I'm in the market for a new camera and looking at several including the HM700 with a 7X5BRMU Fujinon lens.
(I'm new to memory cards / tapeless Video cameras).

What's considered high hours (over ____) on a used camera?

Exactly what brand of SDHC memory card would be best for it?
How many minutes can you put on a 32 GB card at 1080P?

Besides using the camera as a transfer device - is there a recommended card reader?

I assume one method to backing up would be to transfer the card into my NLE. Then backup the clips from the NLE onto a Bluray Data disc? so the memory cards could be reused for the next day's shoot.

Finally how does the dual swappable card feature work? Records to one card and uses the 2nd one as backup for when the first card becomes filled or?

Would be editing in PP CS5.5 (on a PC).

Thanks.

Hey Jeff, I have an HM 700 and love it for what I do. This was my first tapeless camera and I was nervous at first but I haven't had a problem yet (fingers crossed) I use Transcend 32GB and 16 GB cards and haven't had any problems. The 32GB holds just over 110 min at 720p60 HQ. When I get home I just slide the card into the card reader on my computer and transfer the files to a Raid. I try to hold onto the cards until my project is edited but that isn't always the case. I always make sure I have the files on 2 hard drives at all times. When one card fills up it automatically starts recording on the second one. This feature is flawless. I have had many times where my card fills up and the second one starts being used. I have never had a problem with video or audio matching up in post. I use FCP but a few of my first use CS 5.5 and they don't have any issues with it. Hope this helps answer some questions.

C-Train

Thank Calvin - Saw online recently where others were recommending Transcend at well. Must be a good one!

This is NOT a commercial message, but Best Buy has a special on SanDisk Extreme Class10 16gb cards in their ad in my Sunday paper ... bought one for $39.95. without rebate forms or anything ... just fyi...

Been using Sandisc ever since I went full digital. Along with their card reader they get the job done.
The duel card bays mean you can keep recording. IE, both A & B slots have cards. Camera starts recording to A slot until the card is full, then automatically will switch to the B card slot. While it is still recording to B, you can open the A slot, remove the card, replace it with a fresh card, and the camera will automatically switch back to the now fresh A slot when the B is full. You can pretty much do this indefinitely.
Its a fine camera for grab & go!

Hi Guys

I have always been impressed with JVC and my very first ever cam was a JVC complete with a Saticon tube sensor..that's how long they have been running!!!

When I wanted to go tapeless I looked at the 700 and 750 and the price was a bit scary!!! I've been using Panasonic HMC70's and 80 for the past 3 years now but still get drawn back to JVC..especially the newer 790. I get really good images on the Panasonics and they do everything I ask of them and cost me about 1/3rd what the 790 goes for. Can any 700 series owners convince me that something like the 750 or 790 at nearly $8000 here is really 3 times as good as the panasonic??? What's so good about the JVC 700's

There are so few shoulder-mount cams within a decent price range nowdays it's hard to find one..I know the Panny's only have 1/4" chips compared to the 1/3rd chips of a 750 but what makes it so much better is it the superior glass????

Any comments from JVC owners would certainly help me make the switch!!!

Chris

Rather than be THAT guy, I will post a link that outlines a few things. But one that that stands out is the 13Mbps bit rate of your camera vs the 35Mbps bit rate of the JVC. Yes the lens alone puts it in another class. Chip size as you mentioned and the amount of detail for making adjustments.

But someone once told me that you use what you have until your clients ask for better images. IF your rig is working for you, keep working it.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasonic-avccam-camcorders/468227-hmc-70-pros-cons-depth-users-review.html

Hi Myles

I appreciate you sticking your neck out !! The HMC70's are long gone..I had them in 2009 ..I have HMC82's now which shoot at a more respectable 21 -24 mbps ...the trouble is that 99.99% on weddings go down to SD DVD anyway so any pristine quality goes out the window as far as bit rate is concerned.

I figured the glass also might be an influence as either available lens is a really nice piece of gear!!!

I was looking at panny's new AC-130 which is around $3600 here and the HM790 is $7900. Both have 1/3" chips and both nice glass but I's still give JVC the vote on lens quality! Trouble is that the Panasonic is not a shoulder mount camera which defeats the purpose and I would have to resort to using rigs to turn it into a shoulder mount and nothing really can replace a proper EVF!!

Chris

Chris,
I don't think you'd need the 790. That camera is kind of like the old HD250 with setup for studio use. Monitor, 26 pin connection etc.
Why not look at the 710 which is like the 750 which replaced the 700 but the 710 has a few less "options" on it but is considerably less money or maybe a couple of used 700s.
Don't forget the batterys and charger(s). Anton Bauer or IDX although they come with the AB plate I know a couple of guys theat switched it out for V-lok cause thats what they were already using.
It's a hard choice to make. I'm throwing it around as well. Both the AC series and the HM series have things I like and to make matters worse, I'll have to the the EX1R in there as well.
Decisions decisions.

Thanks Don

The fact that I'm obsessed with shoulder mounts is probably my downfall!!! That limits my choices considerably!! Yes I did also look at the EX3 (it can be used as a shoulder mount camera, unlike the EX1)

It will be interesting to see what you eventually decide on as well. I think I really have to sit down and decide if I do need new cameras or now, the current HMC82's so an awesome job so they have paid for themselves too. It's not only cameras we have to think about! I have also discovered that the HM700 series has rather expensive battery packs!! That also drives the total cost upwards.

Do I want to stay with the Pansonics that cost me just under $3000 or do I pay more and double and get the HM700 (just over $6K) or spend 3 times as much on an EX-3 ?????

You input, of course, is always very much appreciated!!

Chris

Chris,
The HM 700/750/790 have some advantages over what you have now. the 710 has fewer options as it were but still has advantages over the cams you use now. Price however isn't one of them and you are quite correct about batterys's. The Anton Bauer Dionic 90s which are the LiOn 90W battery of choice are down in price to $400 USD each. (When I bought mine they were $500 each) 4 of those sets you back $1600USD then a decent 2 battery "smart" charger will cost you $900. Things start to add up pretty quickly as you can see. However the advantages might be enough to make you want to change.
1) 1/3 inch
2) the 17X lens is AWESOME but I'm hearing good things about the 14X but have never used it
3) you can shoot EITHER MOV of MP4 (can't do both at once) and the MP4 files work out great with Vegas.
It is a well balanced camera especially with a wireless receiver hanging off the back. The VF on the 7XX cameras is even better the the HD200 (IMO) and the LCD works nicely for focusing.
All in all I've liked the JVC line ever since they came out with the HD100s.
Is it THE perfect camera? Of course not, no such thing but IMO dollar for dollar a very sound investment.

I'm always ready to help someone else spend their money.

I shoot alot of motorsports and love the 700 and are getting a 750 very soon and selling the 700(only because I can get a new 750 from a friend/vendor for SUPER cheap). With that said I too was obsessed with shoulder mounts but now after testing the AF100 for 72hrs , love the waY I was able to adapt to hand held and the shallow DOF. Anyway, point is....I would try to put yourself in a position so that if other kinds of gigs come along you are ready for needing HD footage with higher bit rates. Some clients require/request it. Being familiar with more of a manual pro camera is good too.

Don does have a point. The add ons for these cameras just add up and keep adding.

My tech table as we speak has :

JVC HM700 + 2 AB D90's.
2 Lite panel 1x1's.
2 lite panel micro pros
2 century wide angles( zoom thru and non zoom)
Sennheiser MKH 8060 short shot gun
Sennheiser G2
Sennheiser G3
Cinevate 48" slider
Hardcase, soft case,
NANO on order.

If I get a totally different camera..MOST of that will transfer.

But as you step up to the bigger/pricier rig, the "toppings" get pricier too.

Still alot less expensive than racing a Porsche so my wife doesnt mind as this generates money !

M.

Thanks Guys!!

What I do really like is the awesome glass and the camera does look a lot better balanced than my HMC82's (which are front heavy..even with a receiver on the back)

I haven't seen any 700 series in Perth at all but then again we are classed as the most isolated city in the world!!!

Any local guys own a 700 series camera that I can feel to see if it's a fit???

All your input is very much appreciated and it will be interesting, Don, to see exactly what cameras you end up choosing!!

Chris

I'm thinking of the Panasony XG2000S. I'm sure you heard of it. ;-O

I'm actually considering the HM series. The 700 or 750. I know the 700 was replaced by the 750 and they don't produce the 700 anymore but they are out there on the used market. No final decision yet but I'm looking at it pretty hard. It's either number 1 or 2 on the list. Depends on the hour of the day.

Having used the HD1XX and 2XX series I really like the camera even then and frankly was sorry I didn't get them at the time they came out. I've always enjoyed using a shoulder mount camera and the compact size of the HD/HM cams make it a joy to work with especially when compared to the Sony DSR models I used in the past.
Ahh, time will tell.

Hey Don

Great minds think alike..I just bought two PanaSony XG2000S's and the dealer in China assured me they were the best value for money too!! Seriously the best I can find is a 750 here at $5980 and then there is tax and duty so I'm looking at $13156 (plus agent fees of $100 and shipping too so I would be lucky to get away with a small amount of change from $14K for a pair ... Considering I paid under $6K for the HMC's it doesn't look viable from a business point of view for me...if I'm going to invest that much for bigger sensors then the Sony EX3 is probably a better bet for a little more money and have 1/2" chips!!

Admittedly I have to use a video light with the 1/4" chips but most receptions have such a low light level I think even a 3 x 1/2" chip camera would need some light!!! I have never had a light issue with the Pannys inside any Church and the HD image is pretty darn good too!!

I have to admit that my first ever cam was a JVC and from then on (WAY back in the late 80's) I have always used Panasonic .... being a Sony man for all these years I would have expected you to go the Sony route.... I never went Sony when it was time to go HD as they didn't have anything in my budget that was shoulder mount ...that's why I haven't upgraded to the AC-130 !!

It will be interesting to see what you decide on!! If you do go for the 700 series I can ask you tons of questions!!!

Chris

Yikes thats a lot of cash. How about a used HM700. First model before the 750 and pretty much the same camera.
Or the Panny 130/160 on a multirig. Lots less cost. Batteries etc less money, leaving you some to get the multirig or something similar.

Hey Don

I haven't seen a new one in this part of the world let alone a used one. My supplier has 700's but they cost more than the 750 (they only come with the Fujinon lens so they are $700 more!!!)

I was looking at AC-130's but you still don't have the "proper" EVF which only the EX3 and HM700 series have. One would also have to get use to or put a loupe onto the LCD to use as an EVF. Problem is that I'm so used to shooting with an EVF and the camera on my shoulder that I'm reluctant to change!!!

By the time I buy an AC-130 here at just over 4K and then get a shoulder mount rig and some kind of loupe system for using the LCD as an EVF, I'm almost at the 750 price anyway and I have a camera that's still not a 'proper' shoulder mount!!

I wonder why JVC are so rare over here??? Does the forum overall have JVC rated at the least number of owners compared to the other big names???

Chris

Chris, the 7XX series is an awesome camera but keep in mind the cost of the batterys and charger. If you use 2 then it's a WOWlot of cash.

While I haven't personally used the 130/160 as yet the things I've heard about it are 1) good in low light and 2) the LCD is fantastic. Large, clear and bright. Perhaps a EVF wouldn't be necessary. I too was used to using a proper VF but once I got into using the LCD it really wasn't a problem for focusing and the Pannys have focus assist so you might just find it works out for you. As for running shoulder mount style, with the savings you'd realize by using the 130s instead of the HM7XX cameras, even with battery's and other accessories, I think you hsave enough to have a pocketful left over for something like the DVMultirig. I love mine with small form factor cameras and have come to the conclusion I can't live without it. Regardless of what I'm running on it (PD series or an EX1) it's my number 1 accessory for anything I do that's off the tripod.
Anyway just my $.02 worth and frankly I'm leaning more and more towards the 160/130 combo (I'll change my mind again tomorrow) but I do really enjoy helping other people spend their money. ;-)

Appreciate the information. Will take a look at the 750 as well.

You can get after market Anton Bauer batteries that bring the price right down.
I have 2 136Wh batteries that each power my GM750 all day and they were under $200 each.
One on them is 5 years old and still going strong.
I used it on my 111E.

Hi Paul

Thanks for the info...sadly my budget this year didn't stretch to two HM750's they were about 2.5K more expensive (each) than the panny AC-130 ... My upgrade plans were from panny HMC80's and I wanted to keep a shoulder mount camera so I'll have to adapt the 130 so when handheld I can shoot from the shoulder!!

Maybe next year???

Chris

We have been using batteries from Batteries4Broadcast. They have good prices, if budget is a concern.

You can get 2 90wh Lithium Batteries and a charger for about $755. I have had mine for almost 3 years now with no problems.

At the risk of appearing opportunistic, I am selling a really nice GY-HM700. $4500. Extremely low hours and in perfect condition. Trying to free up some cash for other projects. Drop me a line if interested. troy.filipiak@gmail.com

Thanks

Exactly what brand of SDHC memory card would be best for it?

I test cards before buying and I found that the yellow-labeled high-speed 32GB cards I buy from Micro Center have worked very well.

Here's my test - Start a recording and hit the START/STOP button repeatedly as fast as you can push it. If it doesn't give you a file error, then the card will work well. This is the case for me with hose yellow SDHC cards I buy at Micro Center.

Don Smith - NewsVideo.com

I'm in the market for a new camera and looking at several including the HM700 with a 7X5BRMU Fujinon lens.

You won't believe this but I just posted my camera for sale with exactly that lens. Just look up the list.

Don Smith - NewsVideo.com