Panasonic AG-HMC 150 discussion

[Jonathan Schwartz]

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

[Michael W. Niece]

Does anyone know if you can zoom and focus at the same time? I know it sounds pretty stupid but Canon had that big problem with their XL series (not HD cams). You had to buy the pro lense at $1400 to get around that "stock lense" issue. I have no experience with Panasonic cameras at all, which is why I'm asking. I'm very interested in using this model to replace my Canons. Thanks.

-Michael

[Claude Isbell]

Must say, although I realize most are receiving their's in the mail, it is a little surprising not hearing from anyone regarding the 150. It having been on the shelf for over 12 hours.

[Darren Shroeger]

Everyone is probably out shooting em'

I know I would be!

[Darren Shroeger]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Schwartz

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

At NAB I heard Barry Green say that you could shoot 12 hours of one continuous take so it must span seamlessly like the HPX170. The HPX and the HMC are very similar we are finding.

[Darren Shroeger]

I received mine this morning!

I shot some unboxing photos for those interested.

[David Parks]

Congrats Darren. It looks pretty small and lightweight. Look forward to any comments about the camera's functionality from you.

Cheers.

[Stefan Immler]

Nice! I like the Crossziel mattebox and rails.

[Bob Diaz]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Schwartz

I read in the manual that the cards record to fat32 format. Does this format only record in 2gb segments or can I record a full 3 hr segment on one 16gb card without breaks?

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

PS: I am super excited about the time code synch feature. What a great feature for multicam events.

My understanding is that FAT 32 allows up to a 4GB file. The reason for FAT 32 is that this is the common format for both MACs & PCs. If you try to record beyond 4GB (about 22 - 23 minutes), the camera keeps recording, but it's put on a second file. The recording does not have a break in that you do not drop anything, but the video recording does switch to a second file.


Bob Diaz

[Darren Shroeger]

Originally Posted by Stefan Immler

Nice! I like the Crossziel mattebox and rails.

Thanks!!

For those interested, I have shot some test footage in all the framerates and posted it online. It's the first chance to download some production model HMC150 footage onto your own system to assess and play around with.

http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.zip is the PRIVATE folder right off the card (inside another folder then .zipped)
http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.rtf is a log of all 32 clips with framerate and duration

Have fun with it everyone!!

-Darren

[Jeff Kellam]

Originally Posted by David Parks

Congrats Darren. It looks pretty small and lightweight. Look forward to any comments about the camera's functionality from you.

Cheers.

Im going to write up a very basic first impressions comparison to the XH-A1 after I learn the control features a little more.

Darren, which camera are you coming from?

[Darren Shroeger]

Originally Posted by Jeff Kellam

Im going to write up a very basic first impressions comparison to the XH-A1 after I learn the control features a little more.

Darren, which camera are you coming from?

I was using a Sony DSR500WS for most of my work. I also used Z1U/V1U's so coming from all Sonys is a real change. Like you, I need to learn the controls on this camera! I shot all the test footage yesterday thinking this camera is not very responsive to exposure adjustment. When I got home I discovered the AUTO/MANUAL switch was still on AUTO. Doh! Footage looked fine though, and as a result I did learn that the HMC does allow you to "fine tune" while still remaining in AUTO. Download the footage and see for yourself!

-Darren

[Tim Polster]

Darren,

Since you are coming from a DSR-500, how does the servo motor feel in the lens?

Is it smooth?

Does the transition from not moving to a slow creep happen easily or is it jumpy?

Thanks

[Darren Shroeger]

Well it sure isn't the Canon 2/3" lens I'm used to but then again, I think that lens alone was around $8,000. The HMC150's servo creep is too fast in my opinion, from stop to slowest creep seems abrupt. The manual zoom has a slight "bind" to it which makes snap zooms, well, not as snappy.

Again, I'm comparing it to a $8,000 lens. When we remember that this lens is included with an amazing $3500 camera then all my criticisms start to fade away and mean very little! But you did ask....

-Darren

[Chuck Fadely]

On my final cut 6.03, some of the clips you posted started with a few glitched frames -- is that my system's fault or the camera's? Others I can't ingest at all... I see nothing but green; which is to be expected, I guess with some of the frame rates. Most are ok in final cut.

Originally Posted by Darren Shroeger

Thanks!!

For those interested, I have shot some test footage in all the framerates and posted it online. It's the first chance to download some production model HMC150 footage onto your own system to assess and play around with.

http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.zip is the PRIVATE folder right off the card (inside another folder then .zipped)
http://hdmuse.com/HMC150_Test_Footage_Sept_25_2008.rtf is a log of all 32 clips with framerate and duration

Have fun with it everyone!!

-Darren