HMC150 questions answered...

Barry_Green said:
I don't use the Apple so I can't answer that. The EDIUS transcode is effortless, if slower than I would like -- it takes about 40 seconds to transcode a minute of 720p footage, and about 60 seconds to transcode a minute of 1080 footage.
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Those transcode times sound VERY similar to transcoding to Pro Res in FCP's Log and Transfer. Maybe EDIUS isn't a quicker workflow than FCP after all....
 
shrigg said:
Okay, bottom line: What's your official take on how the HMC compares to the HPX170/HVX200A? Close to as good visually but saddled with the AVCHD editing hassles?
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The core image is basically the same. The operation is basically the same. There are lots of features the 200A/170 have that the 150 doesn't (like standard-def, or time lapse, or variable frame rates, things like that.

To a lot of folks, that'll matter. But I think a whole lot more people will look at the $3495 street price, and the dirt-cheap memory recording times, and say "that's all I need."

AVC-HD right now is a lot more work than P2 is to work with in post. For broadcasters and people making their living with the camera (other than longform event shooters), it's HPX170 all the way. For indie guys who can't afford $900 for a P2 card and $5200 for the camera, and who have more time than money so transcoding in post is no hassle to them, well then: the HMC150 comes about 80% of the HVX200 for thousands less. And it looks like it'd make an excellent "B" camera to a 170 as well.

Let me put it this way: when Panasonic put out the DVX, they also put out a lower-cost DVC80 which had the same imaging chips, same lens, same body, they just took out a few features to lower the price -- they took out 24p and cinegamma! Totally wrong move, and the DVC80 flopped. Well, with the 150 they took the 170 and took out a few features to lower the price. I'd say that probably 90% of our DVXUser members are going to be thrilled with what they left in, and won't miss what was taken out.
 
Barry_Green said:
I would think 1080/60i mode is going to be the most challenging for the codec to deal with, but even then it's much more robust than HDV.

Love the umbrella..
Would you say that 1080/60i avc hd footage @21 mbps is better or worse then HDV 1080/60i ?
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I'm really interested to see how it holds up in comparison to DVCPro HD, both at 720 and 1080.

[Edit] Oh, well I guess that answered my questions. Thanks Barry!
 
shrigg said:
Those transcode times sound VERY similar to transcoding to Pro Res in FCP's Log and Transfer. Maybe EDIUS isn't a quicker workflow than FCP after all....
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Depends on your system too. I'm talking about a single Core 2 Duo laptop at 2.4GHz; I'm sure an OctoMac would cut the times down to practically instantaneous.
 
Everts said:
Would you say that 1080/60i avc hd footage @21 mbps is better or worse then HDV 1080/60i ?
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Way better, but in some ways it depends on the codec. I'd have to go to Vegas to do the ultimate torture test but right now, from what I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised if 1080/60i 21mbps AVC-HD was every bit as robust as 35mbps XDCAM EX.

I sure couldn't break it in all the things I tried. But the ultimate torture test would have to wait for next time I'm in Vegas.
 
Alex.Mitchell said:
I'm really interested to see how it holds up in comparison to DVCPro HD, both at 720 and 1080.

[Edit] Oh, well I guess that answered my questions. Thanks Barry!
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In 1080 mode, DVCPRO-HD is probably going to be superior from these cameras.

In 720/24 mode, I'd put AVC-HD up against DVCPRO-HD and I think it's probable that the AVC-HD PH mode would even look better.

In 720/60p mode, I'm not sure yet. AVC-HD looks great, but it's still long-GOP, and the further you press it the more likely it might encounter the limits of compression efficiency, whereas DVCPRO-HD (being intraframe) will never encounter such limits.
 
From earlier posts I had the feeling you had the cam with you.
So is there a book coming out after the release of HMC 150 ?
Or a dvd:)
 
Barry, the frame grabs . . . that was ~21mbs stuff?

And, in your own opinion are you comfortable that the image you see so far is:

Equal to?
Markedly better?

. . than HDV?
 
Barry, Thanks, the frame grabs look really good. I appreciate the comment about the 720/60p mode. This looks like it might be the camera' s sweet spot.
 
how about impressions with a DOF adapter

how about impressions with a DOF adapter

Hey Barry-

On your tests, did you use any DOF adapters?

I'm going to pair this up with the Ultimate. Did you perhaps shoot with the Extreme or Ultimate? Any impressions using the HMC150 with a DOF adapter would be great?

For example, do you think a DOF adapter will help smooth out any "macroblocking" when using the camera on the higher 1080 PH modes on shots with lots of movement?

Thanks!

Gmoe
 
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Hey Barry - one thing I've been wondering:

Can you take a stab at answering how good the 6mbps mode is when the end product will be downrezzed web video? Does it seem like the types of artifacts seen will be mitigated by downrezzing?
 
How does the 21-24mb handle quick moving objects or pans? Is the AVC HD compression noticable? as compared to a 200a (really what I want to know)?

I don't mind converting files before editting, so this is my main concern.
 
And just to be perfectly clear - there's no "over 60" progressive option in any of the "Hx" modes? Can a sorta 30p be faked with a slow shutter?
 
Or he is in the shower.
Anyboy tried downloading the avchd converter.
I cant seem to log in.It keeps telling me the password is in correct.

Nevermind it worked.:)
 
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