HMC150 vs JVC HM-100U

J

jrod81

Veteran
I am in love with the idea that the JVC HM100u can shoot in a format that I can immediately drop into an FCP timeline without needing to transcode. I am in love with the idea so much that I have no opened the box from B&H that has my HMC150 in it just in case I want to return it.
So, I guess I am coming to you guys for two things:
First, is this JVC the only camera that shoots in a file format good for immediate HD editing in FCP 7.0
Secondly, is the ProRes transcoding process worth the time it takes and the space it takes up on hard drives to keep it over the JVC.
From what I've read, most are not too happy with the JVC's construction. Obviously that is a big deal to me, but the time saved from not having to transcode is worth alot too. I will be shooting events that will need to be on youtube and vimeo by midnight of the same day they were shot at times.
thanks for the input
 
The 150 is the superior camera....also, transcoding some footage really shouldn't be a factor when deciding which camera to buy. I mean, you transcode once and then that's it; it's no big deal. Considering both cameras are basically the same price, the HMC is a far better deal.

HMC 1/3" sensor vs JVC 1/4" sensor -- probably the biggest advantage
13x zoom vs. 10x zoom
4 ND filters vs. 1 ND filter
Wide 72mm lens vs. 46mm lens

Honestly, the list goes on and on.

The only reason I would ever choose the JVC over the HMC would be if I needed an ultra-compact cam for run-and-gun situations where there's lots of light.

For all intensive purposes, the HMC150 is far superior.
 
I'd take the HMC every time. Transcoding can take a long time but if you are careful about what footage you select in the Log & Transfer window you only need to transcode the bits you 'need' and so take much less time than you think.

Also, you could try using ClipWrap to rewrap the clips in to .mov. These CAN be dropped on to an FCP timeline as long as you don't want to do too much in the way of manipulation. Simple cuts are fine. Scrubbing doesn't work well though ;)

Then just export as needed.
 
For most folks transcoding is not that big of a deal, but for jrod81's specific purpose, transcoding is a big inconvenience, if not a potential deal-killer.

I don't think there's any question among any sane person that the HMC150 is a far superior camera to the JVC. But whether that's enough to make it the better product for your particular purpose, is the question. jrod81, at this point you're going to have to pick which compromise makes the most sense for you and your workflow:

1) Stick with your NLE, stick with your HMC150, and put up with transcoding times.
2) Stick with your NLE, settle for the JVC, and get immediate editing
3) Ditch your NLE and go with CS5 instead, stick with your HMC150, and get immediate editing (assuming your computer is up to the task)

That's the three choices as I see it. I don't think any of them are ideal; I know which one I'd do, but only you can determine which makes sense for you and your business.
 
The other option is to get a new computer that can transcode damn fast. My new Macbook Pro transcodes my GH2 AVCHD footage into final cut really really quickly.
 
Well I just got a new unibody MBP 15inch w/ 4gb of ram (which I can upgrade to 8GB). its the 2.66 i7 processor... so how fast will it transcode... maybe its not as big a deal as i thought to transcode... i had in my head that it was "real time."
and then secondly, any suggestions on a website explaining the odds/inns of switching from cs5 to fcp... that is so stressful for me to think of, but my fcp box is unopened and could be returned for a refund i suppose
 
Whoa, couple of new curves there.....

My iMac i7 transcodes at about real time or faster, but looking at your last post you have an unopened FCP so do you know how to use FCP already or would you be learning FCP 'or' CS5 which ever one you chose? You can get up and running quickly on either one with just a one month ($25) subscription to Lynda.com.

Note that the CS5 GPU assisted mercury engine is not active on the MBP because it requires a specific brand of graphics chipset that's not in the MBP. Even so, the CPU should be able to keep up for two or three layers.

If I was in the same situation (starting fresh) I'd probably go HMC+CS5 but honestly FCP can do the job too provided you can be conservative with your transcoding needs.
 
Yeah I have four years of graduate level film school just wrapping up where I was exclusively using FCP. I have never even seen Premiere's interface at all. I am very comfortable with FCP and honestly, I hate to make the switch... Does lynda.com give tutorials? I will check it out now.
 
Exact said:
Whoa, couple of new curves there.....


Note that the CS5 GPU assisted mercury engine is not active on the MBP because it requires a specific brand of graphics chipset that's not in the MBP. Even so, the CPU should be able to keep up for two or three layers.
Click to expand...

What does this mean??? Its way over my head
 
jrod81 said:
What does this mean??? Its way over my head
Click to expand...

Not something to worry about if you are using FCP. Adobe implemented some functions using the assistance of the graphics processor (GPU) on the graphics card IF you have the right ones installed. Apple don't use those cards at the moment so you would not have got the speed advantage from that part of Premier CS5.

Honestly, stick with FCP since you know it well and only transcode the things you need if you are in a hurry. You can do some tests before you start shooting for real which will give you a good idea of transcode speeds on your own MBP.
 
I'd recommend the HMC150 over the JVC and transcode if I must. I currently use a pair of 150's and generally they are a joy to use. I edit files natively in Premiere Pro CS4 and all works quite well for me. I will likely update to CS5 early in '11, as funds become available.
A better alternative than the JVC that you you could also edit natively may be the new Canon XF100, although it is not out yet. If its anything like the XF300, it should be a real winner.
 
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i actually thought about the canon you mentioned but the buyer for the equipment wants to buy before year's end... order has been placed for the hmc but it could always be returned i suppose... what is canon's release date?
 
Barry_Green said:
I don't think any of them are ideal
Click to expand...

I think number 3 is as close to ideal as you can get. Considering the native editing, Dynamic Link and hardware acceleration available, Adobe's CS5 suite will likely speed up his work flow a good deal. The only real down side here is that the software must be paid for.

But then there is that saying in our industry. You can have it fast, good, or cheap. Pick two. We know he wants fast, we assume he wants good, so...
 
If you opened the HMC150 there should be an Edius Neo software disc (I think PC based) If you have the right computer setup (Intel i7) AVCHD should be able to be played right in the timeline without transcoding. If Mac based have a friend with a PC (i7) download the Edius Neo Demo trial and see if the clips will play on the timeline.
 
jrod81 said:
well i went with the hmc for sure... not sure however on the editing choice just yet
Click to expand...

You'll do fine--lots of people here use FCP with the 150, or you can get PP CS5, which is really slick from what I am hearing on this board. (I have CS4 right now.)
It sounds like you made the right choice.
 
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Thomas Lew said:
The image looks horrendous on the JVC.
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Given that many people seem to be getting fine video from this camera, I would think such a broad statement requires some explanation. I suppose horrendous footage can be produced with any camera if the user doesn't understand how to use it.
 
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