Panasonic AG-HMC150 - Official Press Release

Chris Hurd · April 22nd, 2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Lawry

... this camera is being touted as an DVX100 replacement.

The DVX100 is standard definition. This camera is high definition.

Randy Johnson · April 22nd, 2008, 07:54 AM

oh I see well it may be to soon for those kinda price drops in the HD world.

Dwain Elliott · April 22nd, 2008, 09:18 AM

Upon further thought, I'll have to agree with Randy and Joe that the pricing for this unit is just about right on the mark.

I consult with new and emerging non-profits and faith-based organizations, and I was hoping for a "miracle" affordable camcorder that "has it all" that I could recommend to my clients. With all its limitations, that'll probably be the HMC70.

Joe Lawry · April 22nd, 2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

The DVX100 is standard definition. This camera is high definition.

Well yes of course Chris, and that reason IS why it will be priced higher.

I was just trying to explain why people are reacting like they are to the current announced price point.

Barry Green · April 22nd, 2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwain Elliott

I agree that "under $4500" is still too high for this camcorder.

Depends on how FAR under $4500. :) I'm hoping for a street price of $3500 and an MSRP of $3995.

Quote:

I'm sure the weak dollar has a lot to do with the pricing.

You ain't kidding on that one. Everyone I talked to from Japan said the same thing. They won't quote a firm price largely, I believe, because there's no way to know what the exchange rate will be six months from now when the unit actually ships.

Barry Green · April 22nd, 2008, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Alexander

Any word on what frame rates this will shoot at?

720/24p, 720/30p, 720/60p, 1080/24p, 1080/30p, 1080/60i.

Barry Green · April 22nd, 2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Johnson

2 things 1. I wonder how it will handle itself in low light espcially compared to my GY-HD100s

Uses the same chipset as the HVX200A. The HVX and HD100 were about the same, noise and sensitivity-wise. The HVX200A is a half-stop faster (500 ISO instead of 320) and much cleaner in noise. You could probably gain up by at least 3dB, if not 6dB, before matching the HVX/HD100 noise level. So, as far as a practical matter goes, the 150 should (SHOULD) be around a stop faster for equivalent grain, maybe as much as 1.5 stops faster.

Barry Green · April 22nd, 2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Lawry

and the dvx is a lot cheaper than $4500.

Well, it is NOW. But for the first five years of its life, the DVX was priced at $3795 to $3995.

Ethan Cooper · April 23rd, 2008, 10:34 AM

Good point. I forgot about that.

Randy Johnson · April 23rd, 2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Green

Uses the same chipset as the HVX200A. The HVX and HD100 were about the same, noise and sensitivity-wise. The HVX200A is a half-stop faster (500 ISO instead of 320) and much cleaner in noise. You could probably gain up by at least 3dB, if not 6dB, before matching the HVX/HD100 noise level. So, as far as a practical matter goes, the 150 should (SHOULD) be around a stop faster for equivalent grain, maybe as much as 1.5 stops faster.

I assume when you say "faster" you mean "brighter" which means it may be anywhere from .5 to 1.5 stops brighter than the GY-HD100. thats a pretty big deal for me.

Mikel Arturo · April 23rd, 2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Green

720/24p, 720/30p, 720/60p, 1080/24p, 1080/30p, 1080/60i.

No SD recording?

Chris Hurd · April 23rd, 2008, 11:50 AM

Standard definition recording is not an option with AVCHD camcorders.

Frank Genus · April 23rd, 2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Standard definition recording is not an option with AVCHD camcorders.

??? my Sony HDR-SR1 can record SD. Granted, the resulting file isn't AVCHD, but it IS an AVCHD camcorder ;)

Mikel Arturo · April 23rd, 2008, 12:11 PM

Bufff, this means bye-bye DVD.
And I don't think that DVD format will dissapear soon. At this time, is the universal format to deliver video. How many time it will survive? I don't know, but sure one or two years, or more as "universal compatible" to deliver a work (very cheap and acceptable quality).
Yes, you can record HD and downconvert by software, but it means a lot of time, files, space on your computer.
SD option is great for conferences, INTERNET and a lot of works that don't requiere HD.
It's sad if camcorder makers ignore this niche.

Chris Hurd · April 23rd, 2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Genus

my Sony HDR-SR1 can record SD

I stand corrected then. It's not an option with Panasonic Pro-Line or Canon VIXIA AVCHD camcorders.

April 22nd, 2008, 09:18 AM	#18
Dwain Elliott New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 23	The best VALUE? Upon further thought, I'll have to agree with Randy and Joe that the pricing for this unit is just about right on the mark. I consult with new and emerging non-profits and faith-based organizations, and I was hoping for a "miracle" affordable camcorder that "has it all" that I could recommend to my clients. With all its limitations, that'll probably be the HMC70.

April 23rd, 2008, 10:34 AM	#24
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	Good point. I forgot about that. __________________ ∅ -Ethan Cooper

April 23rd, 2008, 11:50 AM	#27
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Standard definition recording is not an option with AVCHD camcorders. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 22nd, 2008, 07:54 AM	#17
Randy Johnson Trustee Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,067	oh I see well it may be to soon for those kinda price drops in the HD world.

April 23rd, 2008, 12:11 PM	#29
Mikel Arturo Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Barcelona, Spain Posts: 93	Bufff, this means bye-bye DVD. And I don't think that DVD format will dissapear soon. At this time, is the universal format to deliver video. How many time it will survive? I don't know, but sure one or two years, or more as "universal compatible" to deliver a work (very cheap and acceptable quality). Yes, you can record HD and downconvert by software, but it means a lot of time, files, space on your computer. SD option is great for conferences, INTERNET and a lot of works that don't requiere HD. It's sad if camcorder makers ignore this niche.