Thinking of replacing my two XHA1's for two HMC40's...

Rylan Zolinski

Rylan Zolinski

Well-known member
I am tired of using tapes and want to make the jump to cards. I see a few options available right now: The XA10 was just announced and while it looks appealing, it seems to be more of a high-end consumer camera. I can sell my two XHA1's and save enough to purchase two XF100's, or just sell what I have and have enough to buy two HMC40's.

How comparable is the HMC40 to the XHA1's image quality? Also, does he HMC40 have a lot of manual controls to tinker with like the XHA1?
 
From what I've gathered and seen, the HMC is sharper than the XHA1, but not as good in low light. The gain on the HMC40 can only be engaged after the iris is fully open. Conversely, you can't switch NDs like the XHa1. Also, there is only 1 manual ring on lens vs 3 for A1, and not as many physical controls overall (it's a lot more menu driven). You do get 720 60 for slow motion though and a lot of the image parameter adjustments and curves. It's also much lighter and smaller than an A1, if that's good or bad is up to taste.
Another option for tapeless and a lot less time selling and buying new would be the Focus Enhancement for Canon...you could keep your cameras and go tapeless that way.
A more similar tapless solution to the A1 from Panasonic would be the HMC150. Both have 1/3" CCDs vs the HMC40 3 1/4" CMOS, both have lots of manual controls and actual physical switches and buttons and both are highly customizable.
 
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I have a Focus Firestore for my DVX. Good image quality and reliable, but poor battery life. Have you given any consideration for the Ki Pro Mini or a Nano Flash?
 
A lot depends on what type of video you do. The HMC40 can produce a fine sharp image, however I do multi-cam event video, often in low light. In my case I like the A1 better, and dump the tape thing by using a data video dn-60, CF HDV recorder. In low or even moderate light, the HMC40 autofocus gets confused when the A1 (or HMC150) is rock solid. I would replace an A1 with an HMC150, but not an HMC40. For folks working in a studio with lots of light and manual focus, the HMC40 would be great.
 
Having done some multi-cam stuff with the A1 and the 40, I actually prefer the 40 in almost every situation, including many low light scenarios. Even with a modest amount of gain I think the color and sharpness of the 40 beats the A1 handily. I'm guessing this is because of the 40's full raster 1080p and better codec. The 40 only really falls apart when you need more than 18db gain.

Of course, the A1 probably has a better LCD, EVF, and way more buttons and dials vs controls buried in a touchscreen menu, so there's that to consider.
 
Depending on what sort of work you do, the Canon XF100 could be a good option - dual SDHC slots, higher bitrate recordings, night vision etc., not to mention a much wider angle lens.

The lack of wideness on the HMC40's lens is just about the only thing I don't like about the camera.
 
How about a hmc-40 and hmc-80. They have the same imager so they should cut perfectly. You would get the benefit of two form factors and a few extra features on the hmc-80. You would get a great little handheld and a shoulder mt also. I have a hmc-40 and it is a great little cam with excellent IQ. My only real gripes on the 40 are the marginal VF and LCD. They are good enough, but barely. The low light issue is a non-issue for me, your mileage may very. I do wish the 40 had more neutral density ability, outside in bright light, you may need to add more external filters. When outside, I park a polarizer on the cam.

Grant
 
Thanks for the input! We are focusing on training videos for corporations, dance recitals, Christmas concerts, and a new idea we want to try out which is real estate virtual video tours (rather than panoramic views). I think the HMC40 would be fine for this?
 
I would highly recommend trying to get your hands on an HMC40 to test out before you commit to one (or two).
I have one, and I'm constantly amazed by the images it puts out given it's size/price - but I bought it specifically for outdoor daytime shooting.
The HMC40's biggest weakness is low light - moreso than with pretty much any other camera I've ever used.

Now, if you give it a lot of light, it'll absolutely rock. No question.
But if its dim, it's not going to be the camera you want with you.
 
It looks like I have some thinking to do. Buying external recorders almost seems like a waste of money to me considering their price. I'd rather just buy a camera that doesn't utilize tape.
 
Morox said:
Thanks for the input! We are focusing on training videos for corporations, dance recitals, Christmas concerts, and a new idea we want to try out which is real estate virtual video tours (rather than panoramic views). I think the HMC40 would be fine for this?
Click to expand...

The HMC40 or HMC80 will work fine for the items you listed. Just one little thing with real estate...

The lens of the HMC40/HMC80 is not wide enough to get the full view that you'll want. To shoot a home properly, you'll need additional lighting AND a wide angle adapter for the camera.



Bob Diaz
 
How about using DSLR's for home? I was now thinking of picking up two T2i's for video home tours and selling my two XHA1's and getting the HMC40's for events (dance recitals, Christmas concerts, etc). My only problem is if whether or not I could use DSLR's as a main source for "some" video. I would buy two external monitors as well.
 
The Canon XA10 looks pretty good to me and it looks like they have put it in the pro group. I'd get that over 2 T2i. Instead of dropping money on two consumer DSLRs and two HMC40s which don't look that great jump up to the HPX170, maybe the HMC-150 or the XF100.

Morox said:
I am tired of using tapes and want to make the jump to cards. I see a few options available right now: The XA10 was just announced and while it looks appealing, it seems to be more of a high-end consumer camera. I can sell my two XHA1's and save enough to purchase two XF100's, or just sell what I have and have enough to buy two HMC40's.

How comparable is the HMC40 to the XHA1's image quality? Also, does he HMC40 have a lot of manual controls to tinker with like the XHA1?
Click to expand...
 
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