Buying a HMC40 - Please assist in what accessories to get

J

JaymzB0nd

Member
Hey all, I'm getting the HMC40 and am learning on the fly in regards to camcorders. I'd appreciate your input into what I should probably get (i.e. memory cards, xlr adapters, brands that work best with the cam, editing software, mic, etc). I'll primarily be using the camera for short funnyordie videos but also plan on filming a short (20 or so minute) documentary when I become familiar enough with the camera. If there is an existing write up for noobs as myself, I'd appreciate being directed to it as well. Thank you.
 
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First, check out the comments about XLR adapters:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=183229

For the best audio, consider an XLR adapter and a good mike.


We haven't had a thread about which wide angle adapter to get, but I'm sure that for some shots, that might be helpful too.


Other than a good tripod, these are the things that come to mind.....


Bob Diaz
 
Thanks guys. I was hoping tripods wouldn't be bought up because I have my $50 one I was hoping would be good enough haha.

For sdhc membory cards, I see some are class 4 and some are class 6? Do only particular ones work with the HMC40 or are there brands I should look for/stay away from? I see about a $30 variation on prices on amazon.

I'd appreciate it if you guys would tell me which cases/bags you have that you are happy with since all I'll be able to go off is pictures when ordering. Thanks.
 
JaymzB0nd said:
For sdhc membory cards, I see some are class 4 and some are class 6? Do only particular ones work with the HMC40 or are there brands I should look for/stay away from? I see about a $30 variation on prices on amazon.
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There are a couple threads talking about cards.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=159833
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=178452

I have mostly Transcend and have had one 8GB go bad. Trying out a Patriot 16GB and so far so good. IMO pay a little extra for the class 6.
 
shphotovideo said:
There are a couple threads talking about cards.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=159833
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=178452

I have mostly Transcend and have had one 8GB go bad. Trying out a Patriot 16GB and so far so good. IMO pay a little extra for the class 6.
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Thanks a lot. At first, I was planning on getting a 32gb but after reading the threads and noticing corruption on some cards (something I didn't think about), I'll go with 2 16gbs or 1 16gb and 1 8gb. I'll be ordering this class 6 one for now http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Class-Memory-Reader-TS16GSDHC6-S5W/dp/B0010Z28XG/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_c

Next on the agenda is a mic. Suggestions? :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) Most of my filming will be done indoors but when I get to the point of filming the documentary, there will be some outdoor shots. Again, thanks for helping a noob out, means a lot to me.
 
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Yeah, $50 sticks won't cut it... and trust me, you'll appreciate a good solid tripod once you start using it. As to the case, I have a big Pelican case. Probably a bit of overkill, but I'd rather that than skimp.
 
Agreed, a solid tripod is a must-have. Also look at getting a remote to use with your tripod, it really simplifies life for you. I use a Bogen 522, Vari Zoom and others also makes some good ones.
 
If you are going to be shooting outdoors. Then I recommend a couple of ND filters, a polarizing filter, and a UV filter (I leave my UV filter on all the time as a lens protector).

Don't forget a camera bag.
 
Sewolla, the funnyordie vids will mostly be sit down work. I would've bought a cheaper camera if it wasn't for the documentary I'm planning on trying my hand at in December at the earliest. The documentary will be shot at animal shelters so for the most part everything will be in doors.

Mike, did the case come with the padding inside? I read some reviews on amazon and a few of the people said it didn't. I want a tough sturdy case as well but don't think I'll ever have to worry about dropping it in a body of water :grin:

Richr, thanks for the suggestion with filters. What bag do you use?

Since the tripod is a really big deal, what type are you all using? I'm afraid the only difference I'll be able to tell among tripods is the price.
 
There are a few versions you can order (I got mine from B&H)... one comes with dividers, one with foam, and another bare.

I use a Bogan combo for my sticks... 501 head/3181 legs. Both have been discontinued... the 501 replaced with the 501HDV and the 3181 replaced with the 351MVB. There are better heads, but it's not bad. The sticks I really like.

One piece of advice... look for sticks with a ball head (like mine). You'll pay a few more bucks... but it makes leveling (and life in general) a lot easier since you don't have to adjust the tripod legs to get level. Just loosen a knob or handle, level the head, and re-tighten.
 
I have a 501HDV head and really like it. My bag is a Petrol PCBP-1. It fits everything great and since I end up having to hike or bike in to places, the fact that it is a backpack is great.
 
I currently use a Bogen 475B (it can go to app. 75" high), Bogen 503HDV and Bogen 522P. Great setup, but heavy. For the animal shelter work you might want to look at a monopod like a Bogen 679--cheap, light weight, can use it as a boom as well.

I also have an older Bogen 501, and 3221. The legs are a bit too light weight, but I do like the head, for the price. Has not failed me yet.

With respect to sit down work, if you can attach a wireless lav to your subject, the Sennheiser EW100-G2 is really a great piece of gear at a most reasonable price. If budget is key, look at a Samson Airline, they are light weighht and durable. But not as flexible as the Senn.

Otherwise get a good XLR adapter from Panasonic, and some good mics--is the shelter work outdoors? Look at an AT 897, or 875. You could start there and see how they work, by renting first. Then see what your experience dictates.
 
Unfortunately the thread on the XLR adapters seems to have died out, but it did raise some interesting issues:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=183229

Averdahl said:
If the HMC40 has a 3.5mm mic input i would without any doubt use a BeachTek box, such as the DXA-6A.

The Panasonic DVC30 uses the AG-MYA30G as well, and i got less hiss with the DXA-6. At high audio levels the AG-MYA30G distorts pretty easy as well while the DXA-6 does not.

/Roger
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voxwerx said:
Averdahl, those are my same experiences as well. The AG-MYA30G just did not perform as well as beachtek products when used with the DVC30.
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I borrowed a Beacktek DXA-4s from a friend, because somewhere I read that dynamic mikes have problems with the units. While I don't have a HMC40 to test it on, I figured I could do some tests on another camera to get an approximation of how it sounds with a dynamic mike. However, because of my workload, it may have to wait until mid-week until I can try it out.

Then again, maybe there are other models, like the Juicedlink, that might work even better.

The problem is that I hhaven't had much time to research this out... Does anyone know????


Bob Diaz
 
Before I decided on my HMC40, I was planning on buying the Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Mic w/Mount because of it's great price and I heard great things about it. Since the HMC40 has xlr, this mic won't be for me.

Are there any equivalents for the HMC40 that are priced great like this and work great as well?
 
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