Been out of the scene for 3 years - any real HMC-150 replacement yet?

J

jeff9329

Well-known member
Hey guys, I have been out of the video scene for about 3 years and only shooting 2 events a year, a poker run and a soccer league highlights reel. My HMC-150 and HMC-40 serve me very well, but as usual the HMC-40 outdoor video is higher res than the 150, although Im probably the only one that cares.


My question is, is there any real replacement for the HMC-150? Basically, excellent low light and CCD imagers but with full HD imagers?


Thanks,

Jeff
 
There is not, and never will likely be, a full-res 1/3" CCD camera. All the manufacturers have shifted over to CMOS to get full-res chips at the smaller size. CCDs are now pretty much only offered in 2/3" and larger cameras, except for the HMC150 and HPX170 and some JVC models. I don't think Canon even offers any CCD cameras, and I don't think Sony even has any less-than-2/3" chips that are CCD anymore.

So if you're looking for an updated replacement for the HMC150, the AC130 is the immediate replacement. But it is, like everything else nowadays, CMOS.
 
Barry, thanks for the quick reply. Im glad that not much has changed except for the model #s over the last few years and incremental improvements. I guess solid video making technique still trumps equipment. I can likely wait a few more years before upgrading equipment.

After reading your reply above, I had to check on Canon since I used to use the XH-A1, and they do still use the 1440X1080 CCD in most of their current cameras. Probably the same sensor from the XH-A1.

Ugg, Im going back to work/sleep for another 3 years. I did save $3 to 5k though since Im not upgrading.


Thanks,

Jeff
 
I think the 150 and 40 combo still is competitive today if you are good at what you do.
I actually bought a couple 150s new last year because I felt the 130 and 160 couldn't really "replace" it due to rolling shutter CMOS and autofocus issues. Sharper, yes. But better? I like CCDs.
My biggest complaint about the 150 is the poor LCD. They have definitely gotten better in the newer cameras and easier to focus with red peaking.
Well and 1080 60p is becoming common now and the 150 can't do that...
 
Firehawk:

I agree that the 150 and 40 are still very good cameras, especially for my market. After using the 150 for over 4 years you really get to know how to make it shine for your particular application in both capture and post. As far as the rolling shutter, I think it's a shame people think it's okay to see the really crazy artifacts in paid work (especially something like a helicopter on the big screen), the smaller artifacts (even a soccer ball rolling is all chopped up by CMOS), probably only camera techies/operators notice.

As for 1080-60P, my clients dont even want a Blu-Ray disc, but they get one anyway with the SD DVD.
 
Jeff,

Yeah I agree. I've found the hmc40 seems to work well outdoors as the wide shot camera since it is sharper than the 150, and we use the 150s as tighter cameras since they look a little mushier when wide on outdoor scenery.

I wish Panasonic would release an hmc150a that had 1080 60p, and better LCD with red focus but they won't. I like 1080 60p for the versatilty of being able to convert it to other sizes or frame rates if needed and for full raster slow mo.

I think the reason the 150 is still being sold is because the intended replacements (ac130/160) couldn't actually replace it afterall. The 150 still gets lots of great reviews even after all these years and it's CCDs and global shutter puts it in a niche now.
It'd be nice if it were a little higher res, but it does ok, especially if you have a higher res camera to go to when you really need it.
If they discontinue it soon I may buy one more just because it's a solid proven performer to be counted on when there's multi camera shoots plus it can be handed off to lesser skilled people in auto mode and still get decent footage if necessary.
 
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