is in a different place. The HMC70 only has 1/4" CCD's, but I was looking into the SD9 with 1/6" CCD's, so that's not really and issue for me. However, I kind of want 720p or 1080p capabilities also. A shoulder mount HMC150, or even better, an HPX170 would be just fantastic.

I may just be dreaming, but do any of the powers that be know of anything in the pipeline?

[David S.]

Why pay more money just to get something that weighs more, and is larger so it can be shoulder mounted?

Not following why this is important.

[PatrickR]

The HMC70 is going for around $2000 right now. It's essentially an upgraded SD9, except for the recording formats, and sometimes weight is better for a steadier shot. You can't really follow someone up the stairs with a tripod, and you wouldn't have to pay $3000 for a nice steadicam system. Also, it has XLR connections and pretty much any output you could ask for. It's only real shortcomings are low bitrate AVCHD and it doesn't have a nice focus or iris ring on the front. If they could offer an HMC150 in this form factor, it would be perfect for what I want to do with it.

[David S.]

Then why not a shoulder mount mechanism for about $500 or more that achieves the same purpose and a HMC150?

[PatrickR]

It doesn't serve the same purpose. It kind of gets you in the same ballpark, but unless you've used a purpose built shoulder mount camera for ENG, I don't think you quite know the difference in feel. It's a matter of preference, but why pay $500 for something that could be a feature of a different camera model? If they already offer the HMC70, then why not create an HMC150S or something? If they already offer it, then there must be a market for it, so why not make it better?

[Spec-Comm]

I just sold some Zacuto Newsman rigs to a TV station in PA. They have HVX200 cameras and they were getting frustrated with the Anton Bauer rigs that they got. I took a Zacuto Newsman Rig to there location and had their photog's check them out and once the camera was on their shoulder, they couldn't tell the difference. We ended up making them a package that has the double Anton Bauer gold plate in place of the "Lunch Box" and we took the Z-Grips out and added a Handle right above the shoulder pad. We also added a wireless plate for the MIC setup.

They love them and they are shooting news and sports with these things. This rig will also work with the HMC150. You will most likely need to be forced into the "Lunch Box" though. It's just an 11 pound counter-balance weight.

Andrew Hoffman
Vice President
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

Please visit our new online store at ( http://www.spec-comm.com/store ). New products being added daily!

[PatrickR]

I think this is exactly what I was thinking about. If I could use these on a 200, then that would probably eliminate the need of buying a third camera altogether, and just rent another 200 or 200a for 3 camera shoots. I'm going to look into it a little more thoroughly, but thanks for the response.

[MadHMC150]

IMHO, I like the look and feel of the HMC70u... I just wish it had 1/3 CCD's...

But really do we have any 70 vs 150 video footage?

I had to go with the HMC150. I shoot nightlife and weddings, need the low light.

[Brad_C]

I'm sure this isn't new at all, and it's not the same as a dedicated shoulder mount cam, but I will probably order one of these fairly soon. Seems simple yet effective.

http://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/products/cb105.php
http://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/images/cb105/pic-1.jpghttp://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/images/cb105/pic-2.jpg

[fieldreportermf]

I'm sure this isn't new at all, and it's not the same as a dedicated shoulder mount cam, but I will probably order one of these fairly soon. Seems simple yet effective.

http://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/products/cb105.php
http://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/images/cb105/pic-1.jpghttp://www.dynamicmotionvideo.com/images/cb105/pic-2.jpg

Hey Brad...make sure to post your experince with this shoulder mount. I want to get one but am undecided on which one. thanks

[MadHMC150]

Wow, I'm going to add some counter balance weight to the sholder/hip stabilizer I have already...

Thanks for the idea!