Sony HDRfx7 or Panasonic AG-HMC40

richke

richke

Well-known member
Amazon has a 12 month no interest on these cameras. I have been waiting about 4 years to get an actual better camera than my Panasonic GS300 and I was already leaning to the HMC-40 because of the 1080i capability.

But Amazon will not have it in stock until March 19th. This Sony is available now for about
$1900, which is still in my range but $300 more than the panasonic.

Should I just wait until March and stick with the HMC40 or is the Sony just as good?
Thanks,
Rich
 
I own a HMC40, and in trying not to be bias, I personally feel it is your best choice for a few reasons.

First of all, the HMC40 records to SDHC cards, whereas, the Sony HDRfx7 is tape based, thus it does not support full HD, as does the HMC40.
Additionally, the HDRfx7 is about 1 1/2 pounds heavier than the HMC40. It's maximum illumination is at 4 lux, as opposed to the HMC40's 1 lux.

The only upside (IMO) with the HDRfx7, is that is has a 3 1/2" lcd screen, actually has ND filters (1/4,1/16), and has a max shutter speed of 1/10,000

In the end, I feel the HMC40 gives you much more bang for your buck.
 
I noticed it does not have XLR in...I have a juiced link that I bought to use with my old GS300. I can use that right? I do not need to get the pansonic XLR box do I?

And thanks for the info JT!
 
I've had a FX7 and a HMC40. The only advantages that the FX7 had over it, in my opinion, were the larger viewfinder and LCD, 20x optical zoom (as opposed to 12x on the HMC40), and the built-in ND filters.
 
Richke

Just a question: Why would you want to shoot interlaced? You would be giving up one of the best features of a cam upgrade by not shooting progressive and the Sony doesn't do progressive. And the Sony is HDV rather than AVCHD, which is inferior. At this point I can't imagine going back to tape. The 20x lens on the Sony would be nice....

There are lots of places to buy the HMC40, BH has it with free shipping for $1659.95. Amazon is a sketchy place to buy from as you may be buying from a non-dealer or worse, get a grey market cam.

the best way to record audio on the HGMC40 is with the Panna MYA30G adapter, but a juiced link will work.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist.jsp&A=cart&Q=add&sku=625605&is=REG&q=1

Grant
 
Thanks guys! I'm going with the HMC 40 - I was not aware of the interlace on the Sony...so yeah that makes me deffinately stick with the Panasonic.

Grant - I am going with amazon through Amazon.com - you have to get the 12 months no interest. So it will not be some other person/cpmpany but Amazon.com directly - hence the wait. They have to order ot from Panasonic I guess. I wanted to go through B&H but I don't have the cash upfront and I'm not going to put it on something that has a high percentage rate. I guess I do not know what you mean when you say "Grey market cam."
Rich
 
b&h had six months no interest...bought there. Should be to me by the end of the week!!!
 
About grey market cams:

They might be an overseas model which makes your US warranty void. I believe (check me) that if you buy a US market cam from a non-dealer, you might also have warranty issues. Lots of folks buy grey market and do ok, and maybe get a great deal too, but there are risks.

And congrats on your new cam, they are truly a sleeper in the mass of mid-priced cams. It is capable of some excellent work.

Grant
 
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