Need a second cam to work with HMC150

J

Jman2453

Member
I started filming weddings just as a favor for friends. Then I started making decent money. Bought some equipment for audio, lighting, and eventually a HMC 150.

Now I am ready to step up with a 2nd camera to assist. I plan to use the 150 as the main camera to get the whole coverage of the ceremony and reception. I need a B camera to get the filler shots, the front of the bride as she is walking down the aisle or to be used on a glidecam. The problem I don't have quite the funds to get a second 150 right now, but need to get a second camera quickly. What would you guys recommend? I have spent at least 40 hours going back and forth of that second camera and really can't make the decision. Every time I feel like I know what it is I read a few post about how it want work. So do I get a HMC40, etc?? What?
 
Well..... I use 4 (four) HMCs at weddings, so my obvious recommendation is another HMC. It's a great cameras with lots of features. Failing that there are several options depending on how/when you want to use it.

A GH1 with hacked firmware does a great job as an unattended camera on a tripod and gives you great manual control. Not too big to be in the way and lots of lens options for low light too. I have acquired one for when I need a fifth camera (it happens more often than i'd like), and more specifically for B-Roll. What it lacks is.... well so many things it's hard to remember them all. It doens't have zebras, it doesn't have time code that remembers where it was. You can't jam it like you can on the HMCs (i.e. sync multiple cameras), and it's time code always starts at zero. This makes it a little bit of a pain to sync with the footage with the other HMCs, but it's only a matter of time before you find a good sync point and you are away.

After that you could try some of the consumer cams like the TM700. They also lack many of the things the HMCs have, not to mention the smaller sensors and lower sensitivity in low light.

The next option is perhaps the HMC40, but again it's not as good in low light.

There is no real 'right option' other than another HMC, so you just have to decide what you want you are willing to give up.
 
I just filmed a wedding entirely on my HMC40 and a decent on-camera LED light and everything came out BEAUTIFULLY. Don't let all the hoopla that the HMC40 is horrible for weddings scare you away from it. In daylight and decently lit areas, it is beautiful and in dimly lit areas with an on-cam soft LED light, it is basically JUST as beautiful.
 
I would be really hesitant about the idea of trying to put a GH1 or any DSLR-type camera on a steadicam; just focusing the camera could cause you to lose balance and have to re-balance.

Obviously the best match, by far, for an HMC150 is -- another HMC150. If you can find one used, that's the way to go.

If you simply can't find one, or can't stretch for it, then the HMC40 might be a decent backup unit, again depending on light. In daylight it's really just amazing for the incredible images it puts out considering the pricetag. But if you're dealing with interior/low light scenarios, what you really want is another HMC150.
 
I shoot with a pair of HMC150's now, and its a great way to go. Short of that, I would get an HMC40.
 
Thanks for the responses. Do you guys have any places to look for used 150's as I way the options with the 40 and the TM700? I know this website has stuff added everyday, but I figured you guys might know more to check out.
 
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