ALL: Would you choose an AC 130A or AC 160A for interview work or something else?

HVX or HPX might get a tad expensive with P2, but HMC150 is a great cam. I had two of them before the AC130/160s. Depending on the price I'm sure you'd do well with one. FWIW, the new Vixias still look better though...
 
Nate, not sure I understood ..... Vixias look better than HMC?, HVX?, HPX? or all of the above? Better than the XA 20 or 25?
 
kenackr said:
Nate, not sure I understood ..... Vixias look better than HMC?, HVX?, HPX? or all of the above? Better than the XA 20 or 25?
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It is my personal opinion that the images from the XA20/25, G20/30 look better than the images from the older generation Pannys based on sharpness, color, and dynamic range. However, for certain purposes, having a larger camera with finer manual control and physical buttons may overtake the overall images produced. It's a personal call.
 
The Panasonic HMC150 would indeed be a very viable option. One can find lots of them for sale on eBay in used condition for very affordable prices.


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Panasonic+HM-C150+used&_sop=15



Same would be true for the Canon XA series. Why not consider the older Canon XA10? Dealers still have some new stock, and some are currently closing them out at very low prices. 42nd Street Photo is selling them brand new for only $1,374. That is a savings of a whopping 31% over what the XA10 was selling for just a few months ago, before the XA20 and XA25 were announced.

This is probably the most cost effective solution of all, if you want to insist on having XLR audio inputs.


http://www.42photo.com/pd-productid-105614-k-canon_xa10_hd_professional_camcorder.htm

105614_l_x10.jpg
 
If I'm recalling correctly, the HMC150 is the one that its true recording resolution is 720p, which it up-rez'es to 1080p. Which makes a not too great video quality. It was what I was planning to get before deciding on the AC130.
 
Here is a comparison test between the AC130 and HMC150 that was posted in this forum not long after the AC130 came on the market.



 
BrandonT said:
If I'm recalling correctly, the HMC150 is the one that its true recording resolution is 720p, which it up-rez'es to 1080p. Which makes a not too great video quality. It was what I was planning to get before deciding on the AC130.
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Correct, it's basically the HPX170 with a different encoding/recording block... same sensors, lens, and controls otherwise. For technical, landscape, etc, no... it ain't the sharpest tool in the shed. For interviews, though, I'm of the personal opinion that the mild softness works in its favor. Only reason I'm selling mine (and my HVX) is that a broadcast client is retooling to PMW-200's
 
mcbob said:
C. For technical, landscape, etc, no... it ain't the sharpest tool in the shed. For interviews, though, I'm of the personal opinion that the mild softness works in its favor.
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Very good point. Just how important is high resolution for filming an interview? What added benefit will it really give?

Besides, for publishing on the web, 720p is really more the norm.
 
LanceOregon said:
Very good point. Just how important is high resolution for filming an interview? What added benefit will it really give?

Besides, for publishing on the web, 720p is really more the norm.
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Truth. For over half of the web-destined projects I do, spec is to shoot in 1080 and edit in 720
 
mcbob said:
Truth. For over half of the web-destined projects I do, spec is to shoot in 1080 and edit in 720
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Yeah, same here. For most stuff, I edit in 1080 and publish in 720. But if it's a lot of interviews and I want to be able to digitally zoom a bit, then I go ahead and make the sequence 720.
 
Well I just lost another half written post and have no clue where it went. Seems like every time I switch to another page to check something, I loose it.

Here's where I think I am:

Under consideration: Canon - XA10, XA20, XA 25, XF100 ; Pana - AC130, HMC 150

If price were the only criteria the XA10 would win, but price is NOT the determining factor. The XA 10 is NOT equal in features (small zoom), and may not be equal in pic quality. I prefer choosing the tool that will always make me smile when I pick it up. Rarely have the lowest cost contenders given me that feeling.

Price other than XA10: THe HMC 150 and XA20 call strongly to me but the 150 has a significantly shorter lens. For the interview project, that doesn't matter, but I always wanted more lens than the DVX had.
In that regard, the 130 tops the pile but the XA20 & 25 aren't far behind and I know it won't be forever interviews. Even though there's a $300 price break on B&H for the 130, it still stretches my pocket just a bit too far.

Future Proofing: I think this criteria is more important to me assuming picture quality is equal and here is where I feel inadequately prepared in regard to codecs and other other feats of magic poof.

XLR inputs: Of course, it's more than just the input connectors, but it's very difficult to determine what's going on in the mic pre-amp department unless others are raving or panning the sound quality or you hear it yourself in the right environment.

So, which do you think are the top 3 contenders based on that criteria? Or other things I didn't mention?
 
I own the Canon Hf G30 and the Panny 130. The Canon is the same as the Xa20/25 minus the XLR connections.

My best advice to you is the 130.






kenackr said:
Well I just lost another half written post and have no clue where it went. Seems like every time I switch to another page to check something, I loose it.

Here's where I think I am:

Under consideration: Canon - XA10, XA20, XA 25, XF100 ; Pana - AC130, HMC 150

If price were the only criteria the XA10 would win, but price is NOT the determining factor. The XA 10 is NOT equal in features (small zoom), and may not be equal in pic quality. I prefer choosing the tool that will always make me smile when I pick it up. Rarely have the lowest cost contenders given me that feeling.

Price other than XA10: THe HMC 150 and XA20 call strongly to me but the 150 has a significantly shorter lens. For the interview project, that doesn't matter, but I always wanted more lens than the DVX had.
In that regard, the 130 tops the pile but the XA20 & 25 aren't far behind and I know it won't be forever interviews. Even though there's a $300 price break on B&H for the 130, it still stretches my pocket just a bit too far.

Future Proofing: I think this criteria is more important to me assuming picture quality is equal and here is where I feel inadequately prepared in regard to codecs and other other feats of magic poof.

XLR inputs: Of course, it's more than just the input connectors, but it's very difficult to determine what's going on in the mic pre-amp department unless others are raving or panning the sound quality or you hear it yourself in the right environment.

So, which do you think are the top 3 contenders based on that criteria? Or other things I didn't mention?
Click to expand...
 
kenackr said:
Well I just lost another half written post and have no clue where it went. Seems like every time I switch to another page to check something, I loose it.

Here's where I think I am:

Under consideration: Canon - XA10, XA20, XA 25, XF100 ; Pana - AC130, HMC 150

If price were the only criteria the XA10 would win, but price is NOT the determining factor. The XA 10 is NOT equal in features (small zoom), and may not be equal in pic quality. I prefer choosing the tool that will always make me smile when I pick it up. Rarely have the lowest cost contenders given me that feeling.

Price other than XA10: THe HMC 150 and XA20 call strongly to me but the 150 has a significantly shorter lens. For the interview project, that doesn't matter, but I always wanted more lens than the DVX had.
In that regard, the 130 tops the pile but the XA20 & 25 aren't far behind and I know it won't be forever interviews. Even though there's a $300 price break on B&H for the 130, it still stretches my pocket just a bit too far.

Future Proofing: I think this criteria is more important to me assuming picture quality is equal and here is where I feel inadequately prepared in regard to codecs and other other feats of magic poof.

XLR inputs: Of course, it's more than just the input connectors, but it's very difficult to determine what's going on in the mic pre-amp department unless others are raving or panning the sound quality or you hear it yourself in the right environment.

So, which do you think are the top 3 contenders based on that criteria? Or other things I didn't mention?
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XA10. Keep it simple. This camera will do what you need. Dont get over techy on bit rates and such. If you have a good story and clean audio that is all that really matters. Focus on what matters the story.
 
Any and all choices will do what you need. I think you should look very hard at the XA20. If the 20x lens and 60p isn't worth $700 for you, the XA10 will do the job. Apart from the form factor and manual controls on the AC130, I think the XA20 is the better camera; its unobtrusive, the autofocus and stabilization works a treat, and the camera shoots tasty 60p.

Unless you really want something else (and in that case, just do it) go with the affordable option that does the job at hand. In two years, your cell phone will shoot better video anyways - its a losing battle. Buy used and sell early. I think you can be confident that whatever you choose, the audio and video results will surpass the current capabilities of your DVX.
 
Lou, rzr, and Nate,

I sure appreciate your feedback along with everyone that chimed in. Although each of you has a different perspective on the situation, you are each correct for your own reasons.

Nate, you are probably right in saying it's a losing battle, with technology sprinting down the home stretch in a constantly accelerating mode. Pretty soon we'll need to wear Tachyon Suits just to stay close to the event horizon.

I'd like to know just what that tasty 60P tastes like. Chicken? Steak? Lobster? Heck, I've been on rice & beans for so long I don't remember anymore.
 
again, semi-shameless self-promotion... my HMC is on the used market for $1800, or same price for my HVX w/ 2 64GB P2 cards

Of course, if you want longer zoom than your DVX, neither of those will do it for you.
 
kenackr said:
Lou, rzr, and Nate,

I sure appreciate your feedback along with everyone that chimed in. Although each of you has a different perspective on the situation, you are each correct for your own reasons.

Nate, you are probably right in saying it's a losing battle, with technology sprinting down the home stretch in a constantly accelerating mode. Pretty soon we'll need to wear Tachyon Suits just to stay close to the event horizon.

I'd like to know just what that tasty 60P tastes like. Chicken? Steak? Lobster? Heck, I've been on rice & beans for so long I don't remember anymore.
Click to expand...

For what you will be doing 60P wont matter. I was all hyped up on 60P. I almost never shoot in it for 2 reason.
1 file size (eats up allot of space at 4:2:2 AVC-100). Storing the footage on a redundant system eats up allot of HD space.
2 I have not been asked by one paying client that wants it in that form.

I spent the extra in good audio and tripods and storage media and ext calibrated monitor and etc.... (and the list just keeps growing)
 
kenackr said:
I'd like to know just what that tasty 60P tastes like. Chicken? Steak? Lobster? Heck, I've been on rice & beans for so long I don't remember anymore.
Click to expand...
Hi again Ken, 60p (50p here in NZ) will give you stutter free pans and the opportunity to slo mo. While you probably won't be doing any whip pans in interviews, it is a nice thing to have for a bit of future proofing. If you start shooting sport, or any scenario where talent crosses in front of a static camera you will be pleased you have it! 25p will give you ghosts and stutter. However, if you pan with the subject then all will be well. -(but you probably know all of this!)
Cheers!
Rod
 
rzr,

That's good to know, makes me feel less envious, less like the orphan at the feast watching from the outside.

Thanks!
 
Rod,

Thanks for the feedback!

It's just that I've never had the equipment to mess with with it. I'm well trained to NEVER EVER whip my pans even when they burn dinner I spent 2 hours on for a new girlfriend. ;-).
 
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