Questions about the HMC40, and 80

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vanvideo

Veteran
I shoot a lot of web-based HD videos for a new client. The work is steady, so I'm thinking I need a better camera than what I have. I'd like to stick with AVCHD, although the client will take HDV. I'm not crazy about HDV, and if the work stays steady, I'll eventually sell this camera for a better one and HDV probably won't re-sell well.

To be honest, my first choice of a camera is the new Canon XA10, but there aren't any out there, and delivery may be a long way off. Ditto the NX70U. I need a camera now.

So, I'm looking at the HMC40, maybe the 80. I'm also considering the HMC150, but doesn't the HMC40/80 actually shoot sharper video? Or is the HMC150 a better camera overall?

I need XLR inputs. This is my biggest need. Are there audio indicator levels on the HMC40 EFV, or does it do it all automatically? How good is the XLR module? I'll need it for basic interviews using a wireless.

If I monitor through the HDMI, does it cause the EFV to shut down? Some cameras do this.

Basically, I'm looking for a cheap, affordable camera with enough professional functions to get me by until the XA10, NX70U or similar type camera comes along. I will most certainly sell this camera in the short term.
Is the HMC40 or 80 a good choice? Any other recommendations?
 
First, let me say that I don't own the HMC40, but I have been doing extensive research for my own purchase.
The HMC40 does shoot sharper video than the HMC150...but at the expense of low light sensitivity. (The gain on the HMC40 is supposed to be rather clean though)
There are audio level indicators on the LCD/EVF. The audio with the XLR module would be the way to go for great sound...it's also nice that you get actual physical knobs for the audio with the module. (No menu diving)
In my opinion the HMC40 has way more pro features than ANY camera in it's price range including the XA10 and even the much more expensive NX70 (which IMO is targeted mainly to people working in harsh environments and weather)
The 40 has 720 modes, cine gammas, color matrices, waveform monitor, full raster chips, etc. NOTHING under $2,000 has all of these features. You may end up impressed enough to end up getting the HMC40A if there is going to be such a thing.
The main cons of it would be - The low light sensitivity isn't great. The LCD is small and low res. The gain is tied to the iris, meaning you have to be fully open to go into gain. Also tied to the IRIS are the NDs...no fully manual switch for them.
The HMC 150 if you can afford it and don't mind that it's a softer picture...has everything you could possibly need. But...B and H is backordered on the HMC150, so is Adorama. I'm just totally guessing, but I think there will be an HMC150A announced at NAB.

Back to the 40- In that price range nothing really comes close. The Canon XF100 for a bit more would be a nice upgrade when you sell. The NX70 is missing a lot of features...because it's MAIN selling point is the dustproof, environmentally sealed factor.(Cool if you need it, but if you don't...you get no 720, no real image adjustments, hardly any dials or physical controls, the sensor is just a consumer Exmor from the Handycams...good sensor...but at $3200?)

My vote is for the 40 now....XF100 later.
Good luck ( and the The 80 is a good choice for the same picture of the 40, but with less menu diving...and some extra features.)
 
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We have 4 HMC40s at our studio. I like the camera, it gives a nice picture, but it does need a lot of light. There is also the audio hiss issue going on with the XLR adapters. The hiss should not be an issue on the HMC150. In hindsight, both me and the other producer here think we should have gone with the 150s.

Just to give you some insight on the audio levels using the XLR adapter. It plugs into a proprietary interface with a very short cable. The adapter has 2 XLR inputs, each with +48v Phantom power, ATT, Line/Mic switch, and level controls. The level controls are very tiny and it makes them very difficult to adjust while shooting and keeping the camera completely still, even when on a locked-down tripod. I know because this is my every-day setup. Then there is the audio hiss that is present. The hiss is audible even with the mic levels turned all the way down (I thought I had something wrong with my mic, turns out i don't). We have 4 HMCs and 4 adapters, and they all have the hiss. Personally, if I had known about the hiss before ordering and had known ow bad it really was, I don't think I would have agreed with my producer to buy them.

Anyways, that's just my $0.02. Take it or leave it, either way, good luck with your camera purchase and future shooting. As always, keep us updated with what you buy and what you think of it.
 
I have the HMX-40 and I use the BeachTec XLR Adapter. As far as audio, the sound is very clean, but I would expect that from a passive adapter. The model I have does not supply the 48 volt phantom power.

The HMC-40 and HMC-80 use the exact same lens and CMOS sensor, so the image from both should be the same. The big plus to both is the sharp image and yes, it's sharper than the more expensive HMC-150.

However, sharpness comes at a price, in this case, the "price" is limited low light ability. As it becomes dark, the HMC-150 outshines the HMC-40/HMC-80. IF your work requires limited lighting, you'll want to pass over the HMC-40/HMC-80 and get the HMC-150.

On the other hand, if you're shooting in well lit areas, there is a good reason to go with the HMC-40/HMC-80.

As far as the HMC-40 .OR. the HMC-80, when you factor in the XLR Adapter, the cost difference isn't that much. The HMC-40 has the advantage of smaller size, making it easier to carry. It can also be made to look more like a consumer camera; great when you don't want to stand out.

The HMC-80 is the larger of the 2 cameras and has the advantage on using buttons for controls, rather than using on screen menus. It also has a sharper LCD compared to the HMC-40's LCD. One can always argue that the larger size of the HMC-80 makes the camera look more like a professional video camera.


Bob Diaz
 
i have the HMC-40, and although i don't use it for professional work, the images are just SEX.
i've never used any other camera, and i would love to own the HMC-150, but only because of the low light, which is why i purchased a PD170 which has a bigger sensor but it is SD.

i shoot mostly documentary style street racing clubs at night and i never DARE to take out the HMC-40 until i buy some good lights.
 
If I connect a wireless receiver directly to the 3.5 mic jack (bypassing the XLRs), can I control the audio levels inside the camera? Or is it completely auto?
 
vanvideo said:
If I connect a wireless receiver directly to the 3.5 mic jack (bypassing the XLRs), can I control the audio levels inside the camera? Or is it completely auto?
Click to expand...

There is no auto level mode in the camera, it's more of a limiter function for audio.

You can adjust the level on the camera. In the HMC40, it's an onscreen action on the HMC80 it's through controls on the camera.


Bob Diaz
 
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