What should I look for in a used HMC150?

O

oxband

Well-known member
So, I'm buying my 1st camera, and after much research, I've decided on an HMC150. I have the money to buy new, but I'm considering buying used to save on price.

Anyone have any advice for what to look for when buying used? I feel like there are details I might want to look for that I'm totally unaware of.
 
AVCCAM like the HMC150 comes with a 3 year warranty. This may be a better idea to buy a new one instead of a used one.
 
In the menu you can check the number of hours on the camera.

The warranty is not transferrable, but with no mechanical parts on it, you most likely won't need it. My biggest concern would be if it was abused. Make sure they've had a clear filter to protect the lens.
 
Have any of you ever bought a camera used? I'm still unsure about it. I'd save probably close to 600 if I did, and I could get it from sellers who have high satisfaction rankings on Ebay. At the same time, part of me feels that if I'm serious about making this my career - which I am - than just go new so you are sure it's been treated well.

I'm planning on getting my tripod used but I'm just torn about the camera.
 
DNathan said:
but with no mechanical parts on it, you most likely won't need it.
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There ARE moving parts - but not on the recording side. The moving parts include the optical image stabilization system (OIS) , so as long as that's working you should be OK. Also the IRIS is a moving part!

Check that the card can be inserted / ejected correctly and that the camera records to the card correctly.

My biggest concern would be if it was abused. Make sure they've had a clear filter to protect the lens.
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Dream on. I have 4 HMCs and I don't have a 'clear filter' on any of them. They are simply not needed by the vast majority of responsible users, so don't use this as a buy / no buy decision.

If the LCD & view finder work, if the auto focus works (some times it's slow - and I rarely use it anyway!), then check the IRIS, check that the zoom is smooth and not noisy or jittery.

Check that all the parts are there - e.g. the mic holder, the battery charger etc, the user manual and does it come with the original box?

As long as it's not showing signs of abuse there is much less risk in buying a solid state camera than any camera than used tapes.
 
If you are buying on eBay look for great feedback, the warranty is a big deal, I bought mine used because it had a transferable B+H warranty, but now I can't download software from Panasonic's website because I'm not the original owner. At most you will save $200-300, buying used, I did it because I got an extended warranty along with 3 16GB SD cards for the price of new. Are the savings you're going to get going to be worth it?
 
When I was shopping back in February, B & H were selling import models brand new with 90 days warranty. Their model number is HMC-155, but they are identical to the U.S model. I paid 2754 + some $25 shipping. I would call and check if they still sell those. B & H is a highly reputable vendor. Good luck!
 
oxband said:
So, I'm buying my 1st camera, and after much research, I've decided on an HMC150. I have the money to buy new, but I'm considering buying used to save on price.

Anyone have any advice for what to look for when buying used? I feel like there are details I might want to look for that I'm totally unaware of.
Click to expand...


I bought mine used. Had 29 hrs on it. Never been registered before. Ask the seller for the original invoice. Went to Panasonic, reg. in my name, got the 3 year warranty and the MUST HAVE upgrade for the class 10 cards.
Lucky I guess.
If the camera is not upgraded, you might have a problem . The new class 10 cards will not work. Be carefull.
I'd buy new and avoid potential disaster.

G.
 
When buying a any 2nd hand camcorder check the screen very carefully for dead pixels. I didn't spot one on the last camera I bought, fortunately the seller was reasonable and gave me a refund. No reports of dead pixels in HMCs yet but worth a check.
 
you're a fool for not using filters on your lens. you may be careful, but others may not be,
and I sure would rather replace a $20 filter than send it in for a major repair. It's cheap insurance
 
Gerhard Helmut said:
I bought mine used. Had 29 hrs on it. Never been registered before. Ask the seller for the original invoice. Went to Panasonic, reg. in my name, got the 3 year warranty and the MUST HAVE upgrade for the class 10 cards.
Lucky I guess.
If the camera is not upgraded, you might have a problem . The new class 10 cards will not work. Be carefull.
I'd buy new and avoid potential disaster.
Click to expand...

Why would not being able to use class 10 cards be a problem? Don't class 6 cards work just fine?
 
So I didn't know you could do this, but Panasonic let me transfer the Extended Warranty for my camera into my name today - very cool :-D
 
Good for you sublime, that's good to hear.

Obviously the lens thing is up for debate. The guy I bought one of my cameras from always used the filter, so it was a nice selling point to me. I haven't been as disciplined, but after this last weekend I'm thinking filters can cause more problems than they're worth.

Another thing up for debate, but you don't need class 10. You don't even need class 6. I switched from Transcend class 6 to SanDisk UltraII class 4 per a previous discussion. Blistering speed is unnecessary for capture (even the top HD setting) and not very noticeable when you copy to the hard drive. It saved me a lot of money when someone told me this. ;o)
 
DNathan said:
Good for you sublime, that's good to hear.


Another thing up for debate, but you don't need class 10. You don't even need class 6. I switched from Transcend class 6 to SanDisk UltraII class 4 per a previous discussion. Blistering speed is unnecessary for capture (even the top HD setting) and not very noticeable when you copy to the hard drive. It saved me a lot of money when someone told me this. ;o)
Click to expand...

True. However class 6 or lower cards may not be manufactured anymore soon.
Class 10 is the new 6. And these cards don't last forever either.
Anyway, I would not buy a used camera that can't be upgraded by Panosonic.
My 2 cents.
G.
 
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