How does the 130 compare to the 150 in low light? Better im sure but how much better?

This much better. These are DVD screen grabs so please excuse the color and resolution, but you can see the difference.

Which is which?

Sort of hard to tell at first glance, isn't it... ;)

First is HMC150, second is AC130. I don't know how much "better" the AC130 is in low light, it can't necessarily see a lot more, but I do think it's better at resolving more detail and dynamic range in that low light. To my eye, the resolution makes a difference, resulting in an altogether smoother image. I feel that with the HMCs I needed to saturate and crush the image to make it more appealing, whereas the 130 looks pretty good right off the card. I shot this show with an AF100 on the wide and the two matched up perfectly.

With the right settings on the HMC150 and delivery on DVD, I think most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Hi Nate

Nice images!!! Would you perhaps like to share what scene file settings you are using for things like dance recitals??? I see on another thread people are definately singing the praises of having DRS on on their "theatre" scene file. I do very few but they tend to pile up towards the festive season so I haven't done any as yet on my 130's I think I have my wedding scene files nicely sorted out now but I will need one for stage shoots one of these days.

Is the "spotlight" function any good on the 130????

Chris

Randy, As you may recall, I'm a neighbor of yours. I also have an AC130. If you'd like to get together & do some testing, send me an email.

...Jerry

Hi Nate


Is the "spotlight" function any good on the 130????

Chris

Hi Chris,

The 130/160s seem to have the dynamic range to cope with spotlights without using 'spotlight'.

We use manual iris, and have been extremely pleased with the results.

Vaughan

Thanks Vaughan

Nice image too!!! I was really asking just out of interest more than anything else!!!

You cams looked like they were in almost the perfect position back from the stage too!! The last one I did we were forbidden to have cameras anywhere except right near the mixing booth about 40 metres from the stage (it supposedly was fire regulations and blocking exits????)

Judging by your shot there I would have thought that kicking in any DRS setting on the scene file would be pretty much un-necessary!!!

Chris