I've tried to research this and I can't find any comparative info. Is the codec and bit rate the same? Does 1/4" v. 1/3" really make much difference? Is the lens the same? Is the HMC150 really worth the price difference, which is about double?

I've got an Sony A1U and I was think switching to the HMC70. I have to admit that part of my motivation is the more professional look of the bigger camera.

I did a search on U-tube and found some footage of the HMC-70 and it looked very consumery also it doesnt have manual focus. I am saving my dollars for the 150.

The big difference between this camera can truely be seen in low light footage. I've had my hmc70 for about 9 months done every from car shows to corporate meetings. Under normal indoor lighting condition (a room with all the light on) the camera does a great job.
I have a 50 watt on camera light for when thing are too dark. I wanted the HMC 150, but it was not in my budget. I started looking for something affordable that looked professional. this camera fit the bill. If you are going to do weddings or party's plans having lights. Here some Footage http://www.vimeo.com/user797666/videos

The camera is helping save for the HMC150

Nice work Abraham. I'm watching the videos and realize your in Meriden. I'm in Bristol. Give me a call if you'd like and we can talk shop. 860.940.9262

Thanks, Paul

I will give you a call tomorrow.

Anytime good?

Is the codec and bit rate the same?
Yes and no. The 150 does what the 70 does, but not the other way around. Meaning, the 70 does 1080/60i (and *only* 1080/60i) at up to 17mbps. The 150 does 720/24p, 720/30p, 720/60p, 1080/24p, 1080/30p, and 1080/60i, at bit rates up to 24mbps (21mbps average).

For a 1080/60i-only camera, the 70 really does surprisingly well.

Is the lens the same?
Nothing similar at all about the lenses. The 150 is a 72mm manual-control lens with the ability for ring-based manual focus and manual cam-driven zoom. The 70 doesn't have any lens rings at all, it's really pretty much an autofocus-only product. You can technically manually focus, but it's by means of pressing a "+" or "-" button.

Is the HMC150 really worth the price difference, which is about double?
Depends on what you're shooting and what your priorities are, of course. If you want a shoulder-mount autofocus camera to shoot 1080/60i, then no, probably not. But if you want stuff like an in-camera waveform and vectorscope monitor, manual focus and zoom controls, the higher bitrate of PH mode, or 24p, or 720p, then the 150 does those things and the 70 doesn't, hence the price tag difference.

Nice work Abraham. I'm watching the videos and realize your in Meriden. I'm in Bristol. Give me a call if you'd like and we can talk shop. 860.940.9262

I was born in Meriden... Raised here in GA though. Been back a few times.

Welcome Mike. Looks like the Nutmeg State (I hate that slogan) is well represented.

Sony just re-released the HDR-FX7, at a list price of $1999.99. It would seem likely the street price on an FX7 will be close to current street price of an HMC70, in the near future. In most regards, I would think the FX7 is by far the superior camera.