Any Panasonic HMC-150/151e user?

[Desertfox]

Still doing research on tripod...Since the cam is light I'm thinking of this.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-560B-Fluid-Video-Monopod/dp/B000M19LES

A monopod with 3 mini legs. Practical! BUt then I won't be able to call myself a cheapskate amateur prosumer anymore.
Manfrotto = $spensive!

 

[Roy_1982]

Still doing research on tripod...Since the cam is light I'm thinking of this.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-560B-Fluid-Video-Monopod/dp/B000M19LES

A monopod with 3 mini legs. Practical! BUt then I won't be able to call myself a cheapskate amateur prosumer anymore.
Manfrotto = $spensive!

Despite having 3 legs, this monopod isn't able to stand by itself with the camera attach can it?
Although the 560B is able to handle cameras of up to 2kg, the mount to the camera seems a tad small...
I think the 562B seems to be a better option...

But for myself, I think I'll be using a tripod more than a monopod though... Hmmm...

 

[azman]

But for myself, I think I'll be using a tripod more than a monopod though... Hmmm...

I think it's better to buy a tripod.

You can use a tripod as a monopod by just extending only one of the legs.
But you can't use a monopod as a tripod...hehe

 

[Roy_1982]

I think it's better to buy a tripod.

You can use a tripod as a monopod by just extending only one of the legs.
But you can't use a monopod as a tripod...hehe

That's true...
But if the tripod's heavy, it's gonna be one heavy monopod convert... :-x

 

[Desertfox]

Roy - I won't put 100% trust that the small legs will be able to get the monopod upright for eternity. So will have to 'jaga' all the time.

Azman - The logic for me not getting a tripod is due to the weight and the high probability of me using the cam more than 70% on the move & around crowded spaces. Secondly, I don't find it logical to be lugging heavy tripods when the idea that attracted me to the HMC purchase in the first place is due to its light weight!

However, will get a heavy smooth panning head ....descent tripod if its for sports or interviews.

So I guess its up to the individual choice of modus operandi.

 

[Roy_1982]

So I guess its up to the individual choice of modus operandi.

Yeah, it is...
And you sorta gave me an idea to cut cost...

Since Manfrotto tripods are so damn expensive, I think this is what I'll do:
I don't see myself panning a lot with the tripod, most will be fixed shots, so a fluid head is not necessary...
That means the Libec TH-650DV tripod, which is pretty reasonably priced and should have decent build quality would suffice...
Then for outdoor shoots which require frequent movements and definitely more lightweight equipment, I can probably get a Manfrotto 560B/562B monopod with fluid cartridge base for better panning...

Adding the two together, it's probably a little less than half of the cost of a reasonably good Manfrotto tripod (kit)...

 

[jaegersing]

Yeah, it is...
And you sorta gave me an idea to cut cost...

Since Manfrotto tripods are so damn expensive, I think this is what I'll do:
I don't see myself panning a lot with the tripod, most will be fixed shots, so a fluid head is not necessary...
That means the Libec TH-650DV tripod, which is pretty reasonably priced and should have decent build quality would suffice...
Then for outdoor shoots which require frequent movements and definitely more lightweight equipment, I can probably get a Manfrotto 560B/562B monopod with fluid cartridge base for better panning...

Adding the two together, it's probably a little less than half of the cost of a reasonably good Manfrotto tripod (kit)...

Might be OK as long as you don't zoom in too far. That's when you really see the difference a good tripod makes.

 

[Roy_1982]

A few questions guys:

1. Do you attach filters (eg. 72mm UV) on the camera to protect the lens?
2. How do you store your multiple SD cards? I can't seem to find a decent SD card holder in Singapore though.
3. If you have the large capacity battery (VW-VBG6), how much did you get it for?
4. If applicable, what shotgun microphone do you mount on your camera?
5. Do you find yourself using more of the EVF or LCD?
6. Do you actually attach the shoulder belt/strap on the camera?
7. If applicable, what portable light do you use with the camera?

Answer away guys!
Thanks...

 

[azman]

A few questions guys:

1. Do you attach filters (eg. 72mm UV) on the camera to protect the lens?
   Not yet. Getting a UV filter soon.
2. How do you store your multiple SD cards? I can't seem to find a decent SD card holder in Singapore though.
   Store in the plastic case that came with them. Then put them in a small pouch.
3. If you have the large capacity battery (VW-VBG6), how much did you get it for?
   Got the large capacity battery for S$235 at SENSYS.
4. If applicable, what shotgun microphone do you mount on your camera?
   Audio Technica ATR-55
5. Do you find yourself using more of the EVF or LCD?
   LCD.
6. Do you actually attach the shoulder belt/strap on the camera?
   Don't really use the strap.
7. If applicable, what portable light do you use with the camera?
   Micro Litepanel or a Luxmen.

Answer away guys!
Thanks...

No problemo Bro :gbounce:
.
.

 

[Roy_1982]

1. Do you attach filters (eg. 72mm UV) on the camera to protect the lens?
Not yet. Getting a UV filter soon.
Cool, I wanna get one too. Can we get it together?

2. How do you store your multiple SD cards? I can't seem to find a decent SD card holder in Singapore though.
Store in the plastic case that came with them. Then put them in a small pouch.
Hmmm, changing cards in a rush like that can be quite challenging isn't it?

3. If you have the large capacity battery (VW-VBG6), how much did you get it for?
Got the large capacity battery for S$235 at SENSYS.
Thanks for the reference...

4. If applicable, what shotgun microphone do you mount on your camera?
Audio Technica ATR-55
Cool, I haven't got a shotgun mic...

5. Do you find yourself using more of the EVF or LCD?
LCD.


6. Do you actually attach the shoulder belt/strap on the camera?
Don't really use the strap.
Neither do I since the camera has a handle...

7. If applicable, what portable light do you use with the camera?
Micro Litepanel or a Luxmen.
Litepanel expensive. Luxmen, I read that it has heat issues...

 

[azman]

Hi Roy,

I can't promise on going to get it together. At the moment, I have no definite date or time in getting the filter due to my tight schedule. If there is a sudden free time, I will go

I try to change cards about 10-15 minutes before the time limit during any lull period. I have just to standby a card in my breast pocket before the shoot. So far, I need to change cards only once at each event. I bring the rest, just in case one of them suddenly refuses to function properly

Yes, the Luxmen can get really hot. You can use it to warm your drink :bsmilie:

 

[Desertfox]

1. Do you attach filters (eg. 72mm UV) on the camera to protect the lens?
Yes. 1st thing I did was to find a UV filter.

2. How do you store your multiple SD cards? I can't seem to find a decent SD card holder in Singapore though.
I have a descent camera bag with SD card slots.

3. If you have the large capacity battery (VW-VBG6), how much did you get it for?
Will get it for my next Bollywood movie. On e-bay.

4. If applicable, what shotgun microphone do you mount on your camera?
I use cheap & good Audio Technica ATR-55 (Mono Boom and you will need an XLR/plug adapter for it to work with your cam)

5. Do you find yourself using more of the EVF or LCD?
LCD


6. Do you actually attach the shoulder belt/strap on the camera?
Yes. Makes one look like a tourist but I miss neck slinging my M-16. Won't be able to drop 20 if I drop my HMC accidently.

 

[Roy_1982]

I can't promise on going to get it together. At the moment, I have no definite date or time in getting the filter due to my tight schedule. If there is a sudden free time, I will go

No problem, I have irregular work shifts myself...
Is there any particular place and brand you're looking at?

1. Do you attach filters (eg. 72mm UV) on the camera to protect the lens?
Yes. 1st thing I did was to find a UV filter.
Where did you get yours from? What brand and how much?

2. How do you store your multiple SD cards? I can't seem to find a decent SD card holder in Singapore though.
I have a descent camera bag with SD card slots.

3. If you have the large capacity battery (VW-VBG6), how much did you get it for?
Will get it for my next Bollywood movie. On e-bay.
Not a sarcastic remark right?

4. If applicable, what shotgun microphone do you mount on your camera?
I use cheap & good Audio Technica ATR-55 (Mono Boom and you will need an XLR/plug adapter for it to work with your cam)
Hmmm, two ATR-55 users so far. I wonder how this fares when comparing with the AT-897...

5. Do you find yourself using more of the EVF or LCD?
LCD

6. Do you actually attach the shoulder belt/strap on the camera?
Yes. Makes one look like a tourist but I miss neck slinging my M-16. Won't be able to drop 20 if I drop my HMC accidently.
Haha, you're funny...

 

[azman]

No problem, I have irregular work shifts myself...
Is there any particular place and brand you're looking at?

Not looking for any particular brand. A cheap one will do
On different occasions I bought 55mm & 62mm UV filters at Orient Photo. I thought I got good prices. Most probably I'll return there.

Hmmm, two ATR-55 users so far. I wonder how this fares when comparing with the AT-897...

In terms of price, the ATR-55 costs about S$120/-; cheap when compared to the AT-897. The ATR-55 uses a 35mm mono plug (unbalanced when connected to the HMC152 using an adapter) while the AT-897 uses an XLR plug (balanced). I have used the AT-897 before. Can't detect any difference in sound quality. But then again I am known among friends for mis-hearing things :bsmilie:

I use my setup mostly for weddings and corporate events. Therefore, a slightly imperfect audio is not so critical. But I think an AT-897 would be a better choice for short film or movie production.

 

[Roy_1982]

Not looking for any particular brand. A cheap one will do
On different occasions I bought 55mm & 62mm UV filters at Orient Photo. I thought I got good prices. Most probably I'll return there.


In terms of price, the ATR-55 costs about S$120/-; cheap when compared to the AT-897. The ATR-55 uses a 35mm mono plug (unbalanced when connected to the HMC152 using an adapter) while the AT-897 uses an XLR plug (balanced). I have used the AT-897 before. Can't detect any difference in sound quality. But then again I am known among friends for mis-hearing things :bsmilie:

I use my setup mostly for weddings and corporate events. Therefore, a slightly imperfect audio is not so critical. But I think an AT-897 would be a better choice for short film or movie production.

Cool stuff, I'll head to Orient Photo next time I pop by at Sim Lim Square...
Never knew there's a shop like that there cause I've never been up to the 6th floor... :-x

As of now, I don't require a shotgun mic, might need one very soon though...
But while at Sim Lim Square to get the filter, I might as well drop by at Hung Brothers to inquire about the the prices of the microphones...

 

[azman]

As of now, I don't require a shotgun mic, might need one very soon though...
But while at Sim Lim Square to get the filter, I might as well drop by at Hung Brothers to inquire about the the prices of the microphones...

That's where I bought my ATR-55 and my wireless mic system, Audio Technica PRO-88W. Great for capturing the audio during the solemnisation ceremony at weddings. I forgot how much I paid for it though :sweat:

 

[Roy_1982]

That's where I bought my ATR-55 and my wireless mic system, Audio Technica PRO-88W. Great for capturing the audio during the solemnisation ceremony at weddings. I forgot how much I paid for it though :sweat:

Ah, for wireless mic, I've been using the Sennheiser ew100 ENG G2 wireless system since my previous camera setup...
Along with the standard (omnidirectional) lapel that goes to the body pack transmitter via 3.5mm jack, the package also comes with a plug-in transmitter that converts almost any dynamic microphones to wireless, which is extremely useful...
The wireless receiver is small enough and has a shoe mount attachment that secures to the camera's shoe...

 

[azman]

Ah, for wireless mic, I've been using the Sennheiser ew100 ENG G2 wireless system since my previous camera setup...

Ooops...then forget what I said about the Pro 88W. I think yours is a better setup (no offence, Audio Technica) :sweat:

I saw some production houses use them. How far is the range before any distortion or interference ? I'm planning to upgrade maybe at the end of the year. How much did you pay for it ?

 

[Roy_1982]

Ooops...then forget what I said about the Pro 88W. I think yours is a better setup (no offence, Audio Technica) :sweat:

I saw some production houses use them. How far is the range before any distortion or interference ? I'm planning to upgrade maybe at the end of the year. How much did you pay for it ?

The reception range depends on a lot of factors and I can't really say how far I can go before I lose (usable) signal...
My usage until now doesn't require the distance between the receiver and transmitter to be more than 8 metres...
Interference wise, no problems with it as it has several banks of different frequencies available for usage and the receiver's able to scan for the best available frequency for use...

I think I got it more than a year ago at the price of SGD 950.00+...

 

[azman]

I think I got it more than a year ago at the price of SGD 950.00+...

Ahh...now I remember why I bought the Pro 88W :bsmilie:

Have you tested the different Scene settings on the HMC152 ?
I want to shoot a short continuous shot using the different settings but could make the time for it.

I want to look at the different settings being played on my TV. I think that would give a better image than when played on the camera LCD. I think I'll try this weekend on one of the mornings.