odd problems with hmc150?

M

mattmulholland26

New member
Ahoy hoy,

So I've been looking seriously at getting one of these bad boys, all the reviews and test footage make it seem like a winner. A dealer got a demo one in for me and I sorta freaked out at some weird problems we noticed.

- When switching from manual to auto zoom there was a loud clicking sound when first using the auto zoom, which would be audible when using the built in mic

- The auto zoom was really slow

- The zoom buttons clicked when released

I just wanted to get comments from people who have actually used the camera so I can figure out if it was just a fault with that particular demo unit or if it's known and just something you deal with. That and some other things have sorta put me off the camera, and now I'm looking at alternatives like the Sony HXR-NX5.

Any insight I can get on these or any other problems users have noticed with the 150 would help heaps in the purchase of my first pro camera. A very exciting time.

Thanks

p.s
I'm in NZ where the model is hmc152. Not sure if that makes any difference or not.
 
I've just checked my one and it also clicks at the same moment as the demo one that you've mentioned. I've had mine for 1 week. No so much of a problem for me as i rarely switch to manual mid shoot.

The buttons on mine don't click when released though.

No much help, i know, but the click definitely sounds like bad mechanics to me. I would be interested to see if this is common...
 
They all click when the are switched from manual to auto, its the zoom mech engaging. On mine its not loud though just a little "tick" noise. You really shouldn't switch it anyways during a shot, you have the chance of ruining the shot with a slight jolt of the camera unless you can do it really smooth.

Mine buttons are fine too, i'd say the one you used the rocker was probably in need of replacement because of the mistreatment by idiots in the store when its being demo'd.
 
The HMC150 has a light construction, so any camera manipulation (like switching zoom from auto to manual) can be heard because the camera's body is fairly hollow sounding and amplifies camera manipulation. If the sound source you're recording is loud, you shouldn't hear anything from manipulating the camera. I often record with a flash recorder or though a wireless set up so this solves the noise problem.

My buttons don't currently stick.

Yes, the Sony is a heavier build (feels like the Canon XH-A1) and is almost silent when fussing around with knobs and things. See my demo here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnzxv5djDIo

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grBonQCEywE
 
Are you using the top handle zoom? Zoom speed from the top handle is set in the settings... the one on the side has the range of speeds... It is a little slower than a sony but not really that slow imo.
 
The click is normal for this camera. It does the same with a DVX100b. But it was not the case with my previous DVX (the DVX100p).
 
This may not refer to the exact same issue, however my brand new HMC155 display a weird electrical hum whenever turned on. You can hear this hum up to 10 feet away in a completely quite room....so you are not the only one hearing strange noises.

regarding your specific issue switching between auto/manual zoom I can only hear what would be consistent with the mechanically induced sound of the switch....nothing electronic...just plastic/metal meeting.

Anybody please comment if your HMC is humming away ......... thanks
 
Nope - no hum on any of my 4 HMCs.

The click is normal for many cameras when changing from manual zoom to servo. If I ever need to change (I usually shot in manual mode only) then I flick the switch and manually job the zoom ring to make sure it's engaged before I need it. I do this during a time when I know I can cut to another camera (or B-Roll) because there is a chance that things could click.

I've also noticed a huge difference in how much I can use the switched / rockers without noticing any camera movement based solely on the head it's mounted to. If you have a ceap head than has some flexibility in it you will notice it more than if you have a solid head. Better heads cost more but are worth the money.

Recording using the built in mics is OK - but if you get serious then what every camera you buy, you'll end up wanting a shotgun or wireless mics at some point.
 
My first HMC 150 had a loud very noticeable hum the first time I turned it on . The hum was constant even if I did not operate any of the controls on the camera. The camera seemed to work fine but the hum was too loud to be normal . I immediately sent it back to the the reseller and they promptly sent a new one . The new one did not have a hum .

Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top