another 5d vs Hmc 150

nantnee

nantnee

Well-known member
Currently I have the HMC-150 with LEX. Cavision shoulder support and a 10" mahattan monitor and Proaim FF. I find myself wanting to sell all of the this for the 5d, mainly because of set up times and weight. I do live events every once in while, but I want to focus more on short narratives. I normally shoot by myself, and its very time consuming for me to carry all of my bags, then reassemble them on location and do the same routine on the breakdown. I'm beginning to shoot less and less because I dread the thought of moving all my stuff and assembling it, when I could pretty much fit everything in one bag for the 5d. I've read enough about the 5d to understand its limitations (audio, short record times, aliasing, moire, 30p). But, I could hang the 5d around my neck. And with 24p coming, I'm more inclined to this small form factor.

Any opinions before I decided to sell my stuff and anyone else make a similar transition?

And filming isnt my main source of income.
 
I feel your pain on the setup/weight of the bigger rig

I dont know the HMC 150 but if it is anything like the EX1 dont sell it -its too handy for getting shots without the adapter

forget the adapter

get a 5d too

DSLRs are a challenge to use and not appropriate for all situations

If you just want to do drama then you could go with the 5 only

but there is still a lot of set up and extras

BTW my current 'big issue' is monitoring

basically using my 7d and a smallHD monitor I can actually see what I am shooting which is important for drama and focus retention

the 5d only outputs 480 to the monitor - a problem compared to the 900ish px of the 7d

Im not sure if magic lantern helps monitoring on the 5

S
 
I used to use a HVX200 and arri 16mm cameras but now I only use a 5D for narrative works.

You need to prepare a lot less lighting equipments for 5d and it has a lot better IQ.

Use your nikon lenses with nikon to canon lens adapters.

Moire is one of the problems 5D has but you could avoid moire in most situation.

Also download a SuperFlat preset if you're going to get a 5d; it gives 5d a lot better dynamic range than standard preset.

My production team used to carry lots of heavy bags for location shootings but now we carry a bag each.

5D outputs 480 while recording but it's good enough for focus assist in most cases.

You could get a small portable recorder (zoom h4n or tascam dr 100) for audio recording.
 
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I have both; I haven't exploited the 5D's video potential. Mainly because I shoot events and so the 5D does not suit (1080p30: too much for it, limit of 4GB: can't see how that will work with a speech cut off in the middle, focus and aperture, sure can be set but it's too bothersome).

Finally, the 5D will always be a SLR that 'can' shoot video, whereas the HMC150 IS a video camera with fair bit of extras.

I'm not suggesting that I can't shoot what I'm doing with the 5D, but if I did, it would mean extra work and equipment (another audio system for keeping the audio going, longer lenses: to shoot someone off a stage etc). Perhaps the addition of a 7d as a B camera could help in this regards.

There's a good point, however, the HMC150 can go on for like 4 hours of recording on a single large battery, and that's something the SLR can't do.
I hope my view helps.
 
Since getting my 5d I've not used my sony ex1/letus combo. The size, ease of use, portability and weight is so much more convenient, and although the images aren't as gorgeous as the Ex1/Letus combo, they're pretty damn close, and the trade off is definitely worth it imo.
 
I know the camcorder vs camera scenario. Its more or less me alone moving and carrying way to many bags. I would love to keep my HMC, but thats my trade right there. My cousin has a 5d, so, i'll be doing test with my set of nikons and 30p >> 24p conversion. I feel like i've made my decision, but its a scary transfer for sure, and one i've been thinking about for a while. And even reading all the cons i still lean more towards the 5d. thanks for the input.
 
nantnee said:
this seems to be an answer for that. http://www.dvcreators.net/marshall-electronics-7-lcd-monitor/ i believe Phil uses it as well.
Click to expand...

Have you ever seen phil pull focus in a drama situation with a director breathing down his neck .. err not with a DSLR

I have tried the 480p marshall, its not good enough, I have tried the 720p marshall its really good but $2000

I bought the SmallHD and that is good too on the 7D

But I have not had time to test with the 5d

S
 
The marshalls you tried had the peaking ability? I'm sure with moving subjects it would still be difficult, but it seem that it could be made easier with that feature.
 
Right I am from a stills background so dont have years of EVF experience

I use peaking on my EX1 and Tried it on the Marshalls

it is certainly and aid but still easily foolable IMO ie one gets stiuations where stuff is 'peaking' but not sharp - just because it is high in contrast

I have been workin on a little project where we were shooting full heads at F2 with the 50 (on the 7d) - it is easy to get the wrong eye in focus - even with the smallHD and the actor just doing straight dialog

again being a from a stills background I do tend to frame tightly which puts a lot of pressure on the focus puller - me

S
 
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