Best second cam to HMC151

S

studio1972

Well-known member
Currently I have an SD100.

Options are:

1. Stick with the SD100
2. HS300
3. HMC40
4. another HMC150

My thoughts are:

SD100 - Cheap, not great in low light, can mount a Vidiomic, records 25p with cine gamma

HS300 - Fairly cheap, probably not great in low light but possibly better than SD100, 50i only.

HMC40 - Not cheap. Similar to HS300 but with 25p and XLR option, possibly more manual control, although probably not as much as the 151. It looks more pro than the first 2.

HMC151 - Good in low light and ample manual controls. More expensive than the HMC40 but maybe not too much more. More impressive to clients as it looks less like a consumer camcorder. No issues matching image as both camcorders will be identical.

Summary - probably stick with SD100 for now due to finances. Save up for a HMC151 when I can afford it. Was really hoping the HMC40 would be a bit cheaper, but it seems like it would just be better to save a bit more money and get the 151 rather than get the 40 and regret it's shortcomings.

At least that's what I'm thinking based on what I know or can assume at the moment.
 
I would really try to spring for the hmvc40, but if finances are that much of a problem, go with the tm300. The sd100 line is pretty bad, in my head to head tests with a canon hf100, the colors are kind of weird, the sd100 is really soft, and you can see quite a bit of ca. I'd say stay away from it.
 
HMC40 is not shipping till around August right? Seems that what Barry mentioned.

I am glad you asked this question however, as I was contemplating the same thing a few weeks ago. Didn't buy anything yet, and not in a huge hurry to do so. But even so, I am interested in what people would recommend.

Regards,

G.
 
As a DVX100 & DVC30 owner I can say that I was excited about the HMC40, until I read it has 1/4 chips and wasnt much cheaper than HMC150. Low light is a crucial factor for me and I find that I am limited to the lowest common denominator, which is the DVC30. Although its a great camera, it's always playing catch-up to the DVX100 and to have two identical cams would make life easier sometimes.

I have just bought a HMC150 and will wait until I can afford another one. I'm done with 1/4 cams.
 
Yeah, I'm afraid I'm in the same camp as Burners... at that price point, it seem prudent to just get the HMC150.
 
ecking said:
I would really try to spring for the hmvc40, but if finances are that much of a problem, go with the tm300. The sd100 line is pretty bad, in my head to head tests with a canon hf100, the colors are kind of weird, the sd100 is really soft, and you can see quite a bit of ca. I'd say stay away from it.
Click to expand...

Maybe I didn't clarify that I already own an SD100. What you say about is is basically true. I wouldn't put it as strongly as you did, but there is a world of difference between it and the 151 in indoors lighting.

My fear is that the other 2 options may be only a little better than this, so best to save up for the 151.

The SD100 is still quite useful for diary room type footage due to its long battery life, and ability to fit a lot of footage on one card. But it really is hard to match the footage to the 151 in post.
 
Well,

In following this thread I went back, and could not find where (I thought) someone said August...so disregard my previous comment on the HMC40.

Not that it matters really, I just didn't want to start an August rumor that was not true.

Regards,

G.
Retractor
 
In my opinion, there is no better sub $2,000 camera than the Canon HF series.
All others have proven to be no use at all indoors.

I have mixed many shots of the HF s100, and the original HF100 camera and the HMC150.
The HMC150 tends to have more color in low light, and cleaner noise, but the 2 mix well in both low light and good light. The disadvantage is that the canon needs to do a pulldown in post.

The canon is slightly sharper in outdoor lighting, but not as smooth.
It has more resolving power, but looks oversharpened, without being oversharp if that makes any sense.

Yeah there is some Rolling shutter, with flash, but I have found that to be more objectionable to camera men than actual viewers.

I like the newer HFs100 for it's easier to get to controlls, but the older HF100 can be had for around $700, so you can't beat that at all. They have also been tested in loud environments with no distortion in the audio.

Just my opinion... cheaper batteries also, and can shoot on the same cards as the HMC150.
 
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