HMC-150 record format and record mode

H

Hazel Parker

New member
The HMC-150 manual shows four "RECORD MODES": PH, HA, HG, HE, but it doesn't say what the trade offs are other than record times. Wouldn't the longest record time (HE mode) be most advantageous since it's all HD anyway? Does it matter? How do you decide?

The manual also shows several "REC FORMATS", like PH 1080/60i, but again doesn't say what the trade offs are. Does it matter? How do you decide?

I've recorded two events but have no idea whether my settings were correct. Need some help. Thanks.
 
Hazel Parker said:
The HMC-150 manual shows four "RECORD MODES": PH, HA, HG, HE, but it doesn't say what the trade offs are other than record times. Wouldn't the longest record time (HE mode) be most advantageous since it's all HD anyway? Does it matter? How do you decide?
Click to expand...

With video or audio, the basic rule of thumb is that the larger the data rate ( the amount of memory used to store data ) the better the quality of the recording.

So with the HMC150, the PH mode which uses the largest variable data rate of between 21-24 Mb/sec ( mega-bits per second ) will produce the highest quality images, and provide the shortest shooting time.

The other record modes are used when you are willing to sacrifice quality to obtain a longer shooting time. Most of us will always shoot in the PH mode.

You can quickly do your own test to compare the different recording modes, and then connect your camera to a large LCD TV ( via a HDMI cable ) to judge the differences between the modes.
 
HMC-150 settings

HMC-150 settings

OK, that makes sense. But what about these other settings... 1080i, etc? Is one better than another?
 
They give a different look. 1080i vs 1080p is interlaced and progressive. Search for info about these two different kinds of frames. Anyways, unless I'm matching another 1080i camera, I'd generally use 1080p. Progressive works better for motion, and gives a cleaner image without scan lines. You have 24p and 30p. That's aesthetic. 30p is generally better for motion and online distribution, and for filmlike motion use 24p.

Your best bet is to just experiment a bit with everything.
 
Not to highjack your thread HP, but while were speaking of best settings I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on what has been the best settings for them on a hmc 150 thru their journeys.I was hired to film a Semi high intensity exercise/workout dvd this weekend,so i was wondering which settings would anyone suggest?? Thanks a million.
 
Action shots are best with 720/60 if you are wanting smooooth movement and the ability to slow down the footage.

You both may be interested in getting Barry Green's handbook on the 150 - very informative.
 
I tend to raise the coring and drop the detail a bit. ALso alwasy ABB (black balance) after every power on.
 
heyrobert said:
They give a different look. 1080i vs 1080p is interlaced and progressive. Search for info about these two different kinds of frames. Anyways, unless I'm matching another 1080i camera, I'd generally use 1080p. Progressive works better for motion, and gives a cleaner image without scan lines. You have 24p and 30p. That's aesthetic. 30p is generally better for motion and online distribution, and for filmlike motion use 24p.

Your best bet is to just experiment a bit with everything.
Click to expand...
I used 720/30p ( and it looked TV good) for a wedding I shot in Feb., and while it came out really good I wonder if based on your preference Mike, I should give 24p a try. What do you think about 720?
 
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