My entry level HMC150 rig

M

magillb

Member
I've used "videographers" to handle some past projects I've done.

I'm now wanting to get some real camera experience, and further my knowledge.
I have come to the conclusion that I'm gonna buy the HCM150!

Let me know what you think of this rig...


  • HMC150- $3295 (shipped & taxed)
  • VW-VBG6PPK Battery- $125
  • Hoodman400- $17
  • Manfrotto 561B Monopod- $250
  • Matthews M25 Tripod- $180
  • Petrol PCCB-2N Bag- $100
  • 1 32GB Transcend SD card- $74

Total: $4024

- I'm also considering a 35mm adapter, because I have to pay to rent one for a shoot coming up. Might as well buy it, and later try to learn it.
- I will have some opportunities to practice as a B-cam. Footage won't be integral.
- I'm bought a few books to read up on (currently reading "Five C's...")
- I struggled on buying the HPX170 or the HMC150. But, I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to save $1500-$2000. AVCHD was only hold up.
- If I do need to sell the HMC150 at some point, it should have good resell value

Things to buy later on:

  • Lighting
  • Better Tripod
  • Feild Monitor
  • Audio Equip

Let me know your feedback and recommendations !
~T-h-a-n-k-s
 
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Looks like a decent list. I don't know what kind of work you're going to be doing, but I'd use that monopod money and put it into a more robust tripod. But again, it depends on what you're doing.
 
a better tripod forsure. I would get this asap.
I got the bogen 525 legs with 516 head .Love it, sachtler are better but ofcourse they cost more.
 
I would say a decent shotgun microphone would be a wise purchase from the start, the in-built mic is not the best. Something like the Rode NTG-1 would give you quality audio for a good price. Also, you might want to consider getting a UV filter to protect the lens... better safe than sorry!
 
I would go with a better tripod (even the Manfrotto 501HDV head would do)... skip the monopod (or get a cheaper one), and get a shootgun mic for sure!!!
 
Good kit so far, but yeah I would agree to get a < $100 monopod (I love my Bogen 681B). And put that money into the tripod. I got 2 used bogen tripods on ebay for a great deal.

You will really need audio, some argue its more important than the video. Get a nice shotgun mic and a huge XLR cable to plug in if you need to. Eventually get a wireless combo.

I was happier getting a few 16GB cards instead of a 32GB... I am able to lend them out and not have to immediately remove the footage from them.
 
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Thanks for all the input!

RE: Monopod
For the shoots I'm doing the summer, there will be a lot of on-the-fly shots. That was the thought process behind that. I will definitely check out the cheaper Bogen 681B and look at upgrading the tripod. Hopefully I can find something on ebay or the marketplace.

RE: Audio
For the shoots I'm going to be a B-Cam on, I won't need to have audio capabilities. But, buying a shotgun and/or wireless mics will be one of my first "next investments."
 
I have the 561B monopod, definitely like the setup for video....fluid tilts and pans, not generally possible with the cheaper "stick" style monopods that are usually designed for photographers.

Got the Manfrotto/Bogen 503HDV head and 351MVB2 tripod....very happy with it all.

Rode NTG-2 is a good mic, especially if you occasionally need battery power instead of phantom.
 
scapsinger said:
I have the 561B monopod, definitely like the setup for video....fluid tilts and pans, not generally possible with the cheaper "stick" style monopods that are usually designed for photographers.
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Thanks for the input. I decided to go ahead and get the 561B monopod. For the shoots this summer, I'm going to be getting a lot of on-the-fly shots. Don't want to haul around & setup a tripod all day long. Also, taking the tripod as luggage could be costly (3rd bag). The 561B looked a lot more effective to me than the stick-style monopods. We'll see how it goes!

I'm not going to purchase the M25. I'm going to keep my eyes open for a good used deal on a tripod.
 
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