HV11 or HMC 150

O

Okeefe

Member
With the HV11 and the HMC 150 both about out, if I go with the Canon HV 11, will it be a good camera to learn and produce on for about 2 - 3 years then step up to something like the Panny 150, or should I take the $ plunge with the 150?

I know this is an apple/orange question, but I'm trying to figure out something for the next five years for a newbie, starting weddings and progressing to other productions. [I've done wedding stills for years.]
 
It depends on where your skill level is. If you're just starting out in video, by all means, get the HF11. I have the HV20, and I can honestly say that Canon's consumer HD line is the best. But if you've had some experience with video, and you have the money, I would recommend getting the HMC150. It's going to have a lot more controls for you to tweak the image with, and will give you a lot of flexibility.
 
You may also consider AG-HMC70 if you still want to maintain the professional look. Most likely HF11 will produce better results but won't look like a professional camcorder. Another one is Sony HVR-1000U but this one is tape based (HDV).
 
I'd suggest the HF11 or perhaps even two HF100's, which is just about the same price of one HF11, although I don't know if the sacrifice of internal memory and 24mbps outweighs gaining A/B camera capabilities for you.
Something to consider though.

The HMC150 and all other "prosumer" cameras that have been released or are in the pipeline to be released within the year are viewed, IMO, as being overpriced for the results they offer. The functionality of these "prosumer" cameras can and will be beneficial for some people, but for others it simply will not.

Next year, things start to really change as all attention shifts towards RED's Scarlet. While Scarlet's introductory price is cheaper, with better specifications (IMHO) than current/soon to be released "prosumer" cameras like the HMC150, Scarlet's accessories and workflow pattern will demand a little extra on top of the attractive "3K for 3K". But if you're already eyeing the HMC150 or considering something within that 3-4 grand price range for a later date, then you might want to set your sights towards NAB 2009. At which point, not only will Scarlet expectedly be ready for release, but other cameras from other manufacturers will likely try to compete with similar offerings. There might even be a manufacturer that attempts to undercut Scarlet with an even better camera before NAB, who knows.

At any rate, if you want something now to temporarily occupy your filmmaking time, the Canon HF series AVCHD camcorders are well reviewed; producing nice images for some situations but also presenting the user with certain limitations. It isn't a perfect camera, but nobody seems to argue over whether or not it's worth the money. Like the Canon HV series, the HF series are favorably viewed among the best bang for the buck cameras in the consumer market.
 
Great Thread
We are doing a ufo feature and I am ready to buy the Cannon hf11 as a c camera shooting digital video
hopfully at 1080 p or 720 p
on a feature film
the cmoss rolling shutter is still an issue
but then we have an old dvx 100 a
and we can uprez some of the moving shots .
Again
Great thread.
If my above ideas need an acid test or advise by your point of view then please advise
Cheers
Brax
 
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Hi,

I have both an HVX200 and an HF100. They are both terrific cameras.

If your needs are modest, you might be served by going with the HF11. You'll save a boatload of money and be able to do just about anything imaginable with the right kit (also affordable). You could add a good light kit, microphone kit (both wireless and on board), matte box, even a nice hand held 35mm adapter for some good depth of field control - all for less than a typical off-the-shelf HD camera.

When you're ready to go commercial, that is make make serious money with your work, Panasonic will be there to help.

I have Scarlet envy as much as anyone. The Scarlet is anybody's guess as to what it will really cost. The $3000 tag is for body and a single chip that will hold perhaps 5 minutes of content. There will be several break out boxes necessary for actual field use and additional media for practical use driving real price several thousands above that. I frequent the Scarlet user forums, too, and lick my chops, too. Where the Scarlet departs company... Is that they would like to be your still camera and video camera in one. If they pull that off, well...

Good luck on which ever direction you go.
 
You guys are reasonable and thanks for your responses. The HF 100 sounds very viable. If it were not for the recording time restraints of the just-realeased Nikon D90, I might be swayed in that direction.

What do you guys think of it (the D90)?
 
Okeefe said:
You guys are reasonable and thanks for your responses. The HF 100 sounds very viable. If it were not for the recording time restraints of the just-realeased Nikon D90, I might be swayed in that direction.

What do you guys think of it (the D90)?
Click to expand...

Hi,

I think it's great - it's just short bursts and the form factor and audio.
 
Hello,

I don't really want to start a new thread, so I'll ask here..

I want to buy a second (support, emergency footage, "making of" etc.) camera for a couple of features, the main one is HVX200, which is not mine.

I'm torn between HF11, as it's small and can be swung here and there...

And HMC150...

The money isn't really an issue, but, of course, paying 1200 is nicer than paying 3500.

I was thinking of buying an HVX200, but its size and me not being not a professional cinematographer (nor a cameraman) accompanied with the price ($6000 is a serious sum of money for me) plus that Scarlet and finally non multiformat (PAL/NTSC) were the things that stopped me.

So there are size and PAL/NTSC issues, that stop me from going for HMC150...

HF11 seems like a nice choice... But..

But I'm really worried, if it's possible, that an offspring from mixing HVX200 footage and HF11 turns out to be noticeably ugly.. Will it be ugly?

There's alway Sony of course, but I don't want cassettes.
 
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