Getting my HMC on Tuesday. Now what?

M

Miker

New member
Well, I'm proud to say that I'm about to be a new owner of the Panasonic HMC150. After waiting for about three weeks on backorder from J and R, it's finally arriving this upcoming Tuesday! Now my question is, in preparation for my new camera what accessories do I need to get, and what recommendations do you guys have for the brand types?

I guess these are things I need to get so far: (any suggestions to critical accessories would be great)

1.) Case - hard case or soft? and what brand is dependable? I've seen a lot of people use the Porta-Brace soft cases, even my school does. I've been looking on B and H for a while and everything is priced usually above 200 dollars. Are there any good bags below 100 dollars? (My budget is kinda shot after getting the camera) Even better, is there a place to buy used cases?

2.) Memory Cards - Now a lot of people on these forums are recommending the Transcend 16GB class 6 ones. I was wondering if 40 dollars is probably the right price to spend on ordering one. Is there a distributer that sells it for less than 40 or are there any coupons happening right now? Also what about the adata ones? I could get that for 30 bucks.

3.) 72mm UV filter - Well I'm thinking I could just go pick one up from a brick and mortar photo store. My question lies in this multicoating and anti-glare issue. I was going to pick up a Tiffen one for 15 dollars, but it did not have any Multicoating and Anti-glare on it, which, I've read, apparently causes reflections on the lens itself under bright lights that can be capture by the camera. Is this true? Has anyone experienced this? What should I get if I'm just looking for a filter that protects the lens and causes the least amount of capture change?

4.) Extra Battery - Not so sure on this yet because batteries are really expensive. I was wondering, based on your experience, what is the average stock life of the battery that comes with the Panny. Also do DVX100 or AG-HV200 batteries work with this camera? I've heard that it doesn't, but is there an adapter that can make it work?

That's all I have for now. Any input would be great and any recommendations would be even better. Like I said, my budget is pretty much shot for now until I get back to doing some more freelance work. Thanks again guys, Although I just registered I've been reading it ever since my friend recommended it a while back. I think it was because of this site that I decided to purchase the HMC. :P Really looking forward to putting it in action.
 
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Congrats! You'll love this camera. Now to your questions...

1) I spent more money and got this Pelican case. It's big and bulky, but built like a tank, and can fit a lot of gear in there.

2) I've been very happy with my 8GB and 16GB Transcends. $40.99 from Newegg.com. Can't speak to the Adata cards. But everyone seems to love the Transcends... is $10 worth the risk?

3) Don't get a UV filter just to "protect the lens". Slapping cheap glass in front of expensive glass isn't a good idea (start at post #11). Plus, the lens hood is deep enough that the odds of the lens getting damaged is pretty slim. Get a UV filter if you need actually need a UV filter, and then get a descent one.

4) Get the big batteries. They last forever... mine go 280+ minutes. The stock battery doesn't last very long, maybe an hour. And no, the DVX and HVX batteries will not work with the HMC.
 
You just got the best cam under $6,000, IMO. Good deal!

1. I use a Petrol PWR-HDV, which is a convinient configuration, but the stitching on top is not up to snuff--mine started to come undone after a month of use, so I recommend looking at Pelican as well. I will likely be getting a second HMC150 in July, and plan on looking at the 1650 as well.

2. I got a slew of "Patriot" 16GB cards from Fry's, thet seem to work very well. Price varied from $49 to $30.

3. I got a B&W UV, very good glass, very good protection, cheap I think for about $70.

4. I agree, Get the big Panny batteries. You know you can depend on them. I would be careful about getting cheap batteries off EBay or something.

I think you will find this cam very capable....it just kind of grows on you after a while, it will really spoil you with the images it produces.

Happy shooting!
 
There is a thread on cases/bags just below this one, short answer is it depends on your needs. I use Transcend Class 6 16 gig cards. Therey are great. My kit contains two large and one small battery. I keep the small one on the camera when it is in the case and I am travelling. I also keep a 4gig card in it for travel as well. One never know when you have to pull it out and shoot. A good UV filter is a smart investment and though not necessary all the time, should be in your pocket or bag for situations where sand,dust water or other might damage your lens. B&W is a good choice as others have said.
It is a great light weight high quality camera, the workflow is a bit of a pain in the ass but that will change soon as post software catches up. It makes awesome images and you can tweek and tweek and...
ENjoy it and best of luck!
Brian
 
I use a lowepro computrekker AW bag and I like it a lot.
I went with the transcend 16gb card with card reader on amazon.. seems to be 15 bucks more now than it was when I ordered it though.
 
You can also get some 8gb transcend cards ., dont forget a good tripod.

When you get all your gear try 1080p on this cam its sweet as hell !
 
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Hey guys thanks for all the responds! Okay so far, I've decided that I should definitely get a higher battery first, then look around for a case. For memory I'm going Transcend. For the case, I think I'm going to buy a soft case as the hard case ones seem to take up a lot of space and are generally heavier. (I need to be mobile with my equipment) I'll skip the UV filter for now. Oh and thanks Everts for mentioning a tripod. I didn't even think about that.

Well I guess it's time to shop around now. I'm so excited for tuesday
 
Congrats! I have an HMC150 and love it!!! You will too!

1) I have a Lowepro Mini Trekker ($55 on eBay from a reputable seller). It's a great backpack and it does work but...I think it's a tad small for the camera. I'm probably going to upgrade my backpack to a slightly larger Lowepro. My guess is the Lowepro recommended above is pretty good based on the one I have (great in all ways except too small).

2) Transcend 16gb. They're great, just as everyone else says! Got mine on Amazon for $43 including a SDHC-to-USB adapter, which is nice if you don't already have a SDHC card reader or you plan to use a laptop in the field.

3) Barry Green recommends the B&W UV Haze (010) MRC filters from B&H. His word is good enough for me. But to add to his word, my wife and I have used B&W filters on our SLRs for years and they are awesome! I have a 72mm B&W UV Haze (010) MRC filter on my HMC150. B&H for mid-$60s right now.

4) You're going to be disappointed with the stock battery. Get the big Panny ($170).

5) If you have any money left, you should think about a tripod (I use the Libec LS38 w/mid-spreader and love it although I'm pining for the Miller Solo) and a mic (I bought the Audio-Technica 875R Short Shotgun for $199) and it works pretty well. I haven't done a ton of mic comparisons, though.

6) Last thing you might want to consider is a Hoodman H400 for your LCD screen if you plan to shoot outdoors in daylight. Somewhere around $15 on B&H.
 
A good tripod should take priority, even over the batteries. The stock battery is going to last longer than your ability to hold the camera, nevermind hold it steady. I would say...

1) One or two cards
2) *Good* tripod (don't skimp on this)
3) Tie - case and battery
 
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