considering buying an HMC150, 14 hours, $2500, to replace my XHA1

mkfotos.com

mkfotos.com

Well-known member
Is a mint condition HMC150 with only 14 hours on the clock a fair, good, or great deal for $2500? I'm looking to replace my XHA1 with it.
 
I say it's a good deal. The HMC150 has more controls for the audio. You can use the internal mic and XLR mic at the same time, line level on one input and mic level on the other, etc.

Focus assists are available while shooting.

It's better balanced for hand held shooting, etc.
 
Have you considered the new AG130 thats coming out soon? It looks like the replacement for the HMC150 but with a larger zoom lens and much much better "resolution". The soft image on my HMC150 has really bugged me (and no doubt others) ever since I bought it, my little HF100 is sharper! When the AG130 comes out, you will probably find a lot of "used" HMC150's being put up for sale!
 
You could get a HPX170 without a P2 card for $3400. It is DVCPro HD though, not AVCHD. Still beats in color space, but lacks in full resolution.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. There's no doubt in my mind that the 150 trumps the XHA1. The 130 will be out of my budget when it's released, though the 150 dropping instantly in price upon its release is a concern; I don't want to buy a 150 now and see it worth $500 less when the 130 starts selling. I've thought about the 170, but would rather stick to something similar and somewhat interchangeable with my AF100.
 
I agree, mkfotos. Since you are already on an AVCHD/SD card workflow, I would stick with the HMC-150 and variants thereof. If you need it now then there is no harm in pulling the trigger on the option before you. However, if you feel that you can wait, it might help to do so until later in the fall after the new models have become available. Might save you some cash.
 
In term of resolution, the 150 and XH-A1 will be pretty similar. It's the handling that will be in favor of the HMC150 for the most of it.
 
Many suppliers have the HMC150 now for about $2900 new, so with the 130 likely starting at $3900.....I would not necessarily expect the 150 to drop too much further. They may be be in production togetrher for a while. Bottom line, I'd just get the mint 150 for $2500 now, assuming it has what you need in a cam.
 
I agree with sewolla. Maybe offer slightly less based on possible price drop for new but if they are throwing in lots of access. Then just buy it.

Eric, couldyou post some samples of soft footage? My 150 was razor sharp. I think you may have a defective unit.
 
It is a great camera! I am buying a new camera and still trying to make up my mind on which I will buy but I will NOT sell my HMC 150. It is a CCD camera and that has distinct advantages for certain shoots and in simple language: it is a damn good camera and for $2500. It is an excellent buy.
My images have never been soft here is a frame grab of olympic godl medalist ALex Bilodeau.
 

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8string said:
I agree with sewolla. Maybe offer slightly less based on possible price drop for new but if they are throwing in lots of access. Then just buy it.

Eric, couldyou post some samples of soft footage? My 150 was razor sharp. I think you may have a defective unit.
Click to expand...

You could take a look at this http://vimeo.com/23354166 It has wide shots and close-ups.

(I did actually start a thread about the softness of the 150's image. The link is below)

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...full-screen-are-soft-and-lacking-in-sharpness!

I'm not too bothered about the image now as I'm getting all excited about the new ac130/160
 
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Thanks all. Yeah, I think the 150 will be a nice step up from the XHA1; not having to switch tapes, deal with using the camera as a deck (or getting yet another cam as a deck), or buying something like a Firestore are reasons enough to upgrade.

With opinions on the pricing ranging from good to excellent, I'll probably get it soon, if it's not already gone.
 
I have used both, and to be honest, I like the image of the xha1 a bit more. It looks a bit more filmic to me. Though I have both the A1'S and the regular A1. The A1's blows the regular one away as far as options go. I do dislike tape though. Have you looked into a firestore or a datavideo dte recorder for your A1. May be an option if your not deadset on getting rid of it. Just food for thought.
 
maranfilms said:
I have used both, and to be honest, I like the image of the xha1 a bit more. It looks a bit more filmic to me. Though I have both the A1'S and the regular A1. The A1's blows the regular one away as far as options go. I do dislike tape though. Have you looked into a firestore or a datavideo dte recorder for your A1. May be an option if your not deadset on getting rid of it. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

I might already have a buyer for the XHA1, with the trade up costing ~$750, so not much more than a used DTE solution (which itself adds even more proprietary batteries, charger, cables, etc.). Then in the 150s favor there's the similar (to my AF100) form factor and menu structure, identical batteries and media, 14 hours, etc.
 
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