Through extensive research I have narrowed down my search to either the HMC150 OR HMC40 OR JVC GY-HM100. All are in my price range. Which one should I buy??

I will be shooting short films, documentaries and maybe weddings and using XLR. I know that I can buy the XLR option for the HMC40, which is fine.

I use either Avid or Premiere Pro CS5.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks - Gregory

I don't know anything about the JVC model. However, if we're talking about the HMC40 versus the HMC150, my opinion is to go with the HMC150. The reason is, the sensor is 1/3" versus the 1/4" on the HMC40. You'll have a better picture quality. Also, the audio is built in on the HMC150 and I'm to understand you have to pay extra for it on the HMC40? I could be wrong there.

Russ,
You are right about having to buy the optional XLR for the HMC40 at about $270 from B&H

Hey Gregory, I just read the specs on the JVC model and it also only has a 1/4" sensor on it. I'd really suggest that if you're planning to do short films and documentaries, that you want the 1/3" sensor or bigger. I have the AG-HMC150 and absolutely love it. I got mine used for $2,600 and it only had 4 hours on it. You won't go wrong with that camera. I worry that if you get one of the other two, you'll always have that gut feeling that you wish it was just a bit better. Of course, I guess we all feel that way don't we? There is always something out there that is out of our price range and wish we could get it.

I can't speak on the JVC, but here's a brief run down on the Panasonic choices:

HMC40:
Good camera, small size, and it's sharper than the HMC150. The downsides are: (1) It's CMOS and could have rolling shutter issues. (2) Low light is NOT as good as the HMC150.

HMC80:
It's in many ways identical to the HMC40, but in a larger case. The main advantage is that the controls are moved from on screen menu to buttons. Same downsides as the HMC40.


HMC150:
Clearly a better camera for low light compared to the HMC40 and HMC80. Not as sharp as the HMC40/HMC80, but not that big a deal in 720p mode.


Bob Diaz

I can only speak for the HMC40, we have one we use for weddings. Great little camera. For wedding receptions we always plan on using plenty of lighting. 2 LED panels on a tripod and 1 on camera. If not your image will fall apart real quick. As long as you watch your lighting its a very capable camera and delivers nice quality.

I did a review of the HMC40 for EventDV Magazine. In the review I compared the HMC40 to the HMC150 as well as the JVC HM100. Here's the link.
EventDV.net: The Event Videographer's Resource (http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/News/Feature/In-the-Field-Panasonic-AG-HMC40-66352.htm)

From the 100s of posts and some reviews that I have read on different sites it appears that they only disdvantage or negative feature of the HMC40 is the low-light performance. This can be dealt with by using lights and in post production editing. My mind is made up to buy the HMC40.

I went through the same dilemma a few weeks ago and finally went with the HMC40
I took the cam out of the box (used box, CL purchase!!) and shot in the neighborhood.
I am very very happy with the results and I don't see how someone who knows what he's doing couldn't use it at a professional level, like shooting a movie in your case.
Here's a link to the footage: 1080.24p, no effects added in post, no artificial lighting.
YouTube - 1st day with my HMC40 test shoot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVPQB_sSUts)

Shameless, plug, but I'm retiring from the video hobby (not enough time - I like playing music better than filming it!) and decided to sell my HMC40 + a number of Panasonic accessories for it, including the XLR adapter. It's posted in the Private Exchange section of the forum if you're interested. :-)

"Private Exchange section of the forum"

where is this section?