Buying an HMC-150 soon! Some questions:

Jason Allen

Jason Allen

Well-known member
I'm going to be buying an HMC-150 soon (about 2 weeks to a month from now), and I have a few quick questions for you seasoned veterans of HMC-150 goodness:

-Data integrity is something that I've never really worried about with my HVX-200s at work (P2 is a rock solid platform when you handle the files gently using P2CMS, and do in-the-field backups). I currently own four 16GB Sandisk Extreme Class 10 cards from my Nikon D90, and they've served me very well for the past year with 0 card read/write failures on my DSLR or on my Macbook across some 40,000-50,000 RAW/NEF photos. Has anyone heard of this particular model card having the dreaded "Card Read Error" when properly formatted IN the HMC-150 prior to shooting? I searched through the board, but it seems that the cheaper brands (i.e. AData, Transcend) are the "problem children" of the SDHC options (Panasonic "Gold" and Sandisk "Extreme" cards were the standout recommendations...). I just want someone to confirm that I'd be safe with what I've got, or to tell me otherwise!

-I'm going to be shooting a documentary with the HMC-150, in addition to some wedding work to pay for the gear (photo/video is my profession, but it's also my hobby that pays for itself). I use a SteadiCam Flyer at work, but I don't think I could afford even the Pilot on my own, and I've been looking at the little Merlin as my solution for those times that I can't borrow the Flyer kit over a weekend. Have any of you used the HMC-150 with the SteadiCam Merlin + arm & vest? If so, did you find that there were any limitations with the HMC-150?

-At work, we use Century Optics' wide angle converter for the HVX-200. I'm looking at buying the similar model designed for HPX170/HMC150 0.6x "0HD-06WA-AG" lens. Anyone using it? Or is it a dud?

-Anyone using the VariZoom VZRock-PZFI Rocker Controller with the HMC150? I use one with our HVX-200 cams at work, and the focus adjustment knob seems very jumpy, though everything else about the controller is awesome... I was wondering if anyone finds the focus adjustment jumpy on the HMC-150 with the same item?

Thanks in advance for all of the help, guys! I'm really looking forward to shooting with this camera. Regards, Jason.
 
JasonAllen127 said:
I'm going to be buying an HMC-150 soon (about 2 weeks to a month from now), and I have a few quick questions for you seasoned veterans of HMC-150 goodness:

-Anyone using the VariZoom VZRock-PZFI Rocker Controller with the HMC150? I use one with our HVX-200 cams at work, and the focus adjustment knob seems very jumpy, though everything else about the controller is awesome... I was wondering if anyone finds the focus adjustment jumpy on the HMC-150 with the same item?
Click to expand...

I use these on my HMC150 and have been happy with their performance:
  • Manfrotto 521PFI Focus Remote Control
  • Libec Zoom Control
 
I agree with VideoMaker the Libec Zoom Control is a good unit. I also ordered the Focus Remote Control from B&H but it is listed as 6 to 10 week delivery and I am still waiting. A few days ago I got in the Kessler 5.5/8/12-foot crane with all the bells and whistles so hope the two controls will be a big help with the crane. I also wanted to buy a remote control head for the crane but that is going to have to wait.
 
For cards, go for the encapsulated resin cards. They are shock, water, EMF and dustproof and can handle extreme temps. They just also happen to be made with good internals as well.

Sandisk Extreme's
ATP Promax

are 2, I think Panasonic Gold and Lexar Gold are as well.
 
VariZoom VZRock-PZFI Rocker Controller
I have used one for the past 18 months since buying the HMC150. No problems, no issues with focus some issues with zoom being a bit late to start and requiring some "practice" to get used to for smooth results.
I have used (as mentioned in many posts) Transcend Class 6 16gig cards and NEVER had a problem.
 
Thanks for the input guys! It sounds like I'm in good shape with my four 16GB Sandisk Extreme cards that I currently own.

It's also good to hear that the PZFI ZoomRocker works with the HMC150 since we have a rarely-used one at my office that I can likely borrow on the weekends. I'll look into those other controllers once I get the camera... maybe I'll put those on my Christmas list if they work better than the VariZoom! :)

So how about the SteadiCam Merlin (+ arm & vest) with the HMC-150? I'm really hoping that this rig works well for b-roll, as it's reasonably affordable ($2200 for a new sled/arm/vest with carrying case vs. $4000-4500 for a complete sled/arm/vest/travel case Pilot kit) and I like the balance adjustments/ build quality of the the Merlin. I can't afford the Pilot or Flyer, and while I plan on using my office's Flyer sled, arm, and vest kit when it's available to me for local shoots, I need to own a plan "B" solution that'd produce consistent results, and ideally something lighter and more portable that I can easily travel by air with. So what are your thoughts on the performance of a "naked" HMC150 (stripped down to just the small battery, no mics/accessories, etc) + Merlin sled/arm/vest kit?

Thanks again in advance! -J
 
Yes, the Sandisk Extreme cards are among the best cards in the industry, along with Panasonic gold cards, Lexar Gold and ATP ProMax cards that look good.

The HMC150 is light, so it should gives you good result with a steady cam and should be easier on your body!
 
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SPrimeau said:
Yes, the Sandisk Extreme cards are among the best cards in the industry, along with Panasonic gold cards, Lexar Gold and ATP ProMax cards that look good.

The HMC150 is light, so it should gives you good result with a steady cam and should be easier on your body!
Click to expand...

Let me tell you how light it is: I just got my Sachtler FSB-8 head and the balance is basically perfect on "1" (lowest) spring setting. When I put a Comer 1800 lamp with the big battery on top, it balances almost perfectly on the "2" setting.
 
Much easier on the arms when handheld or on a Merlin compared to the HVX that is for sure.
 
I've been fortunate to never have had a card failure yet (knock on wood), and one of my cards is a Trancend. The others are Panasonic and SanDisk.

I have the Century wide 0.6 lens. It does allow a little bit of zoom if needed, but I'm sure you're familiar with it from use at work. Comparing video with and without the wide angle, I perceive a slight bit of grain in the video using the adapter. Nothing gawd awful, but I notice it. Most likely due to the extra glass.

I have no problems with my VariZoom Rocker, although I haven't really used it heavily.

Here's a link to a Merlin Arm and vest listed in the for sale section. It may still be available. The Merlin itself is not included.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=224415&highlight=merlin+vest
 
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