View Full Version : Camera for low light live music - will HMC40 look great or must I go with HMC150?
surferflorida311
10-05-2009, 07:54 AM
As the title says. I need a flash memory camera for shooting inside dark clubs. I can't use any lights and whatever the club lighting is at the venue is what I'm stuck with. Most of the time it is somewhat dark. Also, I'm shooting rock bands that move around a lot. I've watched a lot of videos of the 40 on vimeo and I like the quality of daylight footage, but I can't find anything shot in dark clubs. Will I be happy with the quality of the HMC40 or should I man up and spend the extra money on the 150?
rich_r
10-05-2009, 08:17 AM
I have the HMC40 and using it inside a dark club would not be my first choice for it. The HMC150 measures 3 stops better for low light. Many clubs also feature stobing lights which can be a real problem for CMOS cameras. As much as I like my HMC40, I'd go with the HMC150.
surferflorida311
10-05-2009, 08:24 AM
Yeah strobing lights is definitely a real scenario I would encounter.
matt s.
10-05-2009, 08:32 AM
I think the 150 is your camera for those situations.
Barry_Green
10-05-2009, 09:36 AM
Agreed, the HMC40 would be pretty much the exact wrong camera for that situation, the HMC150 will do much, much better.
MadHMC150
10-05-2009, 10:16 AM
I shoot most of those same situations... have to go with the 150.
I had 1 venue with hardly any lighting. The client wasn't to thrilled but it was usable. After that - I gathered a few lights (on and off cam) to make sure everyone is happy hear on out.
Here is that low lit live band I was talking about: http://vimeo.com/4693921 (Can't image if we used hmc40's)
This was one of my 1st shoots, since then I have tweaked settings for better low light.
Superfresa66
10-05-2009, 10:26 AM
I would go with the HMC150 for sure, won't even consider the HMC40... but i don't know about extra off-camera lighting, people on Clubs hate video lights. I work on a show on the nightlife of Chicago and have to shoot inside clubs and thats the number one thing people hate the most. I almost got kicked out while shooting Ludacris presenting his last album at a local club! and i only had a Varizoom/Swit S2010 light on (and only half way)
Now if i were to do concerts, that might be a different story!... I know i would be able to get away with more.
surferflorida311
10-05-2009, 10:57 AM
I shoot most of those same situations... have to go with the 150.
I had 1 venue with hardly any lighting. The client wasn't to thrilled but it was usable. After that - I gathered a few lights (on and off cam) to make sure everyone is happy hear on out.
Here is that low lit live band I was talking about: http://vimeo.com/4693921 (Can't image if we used hmc40's)
This was one of my 1st shoots, since then I have tweaked settings for better low light.
What are your favorite settings for low light?