new HMC151 or USED EX1?

P

parklins

New member
Hello,
wonder if anyone can help me - After some deliberation i'd decided to go for an HMC 151 (for all round video work - interviews, live performances, drama etc) but when I went on the website of the nearest approved dealer I have found a used section offering used ex1's for about the same price (with 3 months as opposed to 3 year warranty). I know they are better with low light and have audio advantages, and i'm vaguely familiar with Sony interfaces

http://www.visuals.co.uk/salesProductDetail.php?PRODUCTID=8366&STOCKID=2643472

What are other peoples experiences with used equipment? I've never invested anything like this much money in anything so wouldn't want to get stung. Its a huge investment for a theatre company myself and my girlfriend are starting so I have to get it right.

I'm also aware that I could get a HMC152 for about £500 less than the 151 which is tempting, but you only get a years warranty. Can anyone recommend a good dealer? Sorry if I'm in the wrong section..
 
My 2nd HMC150 I picked up used and it works just like the new one I purchased a few months before. I saved a lot of money and have had no problems. If you go used its going to matter how the camera was treated. Most people with a HMC150 or EX1 are "pros" and usually take care of their equipment - but there are always accidents.

EX1 is cheap used because there is the EX1R now, which has been improved in a lot of different ways.
 
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parklins said:
Hello,
wonder if anyone can help me - After some deliberation i'd decided to go for an HMC 151 (for all round video work - interviews, live performances, drama etc) but when I went on the website of the nearest approved dealer I have found a used section offering used ex1's for about the same price (with 3 months as opposed to 3 year warranty). I know they are better with low light and have audio advantages, and i'm vaguely familiar with Sony interfaces

http://www.visuals.co.uk/salesProductDetail.php?PRODUCTID=8366&STOCKID=2643472

What are other peoples experiences with used equipment? I've never invested anything like this much money in anything so wouldn't want to get stung. Its a huge investment for a theatre company myself and my girlfriend are starting so I have to get it right.

I'm also aware that I could get a HMC152 for about £500 less than the 151 which is tempting, but you only get a years warranty. Can anyone recommend a good dealer? Sorry if I'm in the wrong section..
Click to expand...

Can you wait about 5 months?
If yes...http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/index.php?t=product/panasonic_ag-ac130
If not...you might want to consider finding a used 151/152 and switch to the ac-130 when it ll hit the stores...
You ll loose some money but you ll end up with the best option...in my opinion!
 
EX1 had some issues I believe, which is why they released the EX1R (you'd have to google it).

Also, the SxS media for the EX1 is extremely expensive, which will be a huge factor if you're on a budget.
 
Gary Huff said:
You can shoot to SD cards on the EX1 with an adapter.
Click to expand...

You can use that SDHC card adapter, but Sony states the adapter is for "emergency" use only, and there are very serious reliability issues with that setup and many reports of screwed up recordings.

About three years ago I was one of the early folks to evaluate the EX1 -- and I despised it. I didn't buy one and went on to, months later, opt for the Panasonics (170/150).

So -- having made that journey -- and were to hypothetically consider the scenario you presented -- I'd reluctantly recommend the EX1. The reason is this -- clients like what they see better from an EX1 than from a 150 -- it's a sharper (much sharper) lower noise image.

The above being said -- the EX1 sucks on a range of levels, and is in no way an ideal option. BUT -- if you need something now, and the idea is that what you have now will generate income to buy something better in the fall -- then the EX1 is a better option -- and yes, you need to factor SxS cards in the cost.

On the other hand, if you're a small business getting started -- I wholeheartedly recommend going the Canon HDSLR route (pick up two T3i cameras, the Canon f/2 35mm and f/1.4 50mm prime lenses, a quality slider, and a Zoom H4n with a good shotgun mic and you'll be in serious business -- at the same cost or less, and that's a two cam setup -- and there are a bunch of training DVD's to help you get started) Or, if you have your heart set on a camcorder -- the Canon XF100. In the US it's very nearly the same price as a new HMC150.

In conclusion -- both options you presented are old and have their own set of problems. From a production standpoint the HMC150 blows away the EX1, from a pleasing viewers standpoint the EX1 wins (just remember to use a soft focus effects in post when you need them).
 
AGMedia said:
You can use that SDHC card adapter, but Sony states the adapter is for "emergency" use only, and there are very serious reliability issues with that setup and many reports of screwed up recordings.
Click to expand...

This is what I have read too about the EX1, all things they fixed on the EX1R.


As far as DSLRS go, they are not great for live work. If you can control the shoot and the shots are short they are golden... otherwise they are a bear. 12min record times, manual zoom, un-articulating viewfinders, no zebras and non pro audio to say the least. I would go with an EX1/HMC150 and get a DSLR as a B cam if you need more then 1 camera. That being said the GH2 would be the way to go for any lengthy shots and more "video camera" features if you are interested in the DSLRs. They are really a picture camera that shoots video - so a lot of things are different if your not use to them.
 
AGMedia said:
On the other hand, if you're a small business getting started -- I wholeheartedly recommend going the Canon HDSLR route (pick up two T3i cameras, the Canon f/2 35mm and f/1.4 50mm prime lenses, a quality slider, and a Zoom H4n with a good shotgun mic and you'll be in serious business -- at the same cost or less, and that's a two cam setup -- and there are a bunch of training DVD's to help you get started) Or, if you have your heart set on a camcorder -- the Canon XF100. In the US it's very nearly the same price as a new HMC150.
Click to expand...

Ack... I love my DSLR. But a DSLR and a Zoom isn't a "getting started for business" setup. I consider them "cinema/art" cameras. If that's all you do, go for it. But most video business models in the starting-out range are just going to fail messing with external recorders for audio, aliasing, poor form factor, focus difficulties, etc.

A T2i can intercut beautifully with a 150. A 150 can't get filmic DOF and there's a "look" to Canon DSLRs that can be really pretty. But for a workhorse business, I'd say you need a decent HD video form factor camera... and my, we're gettin' off topic...

As for used gear? Now that tape transports aren't an issue, I feel it's less nerve wracking. Check for a smoothly functioning lens with no grinding on focus or zoom, buy from a reputable dealer (or take your chances on eBay where I have certainly spent some cash). Buying from a private owner? Look for super-clean, babied cameras with every last bit of packing material and manuals. There are many folks who "over-buy" this kind of gear and end up terrified of it and treat it very well.
 
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