Panasonic AG-HMC 150 discussion

[Darren Shroeger]

Chuck, just update to FCP 6.04 through Software Update. No one else noticed any glitched frames at all. Everything reads in super simple using Log & Transfer, transcodes to ProRes and LOOKS GREAT!

Originally Posted by 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.

[Bill Grant]

Darren,
I think you're footage is impressive. I have two things though. #1 I get bad stuttering on your clips. Anybody know that? The other thing is what was your gain settings etc. for the indoor restaurant shot and the outside street shot. Thanks for all of your work. This is exciting. Oh, I'm in Vegas 8.0c and the footage just imports right in lickity split. It plays without any frame lag. I have a Core2Duo 2.4 and 4gigs of RAM on XPpro.
Bill

[Jeff Kellam]

Darren:

In coming fron the Canon XH-A1, figuring out the HMC-150 controls is big change. I like it, but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Even the simplest items like charging the battery is reverse, Panasonic - green off = charged, Canon - green on = charged.

Anyway, I hope a scene file thread will get started soon so we can share presets. Im hoping to accomplish the over-saturated look of the Canon Vivid-RGB preset. I have not had time to look into presets at all yet, but hopefully they are very adjustable and this is possible.

Hopefully Chris will also set up a camera clips folder in a new HMC150 discussion topic.

[Darren Shroeger]

Yes I came from 10 years of mainly Sony cameras so it has been a bit of a learning curve for me too. I like the HMC's controls and I think they are far better than Sony cameras at this pricepoint, it's just that mastering them that will take some relearning.

YES! Scene file exchange sounds sweeeeet!!

[Michael Kraus]

I am really interested in this camera. How are everyone's import/conversion/rendering times?

I also read that it takes a pretty powerful computer to edit footage from the HMC150. Are we finding this to be true?

[Jerry Norman]

I am possibly interested in a HMC150 but I am having a hard time finding definitive information about it. I have downloade Panasonic's brochure and it is helpful but not complete enough. Specifically, can anyone tell me if it offers the following two features:

- Ability to do rack focus (i.e., A1's ability to set a focus point, and return to it via push of a button).
- Ability to smoothly ramp a zoom in/out of the zoom end points.

[Jeff Kellam]

Originally Posted by Jerry Norman

I am possibly interested in a HMC150 but I am having a hard time finding definitive information about it. I have downloade Panasonic's brochure and it is helpful but not complete enough. Specifically, can anyone tell me if it offers the following two features:

- Ability to do rack focus (i.e., A1's ability to set a focus point, and return to it via push of a button).
- Ability to smoothly ramp a zoom in/out of the zoom end points.

The HMC150 does not have an external button like the A1 to set a focus point. It might be programable for this, but I don't think so.

I don't fully understand your second question. My observations are the HMC150 has very similar zoom rockers feel, placement and operation as the A1. The initial start and final stop are smooth and there is a little more adjustment in speed. The slow setting is very slow.

[Robert Rogoz]

Very interesting camera. The price range makes it really exiting as well. However my question is about editing in FCS2 and support of AVCHD format on G5. After reading on Apple web page it looks like there is only support on Intel base Macs. Panasonic web page also states, that conversion program from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD is for Intel base processors only. Any thoughts on this one?

[Chris Hurd]

Hi Robert, that's been pretty much the standard with AVCHD and Macs. You'll need an Intel Mac to edit AVCHD. Look at it this way, here's your perfect excuse to get a new computer!

[Darren Shroeger]

Originally Posted by Robert Rogoz

Very interesting camera. The price range makes it really exiting as well. However my question is about editing in FCS2 and support of AVCHD format on G5. After reading on Apple web page it looks like there is only support on Intel base Macs. Panasonic web page also states, that conversion program from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD is for Intel base processors only. Any thoughts on this one?

It is possible to convert the AVCHD to something the G5 can edit using Toast 9. I would suggest DVCProHD

[Robert Rogoz]

Originally Posted by Darren Shroeger

It is possible to convert the AVCHD to something the G5 can edit using Toast 9. I would suggest DVCProHD

This is almost a deal breaker for me right there. Compare the nightmare of converting AVCHD or the cost of buying a new tower and the difference between HMC150 and HPX170. P2 wins hands down, since i can't get a new Powermac under $1600 (and that is the price differential here). Plus the support is already there and has a proven track.

[Chris Hurd]

Robert, according to your other posts, you're already shooting JVC ProHD right now. Why were you considering a switch to Panasonic AVCCAM? Just curious,

[Robert Rogoz]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Robert, according to your other posts, you're already shooting JVC ProHD right now. Why were you considering a switch to Panasonic AVCCAM? Just curious,

Chris- size matters;). This February I am supposed to go for 10 days to Canadian Rockies and follow hard core climber on his alpine routes. Let me tell you- JVC GY-HD100 is an amazing camera, but carrying it up 3000 feet, jumaring up fixed lines, and shooting while hanging on a rope was a back braking experience. When I started this project in March of 2007 I was still using DVX100. This was a perfect combination of quality and size. Hence my interest in the new HMC150.
There is also a chance I will be going to K2 next year to shoot a documentary about Prince Abruzzi. Imagine carrying HD100 at 26 000 feet!
BTW I think I will use Canon HV20 or 30 on my trip in February. I know it's not the highest quality, but light enough and good enough to mix it up with HD100 shots.

[Jerry Norman]

Another question... I have an AT 897 shotgun mic I would like to use with my new camera. I see that the HMC150 has XLR input which is good, but I'm not sure what provisions are made for physically attaching a 3rd-party mic. Can anyone tell me if there is a way to physically attach a 3rd-party shotgun mic with this camera?

[Darren Shroeger]

Originally Posted by Jerry Norman

...a way to physically attach a 3rd-party shotgun mic with this camera?

It comes with a detachable rubberized mount which allows any shotgun to be used. My ME66 Sennheiser fits nicely with its foam windscreen