Any reasons I should NOT get an HMC-150

A

AlexD

Active member
I'm in the market for a new camera and I'm in the 3k pricerange. I really love what I've seen from the HMC so far, but I keep hearing EX1 and Scarlet getting tossed around as superior alternatives. They seem a lot more expensive then what I can spring these days, and RED is still a mystery to me, I hear they're hard to use. I'm very used to panasonic cameras, particularly the dvx, so I'd imagine this switch would be rather comfortable. Am I wrong?

Is there any reason I should not get the HMC? Workflow? Durability? Image quality that will keep me satisfied for around 5 years?

I'm using it to make my own films and to freelance. I'm just sick of using tapes.

I use both pc and macbook pro. CS3 and FCS2 respectively.

Thank you for the help.
 
only reason i'd turn down the HMC is if i had a horrible computer but seeing as how you have multiple computers running multiple programs, no reason i wouldn't spring for the hmc.
 
AlexD said:
I'm in the market for a new camera and I'm in the 3k pricerange. I really love what I've seen from the HMC so far, but I keep hearing EX1 and Scarlet getting tossed around as superior alternatives. They seem a lot more expensive then what I can spring these days, and RED is still a mystery to me, I hear they're hard to use. I'm very used to panasonic cameras, particularly the dvx, so I'd imagine this switch would be rather comfortable. Am I wrong?

Is there any reason I should not get the HMC? Workflow? Durability? Image quality that will keep me satisfied for around 5 years?

I'm using it to make my own films and to freelance. I'm just sick of using tapes.

I use both pc and macbook pro. CS3 and FCS2 respectively.

Thank you for the help.
Click to expand...

I can't think of any reasons regarding the camera itself, I love it. Panasonic's tech support has been literally unresponsive to me, which is a negative, but the camera is great.

In my mind, Scarlet is not an alternative as the camera does not yet exist. While it looks like it will be fantastic, I wouldn't count on one getting to the masses for a year or so. When it does finally arrive, I will weigh its merits and consider one at that time.

EX1 is a great camera, I'd love to get one, but its twice the cost of the HMC.

The HMC150 is the best camcorder in this price range, in my opinion.
 
For me it was a natural upgrade from my DVX, and it generally has the same layout and feel. I second DaFireMedic... Scarlet doesn't exist yet. EX1 is great, but twice the cost plus media is expensive.

The only issues are work flow... but if you have FCS2, you can transcode in Prores. You can convert to DVCProHD, DNxHD (oddly enough), or Cineform for use with CS3.

And as pointed out, you can drop it from a motorcycle going 140mph on a back road in South Africa and it will still work (though I wouldn't recomend it :D ).
 
Yeah I read that thread. Hopefully I won't be in situations like that, but you never know. I just keep hearing the camera almost feels like a toy its so light.

I just love what I've seen from it so far, amazing quality

Does it have a crappy lens cap setup like the dvx?
 
"I just keep hearing the camera almost feels like a toy its so light."

This is not a bad thing, and it better balanced than the EX.
 
I dont miss the weight one bit. The only thing I dont like is the AVCHD workarounds, hokey lens cap, and the loud servo noise from the lens. (but I would still buy this camera today).
 
Edweirdo said:
I dont miss the weight one bit. The only thing I dont like is the AVCHD workarounds, hokey lens cap, and the loud servo noise from the lens. (but I would still buy this camera today).
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I have not heard the servo noise, what serial number are you?
Maybe they fixed that.
 
the noise I am referring to is the servo noise from the zoom that the onboard mic picks up so well. An external mounted mic fixes most of it. It is minor, but a noticeable inconvenience to my ears.

I don’t believe there was ever an issue with motor noise beyond rapid zooming in a quiet room.
 
If you are used to the DVX, the HMC is really similar, only with more buttons and options!

They weight the same.

The servo noise is not an issue for me. The noise of the DVX100 (original) is much louder than the HMC. And I always use a shotgun.
 
Since its got an hdmi port, could I just use an hdmi computer monitor to shoot with? Or does that not work so well?

Thanks for all the responses, I appreciate it.
 
The only problem I have is convincing clients to use it over the HVX. People are still set in their ways and are resistant to try the new technology, even though it rents for so much cheaper and can run so much longer without having to switch cards.
 
AlexD said:
Since its got an hdmi port, could I just use an hdmi computer monitor to shoot with? Or does that not work so well?

Thanks for all the responses, I appreciate it.
Click to expand...

You can hook it up to a computer monitor.

I used my Gateway HD monitor to help set some scene files and it worked however I think a pro level HD monitor would be a better if not more costly way to go.
 
I think I'm going to order one in a few days. Anyone ever use willoughbys? How are they? Legit? Will I still be able to use the rebate?

Thanks again
 
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