Dropped and broke HMC-40 today, bummed

[Speedster159]

That is a really interesting camera. Except for a lot of hi-res formats that I wont use, its very cool.

AC130 is: Dimensions (WxHxD) 7 x 7.69 x 17.25" (18 x 19.5 x 43.8 cm) excluding protrusions
AC90 is: Dimensions (WxHxD) 6.30 x 7.68 x 13.78" (16.0 x 19.5 x 35.0 cm) excluding protrusions

HCX1000 Dimensions (WxHxD)

6.3 x 6.7 x 12.4" / 160.0 x 170.0 x 315.0 mm

HMC40 is: Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.3 x 5.3 x 11.9" (13.6 x 13.5 x 30.4cm)
PXW-X70 5 1/4 x 7 1/8 x 11 3/8 inches (with lens hood, eyecup, and XLR handle unit) (excluding grip belt and including projecting parts)

A quick look at the HCX-1000 reviews say its terrible in indoor light. I think that's out.

It's no worse than the AC90. If anything it's better than the AC90.

[Alex H.]

A quick look at the HCX-1000 reviews say its terrible in indoor light. I think that's out.

Any small-chip camera will be.

[firehawk]

Sony has a small HD camera similar to the hmc40 as far as being very compact. I'm trying to remember what the model is. Possibly more than one. Anyone know?

[ddixon]

I formerly used the HMC-40 at work before retiring, and have personally owned the Canon XF100 and now the Sony X70. The Sony is slightly smaller than the Canon and Panasonic, is much sharper, and is better in low light. It has a one inch chip which gives a bit shallower depth of field, and it shoots in the XAVC-L codec like the higher priced Sonys. It has extensive picture profile controls, good quality clear image zoom, and in HD has 10-bit 4:2:2. There's even an optional 4K upgrade (8-bit 4:2:0), and like your HMC40, a removable handle. If you prefer, as I do, a traditional video camera, I don't think there's currently a better option for its $2K price.

B&H even has used ones for $1670 as of today.

Sony has just announced a slightly larger Z150 that has three lens rings and uses a slightly upgraded sensor. It includes the 4K and will do 120fps in HD (X70 only does 60fps) - but it's larger, heavier, and $3200.

[EdRicker]

I just sold my HMC40 on eBay, so I can't really make a visual size comparison that includes the 40, but I just so happen to have both the AC90 and AC130 in my office. If memory serves, the HMC40 is about the size of the 90 but with a smaller handle and a slightly collapsible EVF. The 90 TOWERS over the 40 if you include the shotgun mic ring. The 90 is actually about 1/4 inch taller than the 130 because of that same mic ring.

See pics.
'
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[kwkeirstead]

There is a lot to be said for picking something less bulky than say an AG AC160A (which is what I have).

Too small though, as Alex says, takes you in the direction of prosumer where clients might start to have perception issues.

Once clients get used to seeing shots with the likes of DJI Osmo (wide angle only as I understand it and not so good under low level lighting), shots that might be missed due to setup with larger camera systems, we get to where there may be a tradeoff at the client level between content and higher quality.

I hate being dragged kicking and screaming into 4K but if I had to buy another camera today it would be the Panasonic AG DVX200.

[jeff9329]

Ed, thanks for that comparison, that was great!

Still haven't moved on anything. Did order a repair part for the HMC-40. Not sure I can fix it though.

Is 4K going to be the next 3D? I do like the idea of 4K, just don't see it happening.

[firehawk]

I hope the repair kit helps get your hmc 40 going again.

like it or not, they are cramming 4k down our throats. Though HD will likely be the deliverable for some time to come, 4k should keep gaining ground. Depending on which market you are in, 4k may already be required.
Weddings? Dance recitals? Usually SD DVD for now.
Low and mid range corporate? HD and sometimes SD in some markets.
High end corporate, cinema? 4k+.

Even if 4k isn't required in your market now, it is nice for reframing and a little future proofing.

[jeff9329]

Well, I finally got the battery housing part in from Japan and installed it. It is a little scary taking the camera completely apart, but not really that hard. These cameras fit together like a precise puzzle, pretty nice design. Unfortunately I bent the body to left side ribbon cable and had to order a replacement one of those.

Turns out, most of the parts are available, they ship from Japan.

However, at this point Im frustrated, mad and done. Still gonna replace the ribbon cable, but Im going to upgrade to a DVX-200 and give up on the small HMC-40 form factor for now.

I see Abes has a DVX-200 for $3,795 and there is the free battery and dual charger rebate from Panasonic.

Anyone want a HMC-40 and HMC-150?