Backup cam for my HMC-80

S

SteveL_59

Member
Couldn't find a thread on this subject so I'll ask the question: I need a secondary cam for my HMC-80. Other than the low light issues, I am really enjoying this camera.
I do a fair amount of 2 camera shoots and currently use a Sony VX-2100 and the SD vs. HD editing issues are becoming a pain. Like myself, my trusty Sony is getting old. I was thinking of purchasing a Pani TM-900. I understand this little cam puts out some nice video for the price and is not too bad in lower light.
What do you folks think? Does anyone already have this setup or what are you 40/80 owners using in this situation.

Thanks,
 
I am certain this is way off the mark from what you are looking for -- I understand the desire for a smaller, cheaper second camera -- but my own combination of the HMC80 plus an AF100 is awfully powerful. They're totally compatible as far as memory cards, batteries, tripods, and the all-important post workflow, so one bag of support gear easily handles both. They are easily adjusted for a similar look on screen. The HMC80 excels at handheld, spontaneous shooting and ENG-style news and events coverage. The AF100 is more at home on a tripod, but offers better low-light performance, depth of field control and the ability to use specialized lenses, wide, telephoto, super-fast, macro, you-name-it. On the other hand, the lack of a single wide range servo zoom makes it less suitable for dealing with unplanned or rapidly changing situations, but that's exactly what the HMC does well.

Depending on the shoot, it is usually pretty clear which camera I should bring, and of course, I often take both. I find they complement each other almost perfectly and allow me to choose the sharpest tool for the situation at hand, as well as produce images in a variety of styles depending on the demands of the subject matter.

- Greg
 
As I understand it, the 900 has the same 1/4" chips as both the hmc40 and hmc80. IMHO, your best option would be a hmc40, which is very compact and should give you an identical image. If you don't need the audio adapter, they can be had for relatively cheap.

Grant
 
My first cam was an HMC70 which I use with my present HMC80 to film a TV production to be broadcast starting Sept/12. I have been contemplating a third cam and am leaning toward the AF100. Though I've extremely happy with both the 70 and the 80, the 100 will give me the opportunity to switch lenses if need be. My humble suggestion is to consider what you want from a second cam. Do you want something small and manoevable (quick action/run and shoot) in which case an HMC40 is an excellant choice, or a studio type cam with the option of expansion, in which case the AF100. Maybe an in between-in other words a second HMC80. May I also suggest you stay within manufacture and model specs. thereby maintaining quality (colour shift, etc), file compatability, batteries, etc. as mentioned above. Seems I'm just repeating what has been said before but believe me it's no fun mixing and matching when you're on a shoot and post can become a real pain when your file footage is all kinds of formats and levels. Consistancy makes things easier. Best of luck.
 
I think you won't spend the money on the AF100 (as others suggested) so theses are my thoughts

Option 1 for lower budgets - get the HMC40 as others mentioned
Option 2 for better budgets -get the AC130 or 160 and make the 80 your secondary.
I THINK both options use the same battery line and SD cards.

I think you'll find the 80 more in-line as a backup than a main camera once you get your fingers on a 130/160 or a 100. One thing I have never regret in this industry was over spending on a camera. Better quality yields better results. equals more pride in your work and more desire to show it off.
 
Steve - if money is an issue, a $720 TM900 will intercut just fine with your HMC80, has the same 1/4" 3MOS sensor as the HMC40 (and it will cost you a lot less money than a $1700 HMC40, a $3550 AC130, or an AF100, which is $3900 without lenses (!)).

The TM900 will also give you higher resolution stills (14.2MP) than the HMC40 (10.6MP), as well as full 1080/60p, which the HMC40 lacks.

As you probably know, the TM900 has been marked down, and will likely be discontinued (because the $1100 X900M is about to be released), so prices won't stay this low for very long.

Good luck with your decision!

Bill
 
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