hmc150 vs. hmc40

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Dan22

New member
So I've had a vx2100 for about 3 years now and I am looking to make the jump to hd. I really want an hmc150, but it's a bit out of my price range at the moment so I've been looking at the hmc40. I was wondering if the difference between the two cameras is worth the extra money. I don't need to buy an hd camera right away or anything, but I honestly just really want to get one soon. I could pretty much buy an hmc40 right now, but would have to wait a bit if i took the hmc150 route.

I know the hmc150 is better in low light, which isn't helping the hmc40. I film bmx riding mostly and I love my vx's low light abilities due to being reliant on only existing light. Is the hmc40's low light ability terrible compared to that of a vx2100? Also, how are the hmc40's manual settings compared to the vx2100's? I'm really happy with everything my vx can do, so I want to make sure that whatever I buy can do at least the same as what my vx can do.
 
TheDingo said:
If you could wait until September, the new Panasonic AC-130 / AC-160 should be shipping by then ( CVP UK Shows a Release Date of Sept 5, 2011 ), and then you will see a whole bunch of used HMC-150s for sale.
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This is correct. But, what you want is the AC-130. So save up or whatever for the AC-130 that will probably be about US $3500, and will probably be a marketable professional production tool for two to three years to come.

Or, wait for the 5D Mark 3 that will probably be cheaper and produce better video. Or, get a 5D Mark 2 or 7D now -- the video from which blows away either the 150 or 40. Add a Zoom H4n, and the audio blows away a 150 or 40.
 
For BMX in available light only, wait a bit for the HMC150. The big key differences for fast paced sports shooting:
-HMC40 is NOT a camera I'd grab in low light if an HMC150 is available. Action-stopping fast shutter speed is a byproduct of light sensitivity.
-HMC150 has a physical zoom ring on the lens, so you can ram zoom in or out from the action without having to rely on the servo motor of the lens, which I find too slow to track sports on both cameras.
-HMC150 has a better EVF and an ok LCD screen. The HMC40's EVF is "meh", and the LCD is smaller.

The AC130 looks like a GREAT upgrade from the HMC150 (better lens, better image sensor, etc), and I WILL be buying one to complement my new HMC150, but until that camera is available and I've handled it, I can't recommend for or against it... but it may be worth waiting to see what it can do before getting hasty when you have no imminent need for an HD camcorder!

The HMC40 is a great cam for what it is: A camera designed for use in bright light.
The HMC150 is a great cam too.
You won't be *UNHAPPY* with either, but you'd be happier with the HMC150 between those two. Happy shooting!
 
BH photo, Adorama, and GGvideo are all backordered for the 150's at the moment. I have three vx2000's and they have been work horses for the past 10 years. I can't say that I really like the cmos chips over CCDs. I recently purchased an HMC80 and am very concerned about not just low light, but normal light. The picture looks great, but where the vx2000 comes in at F4 the HMC80 comes in at 12db gain. With that said, even at 12 db gain the picture blows the 2000's out of the water...even when the 80 is in DV mode. Still, I would wait for the HMC150 (or the other camera that was mentioned in the other replies here.
 
AGMedia said:
Or, wait for the 5D Mark 3 that will probably be cheaper and produce better video. Or, get a 5D Mark 2 or 7D now -- the video from which blows away either the 150 or 40. Add a Zoom H4n, and the audio blows away a 150 or 40.
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...Um, nobody knows when the 5D Mark 3 will actually show up. I've heard everything from this Fall to Spring 2013. We also have no idea of what the video will be like. Hopefully Canon will fix the current video problems, but this may not be very high on their list of new features, as most of their cameras are bought for still photography and NOT video.

I would also say that the 5D MK2 or 7D only "blow away" the HMC-150 when it comes to low-light and shallow depth of field shooting. For ENG style work the HMC-150 "blows away" all DSLRs because they are not made for this type of shooting. The HMC-150 audio is actually pretty good, but it has somewhat of a high noise floor compared to pro audio gear, but then the Zoom H4n is not a lot better.

Either way, I would wait to see the reviews for the AC-130 in September, and decide then if you want to buy the AC-130 or a used HMC-150. I am still very happy with my HMC-150 with no plans to sell it for at least another year. ( maybe I'll change my mind once the AC-130 is out )
 
Yeah, if you can wait, then wait till HMC150 users have their hands on the new cams and see what they like/dislike in comparison to the HMC150.
 
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