Thanks Darren.

The brochure also includes a good explanation of MPEG4 Intra frame prediction with variable block size vs. HDV MPEG 2 with fixed blocksize. That is why I'm seeing less noise (if any at all) in sample clips from this camera vs.HDV 720p and 1080i.

The one thing i thought was a little off target was the explanation on 2x, 5x, or 10x digitial zoom.,,,, "magnification equivalent to 130x zoom without the drop in light intensity that happens when using a lens extender." I'm sorry but at 130x digital zoom will crap out and loose rez so badly, who cares about loss in light. I think we'll sacrifice that 1/2 or more stop loss for a lot more clarity thank you. At least you can correct in post.

Cheers.

Didn't you see the photo next to the 130x zoom, it looked great. :)

Just kidding.

BTW, there is a lot of info in that brochure. Very informative.

This camera has caught my eye.

It has caught my eye too, but I am still not sure if I should get a 720p camcorder instead (like the JVC HD110) or the Canon XH-A1. It could well be that the JVC, for example, gives better footage.

Any word when it will be shipped and what the waiting period will be if ordered through BH PhotoVideo?

It has caught my eye too, but I am still not sure if I should get a 720p camcorder instead (like the JVC HD110) or the Canon XH-A1. It could well be that the JVC, for example, gives better footage.

Any word when it will be shipped and what the waiting period will be if ordered through BH PhotoVideo?

October 2? It's really not confirmed but I think I heard that date mentioned.

Speaking of JVC cameras, this video (http://www.macvideo.tv/camera-technology/interviews/index.cfm?articleId=104032) is worth viewing. It is an interview with Semir Nouri, Product Manager of JVC Europe. Lots of great info about 720p60 which definitely applies to the HMC150.....

http://www.macvideo.tv/camera-technology/interviews/index.cfm?articleId=104032

Speaking of JVC cameras, this video (http://www.macvideo.tv/camera-technology/interviews/index.cfm?articleId=104032) is worth viewing.
That interview is great stuff! Thanks for posting it. So JVC will very soon switch to SD card recording as well, interesting!

That interview is great stuff! Thanks for posting it. So JVC will very soon switch to SD card recording as well, interesting!

Interesting idea to put HDV onto SDHC cards. It makes for easier editing at the moment... Sure hope FCP edits AVCHD natively and quickly with the next update!

Interesting idea to put HDV onto SDHC cards. It makes for easier editing at the moment...
But Sony have done virtually the same with the Z7 and S270, though onto CF instead of SD.

The beauty of both their approach and now that of JVC is that one has a choice of tape or solid state depending on the situation. Or both - solid state for ease of editing, keep a tape for backup. That seems a far better choice at the moment than solid state only recording.

I noticed there is a HMC-152. Seems to do it all compared to the 150. It can do PAL+NTSC. Is that the only diff?

http://panasonic.com.au/products/information.cfm?detailsID=453&contextID=4168

That's the Aussie version of the HMC-150 that can shoot upside down. ;-)

That's the Aussie version of the HMC-150 that can shoot upside down. ;-)

Cool, no need to flip the DOF adapter footage in post! ;)

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

Does anyone know if you can zoom and focus at the same time? I know it sounds pretty stupid but Canon had that big problem with their XL series (not HD cams). You had to buy the pro lense at $1400 to get around that "stock lense" issue. I have no experience with Panasonic cameras at all, which is why I'm asking. I'm very interested in using this model to replace my Canons. Thanks.

-Michael

Must say, although I realize most are receiving their's in the mail, it is a little surprising not hearing from anyone regarding the 150. It having been on the shelf for over 12 hours.

Everyone is probably out shooting em'

I know I would be!

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

At NAB I heard Barry Green say that you could shoot 12 hours of one continuous take so it must span seamlessly like the HPX170. The HPX and the HMC are very similar we are finding.

I received mine this morning!

I shot some unboxing photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/shroeger/HMC150#slideshow) for those interested.

Congrats Darren. It looks pretty small and lightweight. Look forward to any comments about the camera's functionality from you.

Cheers.

Nice! I like the Crossziel mattebox and rails.

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

My understanding is that FAT 32 allows up to a 4GB file. The reason for FAT 32 is that this is the common format for both MACs & PCs. If you try to record beyond 4GB (about 22 - 23 minutes), the camera keeps recording, but it's put on a second file. The recording does not have a break in that you do not drop anything, but the video recording does switch to a second file.


Bob Diaz

Nice! I like the Crossziel mattebox and rails.

Thanks!!

For those interested, I have shot some test footage in all the framerates and posted it online. It's the first chance to download some production model HMC150 footage onto your own system to assess and play around with.

http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.zip is the PRIVATE folder right off the card (inside another folder then .zipped)
http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.rtf is a log of all 32 clips with framerate and duration

Have fun with it everyone!!

-Darren

Congrats Darren. It looks pretty small and lightweight. Look forward to any comments about the camera's functionality from you.

Cheers.

Im going to write up a very basic first impressions comparison to the XH-A1 after I learn the control features a little more.

Darren, which camera are you coming from?

Im going to write up a very basic first impressions comparison to the XH-A1 after I learn the control features a little more.

Darren, which camera are you coming from?

I was using a Sony DSR500WS for most of my work. I also used Z1U/V1U's so coming from all Sonys is a real change. Like you, I need to learn the controls on this camera! I shot all the test footage yesterday thinking this camera is not very responsive to exposure adjustment. When I got home I discovered the AUTO/MANUAL switch was still on AUTO. Doh! Footage looked fine though, and as a result I did learn that the HMC does allow you to "fine tune" while still remaining in AUTO. Download the footage (http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.zip) and see for yourself!

-Darren

Darren,

Since you are coming from a DSR-500, how does the servo motor feel in the lens?

Is it smooth?

Does the transition from not moving to a slow creep happen easily or is it jumpy?

Thanks

Well it sure isn't the Canon 2/3" lens I'm used to but then again, I think that lens alone was around $8,000. The HMC150's servo creep is too fast in my opinion, from stop to slowest creep seems abrupt. The manual zoom has a slight "bind" to it which makes snap zooms, well, not as snappy.

Again, I'm comparing it to a $8,000 lens. When we remember that this lens is included with an amazing $3500 camera then all my criticisms start to fade away and mean very little! But you did ask....

-Darren

On my final cut 6.03, some of the clips you posted started with a few glitched frames -- is that my system's fault or the camera's? Others I can't ingest at all... I see nothing but green; which is to be expected, I guess with some of the frame rates. Most are ok in final cut.

Thanks!!

For those interested, I have shot some test footage in all the framerates and posted it online. It's the first chance to download some production model HMC150 footage onto your own system to assess and play around with.

http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.zip is the PRIVATE folder right off the card (inside another folder then .zipped)
http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.rtf is a log of all 32 clips with framerate and duration

Have fun with it everyone!!

-Darren

Chuck, just update to FCP 6.04 through Software Update. No one else noticed any glitched frames at all. Everything reads in super simple using Log & Transfer, transcodes to ProRes and LOOKS GREAT!

On my final cut 6.03, some of the clips you posted started with a few glitched frames -- is that my system's fault or the camera's? Others I can't ingest at all... I see nothing but green; which is to be expected, I guess with some of the frame rates. Most are ok in final cut.

Darren,
I think you're footage is impressive. I have two things though. #1 I get bad stuttering on your clips. Anybody know that? The other thing is what was your gain settings etc. for the indoor restaurant shot and the outside street shot. Thanks for all of your work. This is exciting. Oh, I'm in Vegas 8.0c and the footage just imports right in lickity split. It plays without any frame lag. I have a Core2Duo 2.4 and 4gigs of RAM on XPpro.
Bill

Darren:

In coming fron the Canon XH-A1, figuring out the HMC-150 controls is big change. I like it, but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Even the simplest items like charging the battery is reverse, Panasonic - green off = charged, Canon - green on = charged.

Anyway, I hope a scene file thread will get started soon so we can share presets. Im hoping to accomplish the over-saturated look of the Canon Vivid-RGB preset. I have not had time to look into presets at all yet, but hopefully they are very adjustable and this is possible.

Hopefully Chris will also set up a camera clips folder in a new HMC150 discussion topic.

Yes I came from 10 years of mainly Sony cameras so it has been a bit of a learning curve for me too. I like the HMC's controls and I think they are far better than Sony cameras at this pricepoint, it's just that mastering them that will take some relearning.

YES! Scene file exchange sounds sweeeeet!!

I am really interested in this camera. How are everyone's import/conversion/rendering times?

I also read that it takes a pretty powerful computer to edit footage from the HMC150. Are we finding this to be true?

I am possibly interested in a HMC150 but I am having a hard time finding definitive information about it. I have downloade Panasonic's brochure and it is helpful but not complete enough. Specifically, can anyone tell me if it offers the following two features:

- Ability to do rack focus (i.e., A1's ability to set a focus point, and return to it via push of a button).
- Ability to smoothly ramp a zoom in/out of the zoom end points.

I am possibly interested in a HMC150 but I am having a hard time finding definitive information about it. I have downloade Panasonic's brochure and it is helpful but not complete enough. Specifically, can anyone tell me if it offers the following two features:

- Ability to do rack focus (i.e., A1's ability to set a focus point, and return to it via push of a button).
- Ability to smoothly ramp a zoom in/out of the zoom end points.

The HMC150 does not have an external button like the A1 to set a focus point. It might be programable for this, but I don't think so.

I don't fully understand your second question. My observations are the HMC150 has very similar zoom rockers feel, placement and operation as the A1. The initial start and final stop are smooth and there is a little more adjustment in speed. The slow setting is very slow.

Very interesting camera. The price range makes it really exiting as well. However my question is about editing in FCS2 and support of AVCHD format on G5. After reading on Apple web page it looks like there is only support on Intel base Macs. Panasonic web page also states, that conversion program from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD is for Intel base processors only. Any thoughts on this one?

Hi Robert, that's been pretty much the standard with AVCHD and Macs. You'll need an Intel Mac to edit AVCHD. Look at it this way, here's your perfect excuse to get a new computer!

Very interesting camera. The price range makes it really exiting as well. However my question is about editing in FCS2 and support of AVCHD format on G5. After reading on Apple web page it looks like there is only support on Intel base Macs. Panasonic web page also states, that conversion program from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD is for Intel base processors only. Any thoughts on this one?

It is possible to convert the AVCHD to something the G5 can edit using Toast 9. I would suggest DVCProHD

It is possible to convert the AVCHD to something the G5 can edit using Toast 9. I would suggest DVCProHD

This is almost a deal breaker for me right there. Compare the nightmare of converting AVCHD or the cost of buying a new tower and the difference between HMC150 and HPX170. P2 wins hands down, since i can't get a new Powermac under $1600 (and that is the price differential here). Plus the support is already there and has a proven track.

Robert, according to your other posts, you're already shooting JVC ProHD right now. Why were you considering a switch to Panasonic AVCCAM? Just curious,

Robert, according to your other posts, you're already shooting JVC ProHD right now. Why were you considering a switch to Panasonic AVCCAM? Just curious,
Chris- size matters;). This February I am supposed to go for 10 days to Canadian Rockies and follow hard core climber on his alpine routes. Let me tell you- JVC GY-HD100 is an amazing camera, but carrying it up 3000 feet, jumaring up fixed lines, and shooting while hanging on a rope was a back braking experience. When I started this project in March of 2007 I was still using DVX100. This was a perfect combination of quality and size. Hence my interest in the new HMC150.
There is also a chance I will be going to K2 next year to shoot a documentary about Prince Abruzzi. Imagine carrying HD100 at 26 000 feet!
BTW I think I will use Canon HV20 or 30 on my trip in February. I know it's not the highest quality, but light enough and good enough to mix it up with HD100 shots.

Another question... I have an AT 897 shotgun mic I would like to use with my new camera. I see that the HMC150 has XLR input which is good, but I'm not sure what provisions are made for physically attaching a 3rd-party mic. Can anyone tell me if there is a way to physically attach a 3rd-party shotgun mic with this camera?

...a way to physically attach a 3rd-party shotgun mic with this camera?

It comes with a detachable rubberized mount which allows any shotgun to be used. My ME66 Sennheiser fits nicely with its foam windscreen

Thanks to all in this thread and over in the XH-A1 forum for your advice. I decided to bite the bullet and order the HMC150 today. I plan to order two PNY 16gb SDHC class 4 cards, a spare large battery and 72mm UV filter later this evening. I already have a good shotgun mic, tripod, etc. I am hoping this is enough to get me going. Soon I know I will be looking for a significant upgrade to my current video PC as I start cranking through that AVCHD.

Hi Jerry,

Just wondering if you received your new camera yet, and what your initial first impressions are?

BTW, what NLE are you currently using, and will be using to edit the AVCHD files?

Best,

Hi Jeff, I've received it and have been so busy I have only done some token shots. I plan to spend most of Sunday or Monday shooting, trying all the different settings and features.

The best advice I got here was to NOT RENT an HD camera for an upcoming event that would allow me only one or two days to come up to speed with a camera new to me. Buying this camera was definitely the right choice. I've got a lot to learn and have been reading through the manual and the forums every chance I get. I love the feel of the camera and, for the most part, the layout of the controls. I came from a GL2 and obviously the IQ on this cam is so much better. Maybe the GL2 focuses a little faster though.

I think I will really like the way you can shoot with the HMC150 in manual, but then auto reset the focus or iris with a quick touch of a button - this will be very useful. I expect I will get used to the placement of these buttons - I think it would be more logical for me if they were side by side, but one with a bump and the other with an indent so you could operate those two easily by feel.

I edit in Vegas 8c but am unfortunately running on a Pentium 4 3.0ghz. But I am surprised that I can preview a single 720 24p clip in "almost" real time. I haven't yet tried compositing multiple tracks. I will be getting a quad core before long. I had planned to do that no matter which cam I bought.

I'll post more when I have some meaningful experience to share. Thanks for your insights that helped me with the decision to go with the HMC150.

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the reply. Definitely understand about not renting a camera you're not familiar with; a couple of days isn't enough time to learn to use it. I'm glad you like the choice you've made in buying the HMC150.

I've been also thinking about the HD migration, and started out when we bought the Canon HV30. Unfortunately, we'll need to update our PC as well (still editing with an old Dell Dimension, 3.4ghz hyperthread, 2gRam, XP); and been thinking going quad core to best deal with HDV files (and maybe AVCHD files!). Currently, we've been shooting with the XL2 for a better part of two and half years, and will still continue to shoot SD at least for the better part of next year. (Thankfully, clients have not asked for HD, but still want to be prepared when they do.)

Will be looking forward to more updates.

(BTW, I think you're mistaking me for the other Jeff, Mr. Jeff Kellam, who has generously posted photos of his HMC150, and wrote about his impressions of the cam.)

Best,

I am possibly interested in a HMC150 but I am having a hard time finding definitive information about it. I have downloade Panasonic's brochure and it is helpful but not complete enough. Specifically, can anyone tell me if it offers the following two features:

- Ability to do rack focus (i.e., A1's ability to set a focus point, and return to it via push of a button).
- Ability to smoothly ramp a zoom in/out of the zoom end points.

Jerry:

Update - I have found the HMC-150 will do some amazing rack focus shots. You need this tool:

Bogen / Manfrotto | 521PFI Focus Remote Control | 521PFI | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531214-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_521PFI_521PFI_Focus_Remote_Control.html#specifications)

Well worth it.

Jeff

Just ordered the 150 from B&H photo for 3500. It will be here next week. Can't wait ! :-)

Been shooting with my trusty old Canon GL2 for the last four years without any problems.
That camera has been through hell and high water which included three typhoons in Saipan and the Phillipines. It "just keeps going" :-) It is one honey of a machine.
Needed to move up to HD. The Canon A1 was my 1st choice for awhile. Had a strong need to get out of the tape business.

The 150 won by being tapeless. I consider myself a rank newbie when it comes to talking about more of the technical stuff you all are talking about. Slowly getting a handle on it. Used Pinnacle 9 , 10 and Avid Liquid for most of my editing in SD.

Just bought a quad core computer with the Phenom chip and 3 gigs of RAM to edit with P-12 as soon as my graphic card arrives too. PNY XLR8 GeForce 8800 GT. The computer has XP installed. Some of my friends said that I need to get XP pro or consider the possibility of of going to Vista. Open to suggestions here.

I hope I am on the right track with this combo. Still groping in the dark and feeling my way along as best as I can.

Will keep shooting SD with my GL2 as I make the slow transition to tapeless HD. The 150 has two XLR inputs. Can I buy a mini adapter for my RODE shot gun to plug into the XLR ? I shoot mostly travel logs and an occasional wedding, lots of yacht races and surfing contest's from the back of a powerboat or jet ski. Thanks in advance for your replies on this. Bob :-)

I need some assistance. I have footage shot at 720p 30fps and when I play it back natively in toast 9 it looks great.

Any time I try to encode it either in Final Cut or Toast it renders very fast. It is like it doubled the frame rate. No matter what frame rate I import it at or what codec I use it always comes out super fast. Any ideas?

I need some assistance. I have footage shot at 720p 30fps and when I play it back natively in toast 9 it looks great.

Any time I try to encode it either in Final Cut or Toast it renders very fast. It is like it doubled the frame rate. No matter what frame rate I import it at or what codec I use it always comes out super fast. Any ideas?

Why is the fast rendering a problem? I'm sure many would be happy with that, how about the output quality, does that look bad?

edit: Now I see I misunderstood, you meant it plays too fast?

I'm having the same problem with 720/30p AVCHD footage that plays too fast once it's brought in to Final Cut. I was told by Panasonic that of all the modes you can shoot in on the HMC150, PH mode at 720/30p is not yet supported by FCP. All other modes/frame rates are.

So I had to transfer the footage to tape on a different camera.

Hi Jeff. Thanks for the heads up on this. I like everything except the price! I especially like the ability to set focus limits for rack focus shots.

The 521pfi does not include zoom control - you have to buy the 521P to get that. So zoom, focus and iris control is north of $500.

Jerry:

Update - I have found the HMC-150 will do some amazing rack focus shots. You need this tool:

Bogen / Manfrotto | 521PFI Focus Remote Control | 521PFI | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531214-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_521PFI_521PFI_Focus_Remote_Control.html#specifications)

Well worth it.

Jeff