B-roll camera - need recomendations

HotConductor

HotConductor

Well-known member
I love my two HMC150s and I'm looking for a cheap b-roll camera. Ideally this would be something like the Panasonic HDC-TM700K, but less expensive.

Ideally the camera would record 720p 60fps in AVCHD (no interlacing!!) to SD cards. This would allow me to purchase a few of these little dudes, put them in locations for static shots, while two operators roam around. Concerts, events, so forth. Not to be used for interviews or anything super important. This is b-roll, but nice b-roll.

Any suggestions? I've looked at the TM20 and all the other TM variations. Way too many for me. I would love to know if there is a less expensive TM700!!

Happy Easter!
 
Why not pick up a used panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1? You won't need sound on the B-roll and it will cut nicely with the 150 footage.
 
Actually I considered that except for the limitations (30 minute record time) so forth. I don't want to hack anything I use on a job site. I've heard the GH2 is basically a GH1 updated officially. It has received excellent reviews for video (not so great for photo, but thats a side-note for me) and I'm strongly considering getting two of them.

What drives me nuts is that a camcorder like the HDC-HS700K (bnh) and the brand new GH2 (bnh) are both $1000.

Why? GH2 has a larger sensor and higher quality output... So basically the choice is between form factor (traditional camcorder) and DSLR form factor (which I'm also cool with)...?
 
I would get one of the 2010 Canon HFS series...they don't shoot 720 60, but the only cheaper camera (non DSLR) that I know of that does is made by Samsung. The Canon HFS 200 will do 1080 30p and 24P though, + you can limit gain, the LCD screens are high res, the video is high quality, and they have dual card slots for recording lots of footage. I love mine. They should be around $600 bucks or so.
 
Actually, I will modify my request to say 720p60fps or 1080p24fps. The Canon HFS 200 looks like a nice little camera. That dual sd card slot looks killer. Wish the HMC150 had that...

My initial feeling is that the Panasonic TM700K has a larger sensor and would give me footage that looks much more similar to my HMC150s. If possible I'd like to stay within the Panasonic world.. This is a great alternative though. Its going on my list....
 
HotConductor said:
Actually, I will modify my request to say 720p60fps or 1080p24fps. The Canon HFS 200 looks like a nice little camera. That dual sd card slot looks killer. Wish the HMC150 had that...

My initial feeling is that the Panasonic TM700K has a larger sensor and would give me footage that looks much more similar to my HMC150s. If possible I'd like to stay within the Panasonic world.. This is a great alternative though. Its going on my list....
Click to expand...

Actually for DOF the Canon has the larger sensor size 1/2.6" vs 1/4" x 3 on the TM700 ...but I understand wanting to keep it in the family. Do keep in mind the high end consumer Canon's actually have a lot in common with the prosumer Panasonics though. NATIVE 1080 24P, 30P (over 60i) and the colors are fairly organic, compared to the punchy output of some other cams. Also the Canons shoot at the highest AVCHD quality in all modes like the HMC150.
 
I'd have to say a gh2. I have a 150 and gh2. For the price, it records better video than anything else.
It has its issues, we're hoping a frirmware hack will help.

It's $900 without a lens and you can get some pretty good lenses for a few hundred.
Hard to beat. It does stuff the 150 can't giving it even bigger bang for buck.

GH1 is interesting as well since they are dirt cheap now. Has more issues but as a b cam interesting.
 
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