Questions about the HMC151

[GrahamH]

I'm a Kiwi presently living in the US, but moving between the two quite often. So the HMC151, which I believe is 50/60fps switchable, seems attractive. (I see an HMC151E sometimes, is that something different, or just a more complete model number?)

From what I've read, compared with a HMC150, buying a 151 would a) cost me quite a bit more, and b) provide no warranty coverage in either US or NZ.

Are there other reasons (c, d, and e ...) not to buy one? Is there any better alternative? Thanks.

 

[Exact]

The HMC 151 would indeed provide you with total flexibility to go between the different frame rates for 50/60hz countries.

For once the european model has major benefits over the US model, although it's still costs a little more. This doesn't happen very often, and we usually get screwed in Europe by having fewer features and then it still cost more! I guess we get lucky one in a while

In terms of flexibility, the 151 is king. It can do everything that the 50hz models can do AND all the things the 60hz model can do. I've thought about saving money by buying the 152 (which was 50hz only) but in the end all of my cameras are real 151s.

I never know when I'm going to need to shoot for 60hz output, and having the 720/60 gives me a little more in terms of slo-mo options even if I am heading for 24p or 25p output. Note that you can't switch between 50 & 60 without changing cards. It won't record both 50 & 60 to the same card.

The 'E' version is just a region designation. All my HMC151s have an 'E' after them. I'm thinking the 'E' is for Europe, but I don't know that for sure.

It pays to shop around though. I have four cameras bought from three different places and the prices have ranged from £2,211 (+VAT) to £2699 + VAT. The cheaper prices were all old stock. the £2699 is still available from Jigsaw (it looks like they have 4 in stock) whereas most of the other retailers are now in the £2995+VAT range.