Is the HMC150 still a viable option for documentary work?

ggrantly said:
Justin

Since these are all digital cams, there aren't really moving parts except for the lens focus motors. So in most cases, the overall condition is more important than hours of use. Maybe find one that's been in a studio. Having said that, I would be looking for something with less than 400 hours. I think you'll find many with significantly less. Things to watch for are things like worn out plugs, stripped tripod mounts, grinding focus motors (they all make a little noise but if it sounds gritty, that is a concern). Both cams will have a the famous internal klunk when off. Exercise the flip out and adjust the EVF when the cam is on to make sure the ribbon cables are OK. I'm sure others will chime in with other things to look for.

You might also check out the DVXUser "for sale" section and even try a want to buy (WTB) ad. I'd bet there are a lot of members with 170s and 150s in the closet gathering dust. Make sure and get references and watch out for foreign shipping - customs issues. Also foreign cams may be PAL or foreign language menus, so verify the model designation.

Also, to get the most out of either cam, find a copy of Barry Greens book, he published one for each cam I believe. He is a moderator here. His books are entirely better and actually essential to get the most from the cam. The factory manuals leave a lot to be desired.

Good Luck
Grant
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Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to go with the 150, P2 storage is a bit much for me, and the realm I work in. I will for sure track down a copy of Barry's book. The more I look at the footage from this camera the more I like it. It has a really pleasant softness to it...just a touch, not too much. Even the noise is more pleasing, though, I can't tell for certain if some folks just don't know how to properly expose an image. Some of it that I have seen appears to be very noisey in the blacks, and others don't. I suppose it will take some experimentation to see what I can pull out of it.

I can't express enough how excited I am to be shooting with a proper camera that has all the right bells and whistles.
 
I think you will enjoy the 150. It's still a good all-around camera. I'd recommend using high quality SDHC cards since it only has one slot, at least when you are shooting something important
 
Justin,

Make sure and do some research about scene files. These adjust most of your recording parameters and can improve or ruin a scene. A good scene file is essential with these cams and the stock ones are mediocre at best. If you search here, there will be many articles about them, and the Barry Green Book is essential.

Have fun when you buy your cam.

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Justin,

Make sure and do some research about scene files. These adjust most of your recording parameters and can improve or ruin a scene. A good scene file is essential with these cams and the stock ones are mediocre at best. If you search here, there will be many articles about them, and the Barry Green Book is essential.

Have fun when you buy your cam.

Grant
Click to expand...

Thanks Grant, I hope to. I have been trying to read up on them on scene files in the mean time. Thanks for all the help!
 
Interesting comment re "looking for something with less than 400 hours."

I have a AG-C160A coming off a 3-year warranty and was wondering what maintenance it should have - Just last week I asked the CEO of a master distributor for Panasonic that sells mostly to national TV and he told me my cam with 500 hours on it is only at 10% of its lifecycle.

I was surprised to hear this.
 
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