Used Panasonic AG-HMC40 3MOS Handheld AVCCAM Camcorder

2012-06-17T21:00:00

Let me start off by saying that I had been saving up for years before buying this camcorder. I researched many different models and brands for many months, and I finally decided that the HMC40 was perfect for me. After buying it and getting to know it, I know that I made the right choice. I'm a student filmmaker at Brooklyn College. I've been making movies ever since I was 13, but I had always used low quality consumer-level camcorders. Now that I'm in college, I knew it was time to take it to the next level. The top three camcorders I was interested in were the Canon XA10, the Canon XH-A1s and the HMC40. After much deliberation, I decided that the HMC40 has the look, feel, features and quality that I was looking for. The HMC40 offers a wide variety of shooting modes, ranging from low-res modes to full HD 1080p at 60i and 24p (24fps was a must for any camera I would own, mainly because I plan on making many films). Users also have full control over the frame rate, iris/aperture and mic input. I purchased a Rode VideoMic to go along with this camera, and it works beautifully. I can't wait to begin making some short films with this camera. I've already shot a teaser trailer for one of my upcoming films this summer. Please feel free to check it out (I've attached the video to this review). It was shot with this camera (using a very affordable SanDisk Extreme Class 10 32GB SDHC card) , the Rode VideoMic and a Glide Gear Slider Track. I hope you enjoy. If you're a student, independent filmmaker, event videography or anything of the nature, this camera only has my highest recommendations! The XA10 is a little too small and limited and the XH-A1s is a little too overpriced. The Panasonic HMC40 wins in my book. =u)

Dan D.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Images on this are fantastically sharp. Camera is very light and can be held a long time. But the optional XLR adapter is less than perfect, in particular the way it handles multi channel input. Small chips have low light issues. Don't like how it adjusts exposure by way of ISO.

MICHAEL B.

2012-03-16T21:00:00

I recently used this at a major company corporate training event and was extremely pleased. When I first received the camera I was very disappointed with the build quality, but after putting it through use for 3 solid days, I am very happy with the purchase. This is a very solid camera in its price range. The low light ability is a lot better than what people are saying about it. If you don't want to spend a lot of $$, but still get beautiful HD content, this camera is a no-brainer!

Fotoram

2012-02-12T19:00:00

looks good, but in a side by side comparison, not as good as the sony HDR-CX560V

rj

2012-02-05T19:00:00

good cam , have had it for more than a year , using it almost twice a week and works perfect , its good for shooting weddings.Excellent for the price . excellent Adorama service , on time delivery .I would recommend you buy all your gear in Adorama.

juice p.

2011-04-26T21:00:00

I love this camera and have been using it since i bought it from Adorama along with all the accessories, this is one camera that made me shelf the canon ag series, real time transfer footage to final cut, clip select, and so much more.This is a camera for your regular user to one that does on scene broadcast quality breaking news for major network, only thing you need is a very good tripod atleast in a $ range and you are good to go.

COVER T.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

When I got this the battery last forever, its easy to use and its amazing, good audio, juts small screen and viewfinder.

MOOSYMOOSY

2010-11-07T19:00:00

I use this camera in weddings and its perfect in video, but you have to buy the XLR audio adapter If you have excellent audio too. Don't forget to say bye to DV's.

ROSA M.

2010-05-08T21:00:00

its light weight , easy to use ,gives excellent image quality and its affordable just wish it was more Mac friendly.

juice p.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

I only miss a greater LCD-Panel. I would like it to have a 3.5 inch LCD-Screen instead of the 2,7 inch.

partylogger

2010-01-25T19:00:00

I go to a school that uses a bunch of hvx200's and a few new hpx170's. I have to say that the untrained eye wont be able to tell the difference. I use it in my freelance videography business. I record in the PH720 24fps mode and burn my DVD's in in the DV24p format. the quality is simply amazing. In my school they use final cut 7. The camera records in a 4:2:0 Color space. When final cut ingest these .mts files it converts them into their prores format, thus converting it into the 4:2:2 color space. It looks [...]good. You need to plan your lighting well before you record. the AVCHD Format is fragile and can only handle light color correction on its own. The 1080P format is good enough for amateur videograpy and some pro stuff in the right lighting. Converting from 1080p 24fps AVCHD to 720p 24fps XDCAM or any other format that records to 4:2:2 will give an awesome file to work with. A higher bitrate format is better for effects and green screen. I recomend a decent microphone before you decide on the audio quality, RODE and AZDEN are a good place to start.

CHRISTOPHER F.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

The camera is great have used it to film in snowy conditions and it held up perfectly. Am currently shooting a short film and looking for work to help pay it off. The only drawback I can tell you is the top mounted handle does not have a record button which makes it difficult to tape low angle shots on the fly being left handed.

Bob D.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

I used it for the first time at a wedding and the footage was outstanding. I should have used a brighter light at the reception, but that's my fault for not thinking ahead. Overall, I don't know if you can find a better HD camcorder for the money. The 32gig SD card is a big plus as well.

DAVID W.