The move to HD

J

jed leland

New member
I’ve been shooting on a standard definition Panasonic DVX100A for a few years and now reluctantly feel that HD is the next next logical step. I’ve been toying with the Canon T2i/T3i idea, but have been warned that those, or any DSLRs, are not a good choice for a serious filmmaker (due to built in compression when shooting to SD cards) and that I should start saving to buy a $6000+ camera. (I’m also unnerved by the notion of only 11 – 12 minutes of continuous shooting at a pop on DSLRs). $6000 will take me an eternity to raise.

Are there any HD cameras for less that are worth looking at that will be as satisfying as the 100A?
 
Jump on into HD the water's fine, and you'll see it better. Sounds like you're a perfect fit for a HMC-150. You'll stay in the Panasonic family you're familiar with and get everything you need to make the jump to HD for cheap. The 150 is just about at the end of it's production cycle with the introduction of new cameras in the same category at NAB. So you'll get a proven winning camera for a very reasonable price that will serve you well for years.
AG-HMC150_brochure_Page_05_Image_0001.jpg

Check out the HMC-150 forum.
 
I'm waiting for the HMC to go out of production and the price to drop a few hundred more dollars on the used market. I've had my DVX for about a year and a half and love it. When I get an HMC, I'll be using it with my lens adapter still - I'm assuming it'll be like shooting on 35mm!

My opinion is that the HMC and DVX are the best value (particularly the DVX used) cameras out there. Since I'm still a strong believer also in my 35mm adapter, I think they're the best cameras for indies / students and perfectly capable, in the right hands, to produce a top quality motion picture.
 
what are you using the camera for?
unless you work for clients or want to project your work on the big screen, I would still consider a DSLR camera.
 
Depending on what you need, the HMC40 or HMC80 can deliver tremendous value. Sharper IQ than a 150, but not so wonderful low light.

Grant
 
The AC130 really should deliver the sharper image of the HMC40/80, with low light capability that should match or exceed the HMC150 (which i consider to be a lightweight, as far as resolving image detail, for an "HD" camcorder) - and street price on the AC130 should be well under $4k shortly after it starts being shipped.
 
ryvac said:
what are you using the camera for?
Click to expand...

That is really the key question.
What are you shooting - where is it going - who is the audience?
Are you making a living with these projects, or are you shooting personal projects on your off time?

The answers to all of those are really going to affect the answer to what the 'best' camera is for your needs.
 
I have been considering a move to HD as well. I've looked into the HMC40 and I am really not sure how to go about deciding between that and the 80. I really don't care for DSLR camera's myself, i've used some friends cameras and my biggest complaint is the actual handling of the camera. I know it can get good quality images but I love the DVX100B for it's body. My plan is to sell the 100B and go from there. I've been looking at prices and I am hoping to get around $900 for it.
 
Robert M Wright said:
The AC130 really should deliver the sharper image of the HMC40/80, with low light capability that should match or exceed the HMC150 (which i consider to be a lightweight, as far as resolving image detail, for an "HD" camcorder) - and street price on the AC130 should be well under $4k shortly after it starts being shipped.
Click to expand...
+1

This cam is going to be stupendous and for the price it can't be beat with native 1920x1080 chips, better low light
and all in a Panny form factor we all know and love.
Not to mention dual SD slots for dual recording and that sweet 21x lens.
I know its gonna be a 1/3" cam but man I cant wait to see that DOF with that long lens!

The AC130 is looking to be the perfect camera for me. Its like panasonic read my mind and made a camera just for me.
Now its just for me to find the money for it lol
 
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I have a DVX100A that I keep telling myself I'm going to sell (130 hours) but I'm sentimental. But I bought a GH2 that unfortunately had a burnt pixel in the sensor and I have yet to get another one due to being back ordered everywhere, so I picked up the camera below to shoot proof of concept sizzles until I decide my next move - probably an AC130. Anyway, I am really impressed by this little camera. I picked it up on Amazon a few weeks ago for $739.00 (it's still there for that price) It's called the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D camera, but I just bought it for the camera (which is essentially a souped up TM700 with the same image quality) I bought a balanced 3.5 to XLR female cable for $21.00 and I'm able to use all my professional mics and wirelesses. (the audio's adjustable) I'm blown away by the 1080 60P at 28mbps and the 24P is solid too (although 17 mbps and not native) It's perfect for what I need it for and I figure I should be able to sell it easily in the fall. Low light's amazing as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC...EDVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305221101&sr=8-1
 
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