which Panasonic camera model?

[incagraphy]

An indigenous community needs advice on which Panasonic camera they can buy for their Participatory Video projects.

Panasonic will be sponsoring their request by giving a discount (hence my inquiry only on Panasonic brand). But they need to request the model which will be most suitable for their needs. Could you please guide us a bit according to the specifics below?

Budget: US$3000 - to get 2 cameras with their accessories. Hopefully the discount will be substantial.

Output target: acceptable TV quality for local viewing in Malaysia. But does not have to be high end (naturally, with the budget!).

Editing software: Windows 7, Sony Vegas and Adobe Premier

Shooting environment: will definitely include some humid places in the forest. They lost their older Canon HV40 cameras to problems caused by humidity.

I am volunteering for this group. Personally I am carrying a TM700. I like it, but editing gave me some problems and its full HD ability actually cost me in terms of weight of several external drives to carry around with me. They could get that one, but it is now out of shelves. Perhaps we could use TM900 as the benchmark for any suggestions you may have.

We got little time before they meet Panasonic, so any prompt responses will be highly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

[julitomg]

How about the Panasonic HMC40? Records en SD cards, has a lot of pro features (3 image sensors, full manual controls, optional XLR audio inputs, gives you several combinations of resolution, bitrate and framerate, etc...), it´s bigger (more stable holding) than most handycam type models but much smaller and lighter than full size shouldermount ones. take a look:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/625605-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC40PJU_AG_HMC40_AVCCAM...Camcorder.html

or the smaller TM900:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749839-REG/Panasonic_HDC_TM900K_HDC_TM900_High_D...tion_3MOS.html

Good luck

[incagraphy]

Julitomg, thanks for the suggestion.
I took a look at the HMC40. Looks like something they can use. TM900 has been already the consideration until now. I also suggested HMC150 (in case Panasonic is more generous than we would expect).

My only worry is that accessories for all these cameras will also cost dearly (microphone, spare batteries, dedicated chargers, LED lights, etc.)

[incagraphy]

hi again everybody.... the indigenous group's representatives met with Panasanic with the suggestions I made thanks to above comments.

However, Panasonic made a generous offer instead, and is giving a big discount on either of the following models, bringing them down to the group's budget. I am on a veeery slow connection today and tomorrow I depart on a slow journey to join the indigenous friends. hence, I will appreciate if someone can drop a suggestion here if you have ideas.

1. Model: AG-HMC41EU (1/4" 3MOS AVCHD Camera) –
2. Model: AG-HMC152EN (1/3" 3CCD AVCHD Camera) –
3. Model: AG-AF102EN (Micro Four Third AVCHD Camera) –

and the AG-HMC82EN model added to the list this morning.

One main concern is to know whether any of these cameras have hidden difficulties in capturing video to editing software (like having to do extra steps with third party software or conversion requirements) as well as some technical difficulties in shooting that Panasonic's website wouldn't mention.

thanks

[edDV]

1. Model: AG-HMC41EU (1/4" 3MOS AVCHD Camera) –
2. Model: AG-HMC152EN (1/3" 3CCD AVCHD Camera) –
3. Model: AG-AF102EN (Micro Four Third AVCHD Camera) –
4. AG-HMC82EN model added to the list this morning.

One main concern is to know whether any of these cameras have hidden difficulties in capturing video to editing software (like having to do extra steps with third party software or conversion requirements) as well as some technical difficulties in shooting that Panasonic's website wouldn't mention.

thanks

These are all semi-pro to pro models that will take considerable training to master. All use variations of the high definition AVCHD (AVCCAM) format which will require a sophisticated computer for editing. Explain the computer skills of the potential operators.

Recording media ranges from class 6-10 SD flash cards (unlikely to be available locally) to very expensive pro P2 cards (avoid for this kind of use).

A huge issue with camcorders of this type is battery capacity, charging requirements and battery cost.

Another issue is maintenance support outside major international cities like Singapore or Tokyo.

Original post.

...
Budget: US$3000 - to get 2 cameras with their accessories. Hopefully the discount will be substantial.

Output target: acceptable TV quality for local viewing in Malaysia. But does not have to be high end (naturally, with the budget!).

Editing software: Windows 7, Sony Vegas and Adobe Premier

Shooting environment: will definitely include some humid places in the forest. They lost their older Canon HV40 cameras to problems caused by humidity.

Are you sure HD is needed here? What HD displays are available? SD conversion is a complicated process.

It is nice for Panasonic to offer discounts for a camcorder but the rest of the system needed is equally expensive and none of it will be used unless extensive training is provided.

Please give more details about the potential users and the goal of the project. Are they producing video for local consumption or for international broadcast media? Who will be doing the training?

[incagraphy]

Hi. really sorry that I never got back to you on this. I lost access to this account for a while and forgot about it till now.

Just to give you an update:
the group purchased a TM900 and they were *given* a brand new Panasonic camera as a gift. It was a semi-pro model from one of the three I had listed. They have good connections and I think a BBC cameraman was going to help them figure out how to use the semi-pro one.

I gave basic training to some of the youngsters with editing. I don't know too much myself, but the boys are bright. They are doing good-enough work with Sony Vegas.

I have been away from them for over a year already, due to lack of personal funding. So, I can't tell you how much they have improved with these cameras but they secured a couple years' of project funding to keep being heard regarding their indigenous rights. I hope to return again.

thanks for all the help you gave me.
Now I am on a similar duty and considering the technology is changing so fast, I am restarting a thread to find fresh suggestions.

[julitomg]

Hello
Nice to hear from you again. I´m glad you could find helpful hints or information here.

[budwzr]

Check out "The Filmmaker's Handbook". It's cheap, and has a lot of information on the whole process.

[turk690]

There's the AG-AC90 now which I'm considering getting over the coming Canon XA20.

[incagraphy]

when/if you get a chance, could you look at the new thread I started? I have slightly different circumstances for the new purchases:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/356619-gear-list-for-a-photo-video-kit