I just placed an order a B&H for a HMC150 and a Letus Extreme. A friend of mine asked me why I wasn't going with the Canon D5. Honestly I'm not sure. My question is go with the HMC150 and not the Canon D5? Are there any reasons why not to move to SLR? Someone please tell me I'm doing the right thing!
Why the HMC150 and not the Canon 5D
- Thread starter chasford
- Start date
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
What are you filming? What kinds of jobs do you handle and are you looking to get?
MichaelRizzo
Member
Because depth of field isn't the be all end all of videography and composition but it is the only thing the D5 has conclusively over the HMC 150.
I find it really cool that we're seeing good video on SLRs now. It's a big step forward for the industry as a whole, but it's not a silver bullet.
The simple fact of the matter is the HMC 150 trumps the D5 in a lot of ways, because the D5 is and always will be a still camera that shoots video, not a straight video camera.
I find it really cool that we're seeing good video on SLRs now. It's a big step forward for the industry as a whole, but it's not a silver bullet.
The simple fact of the matter is the HMC 150 trumps the D5 in a lot of ways, because the D5 is and always will be a still camera that shoots video, not a straight video camera.
I mainly shoot web videos for small to medium size businesses. I don't do weddings. I've been shooting with a DVX100B, Lav Mic, Shotgun mic and a Merlin Steadicam. I'm stepping up to larger clients. There's something about walking in with a SLR for a shoot that makes me a little nervous. It's mainly how the client will react but there's no denying how great the video from a D5 looks. From what I've seen from the D5, now I'm questioning whether you can get the same quality from a HMC150.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
Well, I'd suggest something a bit different…
I'd get a Panasonic HMC-40 and a Canon 7D. Your lav mic, your shotgun and even your Merlin should serve you well with the HMC-40, while the 7D will get you some really nice shallow DOF shots in interviews (as a B-Camera), and other cutaways. Personally, it really sounds like you're in a great situation to utilize both cameras for what your clients are looking for.
Just my .02.
I'd get a Panasonic HMC-40 and a Canon 7D. Your lav mic, your shotgun and even your Merlin should serve you well with the HMC-40, while the 7D will get you some really nice shallow DOF shots in interviews (as a B-Camera), and other cutaways. Personally, it really sounds like you're in a great situation to utilize both cameras for what your clients are looking for.
Just my .02.
Michael, could you elaborate on the advantages of a straight video camera over a still camera in regards to video.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
With a dedicated video camera (like the 150), you get more robust and proven video features (waveforms, focus assist, etc.) and better audio controls (no Auto Gain Control, XLR inputs, real audio monitoring).
William_Robinette
Shallow Member
Audio, proper monitoring, ergonomics, record times, overheating, aliasing, zebras, histograms, and on, and on....
ATL Media Group
Veteran
I can a bit (my name is also Michael... so.. heh).
Audio would be the biggest thing. 1/2 of video is the audio. Audio is VERY important. The HMC150 has built in XLR jacks for quality audio connections, and the HMC40 has an adapter made to also accommodate XLR audio.
The biggest thing to think about is this... The HMC40 shoots 10Mp photos, but it wouldn't replace a good still camera, just as a still camera that shoots video won't replace a good video camera.
Just as there is a difference between a point and shoot still camera and a 5DMKII, there is a difference between a consumer HD camera and an HMC40/150.
A crescent (adjustable end wrench) will do the work of other wrenches but that doesn't mean standard wrenches aren't a superior choice for lots of applications.
Mostly a lurker but as previously stated dedicated video cameras have some really simple but under appreciated features that we take for granted.
Try setting up a low angle shot right on the floor with a DSLR with out an external monitor. Pretty hard to frame since the viewfinder doesn't pivot and then of course if you can't see the shot its pretty hard to frame the shot.
Ditto on all the other items mentioned. The DSLR's are super cool and with a few features they could have the potential to really damage the prosumer video market.
We'll see but obviously RED has decided that one brain is fully capable of doing stills and video. Though not at the price point that I buy equipment at.
Mostly a lurker but as previously stated dedicated video cameras have some really simple but under appreciated features that we take for granted.
Try setting up a low angle shot right on the floor with a DSLR with out an external monitor. Pretty hard to frame since the viewfinder doesn't pivot and then of course if you can't see the shot its pretty hard to frame the shot.
Ditto on all the other items mentioned. The DSLR's are super cool and with a few features they could have the potential to really damage the prosumer video market.
We'll see but obviously RED has decided that one brain is fully capable of doing stills and video. Though not at the price point that I buy equipment at.
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
Quality is a broad statement... I still prefer a CCD camera over a CMOS any day of the week.
Mike Harvey
Veteran
Yeah, one needs to define "quality"... it can be a very subjective term.
CMOS is cheap ass technology and another way for manufacturers to maximise their bottom line, PROFIT. Camera's now because of CMOS are cheaper to produce but somehow are not priced accordingly. For instance, is the EX1 really worth $5000 more than the HMC??? If I were to buy one, what would I be getting apart from a few features like overcranking, and slighly better low light? Maybe its the Cinealta badge on it?
HMC and CCD's every day of the week for me.
HMC and CCD's every day of the week for me.
Hey Shaun,
I just looked at some of your videos on exposure room, really great stuff! Are you shooting with the stock camera lens or any add-ons? Are you using magic bullet in post. Very nice work, I find the colors a bit too saturated, but that's just my own taste. You are getting great results on the HMC. I am testing one out at a dealer tomorrow. I have also been looking at the GH1 because I travel and need both a still and a video camera, and I hate lugging both with me. I have seen great stuff on the GH1 as well...
I just looked at some of your videos on exposure room, really great stuff! Are you shooting with the stock camera lens or any add-ons? Are you using magic bullet in post. Very nice work, I find the colors a bit too saturated, but that's just my own taste. You are getting great results on the HMC. I am testing one out at a dealer tomorrow. I have also been looking at the GH1 because I travel and need both a still and a video camera, and I hate lugging both with me. I have seen great stuff on the GH1 as well...
Justin Kuhn
Veteran
Judicious use of a mirror tends to help low-angle problems in most any situation.
HMC150 for $1000? Let me know where... I'd get another one (already have one 151).
There's much more EX1 can offer (when compared to HMC). Way greater resolving power, 14x zoom lens, 1/2'' sensors, greater dynamic range, PCM audio, much lower noise, better workflow (easy native editing), HDSDI. Sure it has its drawbacks too... Rolling shutter, bad ergonomics.