HMC 150 versus HVR V1

Hi,

Need an urgent response.

I am an independent filmmaker stuck with deciding between the Panasonic HMC150 and the Sony HVR V1.

Please address the following while responding:

1. I am aware that the Panny is solid state and records in AVCHD, while the Sony is HDV. A comparison of the pros and cons of the two formats.

2. Would 25p (I am in a PAL region) in both the cameras help me achieve a similar 'film' look?

3. The salespeople have been telling me that Panny gives a 3yr warranty with solid-state technology, something that Sony can't afford to with its tape mechanism. And that the latter is bound to pose problems in a year or two. Your comments on this.

4. What's your last word? The HMC 150 or the HVR V1?

Thanks a lot.

Dipankar
 
The Panasonic HMC150 shoots HDV also. It just records the 1920 x 1080
resolution picture to cards rather than tape. It's a fine camera with XLR
inputs and full manual control.

But so is the Sony HVR V1.

My experience is you will be happy with either one. I prefer to shoot on tape,
but solid state recording is the wave of the future.

It seems the sales person is pushing you to the Panasonic. I've owned tape
cameras for years with no problems. My Sony PD170 is five years old with over
1,000 hours on the tape heads - no problems. I have a JVC DY5000 that is 9
years old with about 1,800 hours on the tape heads - no problems. For a
salesman to suggest that you are bound to have a problem with the tape
mechanism in a year or two is untrue. I have a Sony Hi-8 camera I bought in
1980. Well over 2,500 hours of shooting and the tape mechanism runs fine
to this day.

I know you want a complete stranger to tell you which camera to by and not
just tell you both are excellent. So I say buy the Sony.
 
Thanks for pointing out the obvious sales pitch nonsense.
A couple of things though,

1. Does having my footage on a sd card ease the post-prod process?
2. Your personal reasons from experience for choosing the Sony :)

Thanks once again.
 
Many people say the cards ease the process. I haven't found that to be true.
I have had issues with compatibility and glitches. But I've also had it work
very smoothly. Same can be said for tape.

Others will jump in soon with their experience.

No reason at all. You wanted complete stranger to tell you which camera to buy
so I flipped a coin. They are both excellent cameras that when used well will
give you excellent images.
 
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