I just got a new Panasonic AG-HMC150 and wanted to test how it would perform at night. I took some random footage recorded at about 10 pm at night in manual mode, f/1.7, shutter 1/60th and 0 gain. I recorded in 1080p 30fps with the scene set to F6- Cine D. All footage is hand-held because this was just a random test and I did not have my equipment with me. I purposely did not turn on OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) during my walking scene.
I was very impressed with the results and can’t wait to start a real project with the camera. I plan on using it in addition to my Canon 5D Mark II, Rebel T2i and Nikon D3s for projects. The zoom was very nice, the camera was very light and easy to operate and I learned the controls and operation in a single setting. I think this camera is an excellent value. I will post featured videos as soon as I get the opportunity.
I edited in Final Cut Pro, no color corrections, titles in Motion and encoding for Vimeo in Compressor. I transcoded the AVCHD footage via Log and Transfer in FCP to Apple ProRes 422LT before editing.
First Impression
This is an excellent digital video camera with a simple workflow and good manual controls for a full range of creativity. The benefits of recording to Class 6 SDHC cards is simply awesome. On a 32Gb memory card you can capture hours of footage. The actual recording time depends on your recording mode. You have the option of recording in full 1080p HD at 30 and 24fps and at 720p you can choose between 24, 30 and 60fps.
The camera is amazingly light compared to a tape based unit like the Canon XHA1s and others so you can shoot for long periods of time without issue. I was very impressed with the gain and lack of grain in the night footage and with more experience I am sure the results will improve even further. There is the option to add a 35mm adapter for the lens, but in my case I will just likely continue to use my 5D Mark II, Rebel T2i or D3s when I need the shallow depth of field scenes. The onboard scopes included with the camera are an incredible value because you can always make sure you nail your exposure before you leave the scene.
I can see myself using this as my main tool for creating movies and films based on the initial results. For news, journalism and event video this camera is a no-brainer. For the independent film maker this camera will also work very well and you can get creative in post production with Motion and other third party tools from Red Giant Software, Adobe and others to control bokeh, color, and the full range of special effects. The possibilities are endless and you are only limited by your imagination.
Tim Layton
© Tim Layton – All Rights Reserved – 2010. You may not republish or use this information in part or in whole without written permission. For permission and more information you can contact Tim Layton on the web at blog.timlaytonphotography.com or via email at tim@timlaytonphotography.com or via the telephone at 314-643-8118.
