HMC150 compared to GH1?

RieniO

RieniO

Well-known member
Is anyone in here using both the 150 and GH1 and able to tell me which one has best image quality? I am now using the GH1 and don't need the small DOF so if the 150 has simular or better image quality I will consider purchasing a 150 (or 40) because shooting with the GH1 is not easy.

Thanks
 
The 150 isn't going to be nearly as "sharp" as the GH1. It has the same actual resolution, but the aliasing the GH1 has makes it appear a LOT sharper.

But the 150 is going to be far more robust -- there's no such thing as "mud" or streaking/banding lines going on with the 150.
 
I was hoping you would reply because you're also active on the GH1 forums.

Thanks for the explanation. How about colors, especially skin tones? From what I saw on movies on the web, skin tones of 150 and 40 aren't as realistic as of the GH1?
 
You can paint the image to a significant degree in the HMC150. The 150 delivers basically the same image as the HPX170 and HVX200A, and I think you'll find that most of those owners are very pleased with the products.
 
RieniO said:
I was hoping you would reply because you're also active on the GH1 forums.

Thanks for the explanation. How about colors, especially skin tones? From what I saw on movies on the web, skin tones of 150 and 40 aren't as realistic as of the GH1?
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Interesting....

On one hand you asked about HMC150 (HMC40) comparison to GH1, on the other hand you seem to have made up your mind that the GH1 has a superior image. Are you actually trying to compare cameras or looking for validation that your GH1 purchase was a good one.

I was in a similar position (except I had not made a purchase) trying to decide on the GH1 or HMC40 (the HMC150 was out of my price range). I ultimately decided on the HMC40 knowing I was giving up DOF and low light, but gaining a true video camera with a much better codec implementation.

I mostly shoot nature and landscape video so a shallow DOF can be a bad thing. It can be enough of a problem trying to focus on nature footage with a deep DOF. So I think I made the right decision for my use of the camera. Sure there are times when I wish I had a shallow DOF and better low light, but for most purposes the HMC40 was right right decision for me.

As far as sharpness I expect the HMC40 has better resolution than the GH1, but much worse low light. And as far as skin tone and color reproduction I find the HMC40 to be quite good (with lots of control - similar to the HMC150). There does not seem to be a perfect camera for everyone; you just have to pick your compromises.
 
That's true rich.. they all have strenghts and weaknesses. I am totally happy with the 150 and will be buying another camera but not sure what. The 40 appealed to me but no manual lens was a dealbreaker as it's how I shoot all my stuff now... so it would be a hard thing to go without... I'm hoping that the Red announcement has all that I want in a camera. Even if the body is 10k that's perfect as I'll just rent the lenses as needed.... I'll be one happy camper.
 
Justyn said:
That's true rich.. they all have strenghts and weaknesses. I am totally happy with the 150 and will be buying another camera but not sure what. The 40 appealed to me but no manual lens was a dealbreaker as it's how I shoot all my stuff now... so it would be a hard thing to go without... I'm hoping that the Red announcement has all that I want in a camera. Even if the body is 10k that's perfect as I'll just rent the lenses as needed.... I'll be one happy camper.
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Justyn - what do you mean - no manual lens. True there is only one lens ring, but it can control zoom, focus, or iris (although the iris ring works pretty well). The lack of having both ring zoom and ring focus could be problematic for some users, but the zoom rocker on this camera works REALLY well.
 
rich_r said:
On one hand you asked about HMC150 (HMC40) comparison to GH1, on the other hand you seem to have made up your mind that the GH1 has a superior image. Are you actually trying to compare cameras or looking for validation that your GH1 purchase was a good one.
Click to expand...

Yes I feel the GH1 has good image and I was hoping someone could confirm that the 150 or 40 can deliver an image almost as good as that. I am not looking for confirmation that the GH1 purchase was a good one because it's very low priced so I didn't take much risk there. It's very easy to sell them at the moment since Panasonic can't keep up with the demand. And I am considering purchasing a 150 or 40 in addition to the GH1, even if it's only to use as a second cam and XLR audio recorder. Someone else in this topic mentions an upcoming Red announcement though and maybe I should just wait for that.

I shoot both wildlife and glamour, I agree that the GH1 doesn't have enough DOF for long range wildlife, for usage in the studio with wide angle lenses it's ok though.

I thank everybody for the answers.
 
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