[William Dedula]

Thanks Guy;
OK I got a TM900 and it looks very cool but has a lots of options (of course).

I have a few quick questions to prepare me for tomorrow when hopefully the Space Shuttle Launches.

I was playing a bit with the TM900 today and have been studying the manual tonite.

One of the things that concern me is how to keep a moving image in focus. If I use Intelligent Auto, will I be sure my image is in focus provided there is only one object in the scene to focus on?

Can I use or would I use AF/AE tracking with any moving object or does this only work with people’s faces?

I noticed today that videotaping on a bright, sunny day made the LCD difficult to see ? Is there anything I can do to help me see the scene on the LCD display better in bright sunlight ?

Do you know if it is possible to record video to both the internal memory and a SDHC card simultaneously ?

Thanks.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Thanks, Great info, Guy.

I have a few questions … Why would you want to ever shoot in 60P (Would this be for fast moving scenes)? And if I get the TM900, what mode would I normally shoot at assure compatibility with both HDTVs and Computers In the United States ? I’ve heard stories of dropped frames and jumpiness if using the incorrect mode and I think I’ve experienced some of that with the HMC-150 which has many modes. I would likely edit in FCP. Would I normally use 30P or 30i ?

Also, would the telephoto conversion lens likely be at a local camera store and would the adapter be there too ?

Could you give me a link to a source for the adapter ?

I need links to a company other than B&H Photo/Video or Adarama because they both won’t be back until Wednesday. It seems like everytime I log onto their website (B&H), they’re not accepting orders due to some sort of vacation or another. I do like them and buy from them on occaision but they just seem to take too many days off (in my opinion).

Tim

[William Dedula]

Hi Guy;
I actually have a HMC-150 that I bought for work but I have my eyes on some of the newer Pro cameras from Canon and Sony and maybe even the newer models coming out from panasonic.

However, right now I am looking for a lower cost camcorder that shoots nearly the quality of Pro cameras while I save up for the larger, more capable one. I am going to view the Space Shuttle Launch later in the week and I’ll be about 6 miles away. Do you think the TM900 will do a nice job at capturing the launch and ascent until it disappears from sight ?

I did some research and read some reviews about some fan noise that can be heard while the unit is running – Anyone find this is a problem ?

I want to get a more reasonably priced camcorder that does an awesome job at video and color reproduction (Close to a pro camera) while waiting to save up for a more more pro camera.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Hello All;
That’s one of the things I have to determine and it seems like I’ll need a portable, off-camera light. Any suggestions?

Tim

[William Dedula]

Thanks,Guy;
I need a general light to brighten up the scene. I am sometimes asked to videotape a presenter in a darkened auditorium or classroom and I’ve found with the HMC-150, even with the iris wide open, the images are darker than I’d like.

But looking at the video lights available at B&H Photo-Video, there is a dizzying array of types and brands.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Thanks, Guy;
Your info. will help a lot.

I am using the version of Adobe Premiere that came with CS3. Not sure what version that is other than just Premiere CS3.

Thanks for the info. on the lighting. Good suggestions. I’ll see if they can leave a few lights on tomorrow morning. May not be possible. The exercise today and tomorrow is a learning experience and I may have to invest in some lights so I can have better control of the situation the next time.

I actually don’t remember what mode I shot the footage in this morning. I didn’t receive my high capacity battery yet or my high capacity 32 GB SDHC cards yet (Both are on back order – tough luck for me) so I had to switch the quality down so that I would have about an hour of battery power and memory. I’ll remember to shoot in a progressive mode tomorrow morning to try to avoid the problem I had today.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Noah;
Is Sandisk class 10 better than Sandisk Class 6 ?

Looks like B&H Photo-Video doesn’t have any 32 GB cards in the Class 6 version.

They only have Class 2 and Class 4 and Class 10.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Thanks, Alf;
Is this what you have – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/340292-REG/Petrol_PCBP_1_PCBP_1_Papoose_Mini_DV.html#specifications

Which appears to be the same as this on the manufacturers web site – https://www.petrolbags.com/Camera-Backpacks?q=node/117

According to the manufacturers specs., this will accommodate a HMC150 so I’m interested if this is what you have.

If you’re interested in selling, let me know how to contact you.

Are you saying that the video at the link you provided was taken using the mic. included with the HMC150 ? If so, it sounds pretty good to me.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Hi Guy;
I want to thank you for your accessory suggestions. I received one other response and I will need to sit down tonite and figure out what my budget will allow me to get so I can print out a quote for the person who dows the purchasing tomorrow morning.

I can see how your tripod mounting plate would be useful to make the camera sturdier on a tripod which we plan on purchasing so I think I’ll see about purchasing that.

Of course, I’ll need to purchase the battery and charger you recommended. And I think it would be useful to purchase an external shotgun mic. as I hear reports that the included mic’s aren’t that good.

Beyond that, I plan to get a tripod and case. though I may not have a budget for as high end a tripod as you recommended. We have limited storage space in our office as well since this will need to be locked up at all times.

We all ready have a wireless mic. as well as headphones.

Tim

[William Dedula]

Hi Alf;
Thank you very much for your accessory recommendations. I have a couple of questions about your recommendations …

I looked at the specs. on the Tamrac bag and that actually looks very nice so I think I’ll see if I can get that one. I’ve bought Tamrac bags before and have never been disappointed.

And regarding your backpack, I’m interested for myself because I am also planning on picking up a HD Camcorder soon which could very well be the HMC150 for personal use after I use the one from work for a while. Could you send me the make and model number so I can look at the specs. and a picture ? Also, would you be willing to tell me what you didn’t like about it ?

I think Hands down everyone agrees in the Panasonic battery which is probably why they’re backordered at BH Photo-Video.

I hear that the sound from the included mic. isn’t that good so I think I will plan to get a external mic. I do have a wireless Mic. all ready.

Thanks for your user experiences with the HMC150 – that definitely helps.

I plan to get a tripod.

Can you give me a quick list on what particular lens accessories you feel are essential ?

Tim