Panasonic AG-HMC40 Review

[@bresnato2319]

HELP! HELP! HELP! Please read! I need to know what kind of charger is used for this because Idk where it goes or what the charger looks like... I really need to know so please help! Thank you

[@Racmaster00]

Thank you for this video. After doing some research, I've decided that I think this is the camera I want to go with. The only problem is that I've read that this camera is terrible in low light situations, which is bad considering that this camera will primarily be used at night. Would you recommend this camera if I will mainly be using it to film at night? If not could you recommend another camera around this price, thank you.

[@PerthSkate]

@dteubner okay, thanks for replying, once again great video. Also how can you afford all these cameras, you do a lot of reviews and I was just curious to whether you borrow the cameras or buy them?

[@ashare06]

How are the pictures from the camera?...and also, can you record video and take pictures simultaneously?...

[@PerthSkate]

Hey awesome video, just wondering if this camera has any built in image stabilization? Cheers (;

[@bugsylevario8122]

What type of light source would you recommend for this camcorder?

[@timothyhutto8363]

I could not find your eMail. I will be shooting mostly from a tripod. I will be doing videos for business promotions on social media and websites. And filming to create products for resale. Products include DVD sets, Audio sets for teaching material. This is all for my personal business. I have NO clue what to choose in HD camcorders. I am currently looking at a canon vixia HF G 20 for $600 and the Panasonic professional AG HMC40 AVCHD for $650. I need to begin with some simplicity without jumping on a $1500 purchase. I want to get STARTED. I have researched and read many 2014-15 reviews on top 10 camcorders from low-mid-high range. Can you give me some advice?

[@alexpuro81]

hi there one question will you use this hmc40 to shoot weddings or i should go for the hmc 150 ???? Please help

[@KeKmKo]

I would like to know how long is this camcorder without the Lens hood and without counting the view finder part, I know it's around 11.9" if i count the view finder and the lens hood. (according to B&H Photo & Video) -Thank you

[@wellingtonskatekr3w]

Oh alright cool I'll look into it. Is there like a specific reason you would choose the hmc150 over the ax2000? Idk Im more of a Sony fan.

[@Rickyyy001]

@dteubner i was actually interested in the hmc40(idk if that's what you ment) lol thanks man, i guess my 2000 dollar question is should i go with this camer because it's got 24p and the sony doesn't? thanks...

[@SuperFlashDriver]

What's funny is one of the panasonic AG-HMC40 cameras has a broken headphone jack stuck inside, what could I do to remove it?

[@PerthSkate]

@dteubner Okay thanks, and sorry one last question - I would like to get this camera to film skating, can you get different handles to attach to the camera or is there just the one, just the handle in this video seems a bit short.

[@wellingtonskatekr3w]

Thanks so much for the reply! Really gave me alot to think about. I don't have an i7 but if I do upgrade to one it would be in the future after I save more. If im Going that far might as well take another step from the hmc40. I was looking in to The sony ax2000 what do You think about this camera? Which would you prefer the ax2000 or hmc150?

[@vlagamemedia1]

nice vid. I have two PNY 32gb class 10 sdhc cards, would they be sufficient for this camara? Please reply soon. Thank you in advance.

[@erikatrevino]

Can I conect directly to power directly so I can record like 4 or more hours?

[@dteubner]

I had the camera on loan as a demo. Typically I don't use the picture feature on video cameras. Sometimes I'll do a scree capture using Premiere Pro after the fact for HD quality images. Sorry I can't answer your question.

[@dteubner]

They have a little camcorder called Panasonic HX-WA2 HD. It has some water resistance. I would recommend GoPro's Hero HD camera for sports, underwater, ect. If you need to waterproof a larger Panasonic camera, like the HMC40, you'll need to spend around $1500 for something like the Equinox HD8. There may be other solutions, but not sure.

[@DrummaMan75]

Really great page!! I'm looking to upgrade to a higher level camera. I'm filming for my YOuTube page (i'm a drummer) and filming of school concerts. Can you suggest a cam?

[@crijomeinzer1579]

quick question, cam you change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3 using in camera settings?

[@DrummaMan75]

I've read that it has issues. I use Powerdirector (not vegas or final cut) Will this camera be compatible with my program? How does this compare with the canon xf100?

[@l0uischarles]

@dteubner thankyou very much and also is there a certian type of memory card that needs to be used ?

[@nathanaeledward_b]

I see on Amazon you can get a used AG-HMC40 for about 1500, what would you recommend for a camera with similar features but maybe around 1000 or less? Entry-level videography gear? I've been doing some freelance work and would like to get my own equipment.

[@Rickyyy001]

i'm looking to purchase this camera or the sony fx7, i film a lot of fast paced sports, the camera's footage is also going to be edited with a imac 27". do you think i'd be better off with the fx7 even though it doesn't film in 24p? thanks man

[@l0uischarles]

can you turn the steady shot on and off

[@americadjtony]

What's the best setting for low light for this camera?

[@jarredjarred12]

Can you use the ring to zoom in and out really fast?

[@dteubner]

@ZackRossFilms I think that most fish eye lenses don't use a lens shade. You'll get what is called a lens flare when pointed toward the sun and certain angles near the sun. But lens flares can look cool. If it's a problem, you could fashion your own lens shade with some cardboard perhaps. Good luck.

[@franciscosaiadirector_official]

Hi. Wonderful video. Can I ask you a question? How I have to do for starting record od the shot? What botton I have to push?

[@SuperFlashDriver]

Does this camera only record AVCHD or can I record the footage in MP4 mode??

[@wellingtonskatekr3w]

hi would you recomend upgrading from a fx7 to the hmc40? also do you know what setting are the best for the hmc40 in adobe premiere pro cs4? please reply. I really like the going tapeless idea.

[@kermitetaylor]

What is the quality of the still picture

[@wellingtonskatekr3w]

Hey I have a t2i. And my laptop handles it perfectly. So does this mean it could handle the avchd? Is it the same thing? Please help thanks!

[@lynardo]

is it good for night time and HVR-Z7U or AG-HMC40 or HVR-A1U money not being a problem which should i get or AG-HMC150 cuz i am in news so i know how to work pro camcorders but only basic Lego

[@jjhaston]

you can use the ring for zoom, correct?

[@LiITheo]

What do you guys think about the HMC40 vs the DVX100 for film making? Thoughts? I'm absolutely torn. Thanks!

[@juliortega]

Hi. What was the frame rate of the test footage? thanks.

[@sam.ruesink]

@TheShootTruth10 ive heard the hmc40 is better than the 150, because the 150 is full hd

[@Hygoog]

Hi, I'm a beginner at this. I was wandering which camera would be best for me: Panasonic HDC-TM700K or AG-HMC40. I'll be using it to make short films. Help would be appreciative =)

[@TheDreamer452]

I wish I had the money to buy this camera! Is there a way to get it billed? I only have a hundred dollars, is there a way I could pay like maybe 50 bucks a month or whatever to pay it off?!

[@MathiasenProduction]

Which batteries are compatible with this camera?

[@armasarspacemission.8018]

I can't find a lavalier microphone for this camera. Has anyone encountered this?

[@dteubner]

@TheModernDayPirate You can set the camera to Auto Focus and use the manual focus ring to control the zooming.

[@TheTitanic3]

@dteubner how many pixels does this cam have, 720, 1080

[@JuanCarlosKDNA]

Is this camera comparable with the old standard AGDVX100b?

[@Psychooriginalz]

I have two of these camera and they are amazing....however the XLR device you can buy causes a bit of noise in and of itself. Does the HMC150 have that problem with the ports directly in the camera?

[@jobersonlopes1]

Hi This camera AG-HMC40 is the same AG-HMC40P ?

[@dteubner]

@bestamerica No. This camera records to memory cards. It doesn't use tape.

[@Webcast01]

How bad is the rolling shutter on the camera?

[@dteubner]

@dudeproductions100 I have other videos about AVCHD editing on a PC. But the short answer to your question is: if your PC is running the new i7 processor, editing AVCHD is fairly easy. I run an i7 PC and edit with Premiere Pro CS5 on a 64-bit machine. Editing AVCHD is no problem.

[@HeartPoundingProductions]

@dteubner What if im twirling a stick around in my hand, would it effect that?

[@dteubner]

@vlagamemedia1 Yes. The 32gb sdhc cards will each give you about 3 hours of recording time at the highest quality.

[@ZackRossFilms]

@dteubner thank you, and would the lens shade coming off affect my videos??

[@SINTESTrn]

Can i make livestream (on facebbok) with this camera?

[@Will.7839]

Which cards are the best SD cards to use with this camera?

[@dteubner]

@rainerfilm Rolling shutter is a real effect based on how the CMOS sensors capture the frame. CCD sensors work differently and don't produce this effect. There might be more info out there on rolling shutter issues. I don't really know much about it except that fast panning will tilt vertical lines.

[@joelangelvideoclips5150]

it turns off because the fan no longer worked, se me apaga porque ya no funciono el abanico

[@MoeGunz]

@bestamerica Pause isn't needed for SD because the footage is data and can be manipulated without capturing. You can put up footage from a SD card in your preview window inside your editing program. You can then go through any thing on that SD card stopping when ever you want and doing anything you want. SD cards you reduce editing time and you have more options. Also every time you stop the camera a new file is created making it easier to distinguish between scenes in lieu of playing a tape

[@dudeproductions100]

does this work good with premire pro and after effects on a windows pc?

[@MegaProfessionnel]

plz help choose between this and ag-ac90...they have similar price...but this camera is 4 yrs old....what is your opinion....which one is better?

[@LDNJC666]

I just ordered my camera last night, but was wondering a few things. Can the focus/iris ring also be set to a zoom ring? and are the user buttons completely customizable, or are there limitations? thanks

[@photogss]

Hello, Thanks for the review! Just curious, if you plug in a HDMI monitor will you still be able to monitor on the camera as well (basically will the attached LCD still be on and functional at the same time)? Thanks!

[@rreid2774]

Thanks for your video reviews. It has helped me greatly in determining which camera to purchase.

[@HotBurningFingers]

Hello. Great review! I was wondering, does this camera have fully manually settings (aperture, shutter speed etc.) or is the only thing you can setup manually the shutter speed? Thanks!

[@TheModernDayPirate]

Does it have manual zoom

[@frisko2727]

does this camera take pictures??

[@ShadowAgentFox]

is this type of camera good for like freelance work and or weddings and maybe action video let me know who ever can help me out with this questions..

[@HeartPoundingProductions]

how bad is the rolling shutter?

[@dteubner]

@skater4life1000 If you mean the Sony Handycam HDR-FX7, that's a tape-based HDV camera. It uses firewire to connect to your computer. You play the tape back into your computer to edit. Sony is a good camera and HDV is easy to edit, if you have a firewire connector in your computer. Not sure what to recommend. the HMC40 records to AVCHD, harder to edit, but no tape needed. I don't make recommendations typically. My favorite camera is the HMC150, the HMC40's big brother. But the Sony is good.

[@dteubner]

I don't think so. Although the Canon XH-A1 and many of the Sony cameras still offer the HDV format (using miniDV), most manufactures have gone tapeless, using the AVCHD standard, which looks sharper than the older HDV format. The Panasonic AG-HMC40 uses SD cards and records in AVCHD like most cameras today. If you have an old, slow computer, the HDV format is easier to edit than AVCHD, so that might be one case where a miniDV camera is a good choice. But I prefer the tapeless workflow.

[@bestamerica]

' is this camera come with a Hi8MM tape

[@lozzastitch]

how does it compare to the Sony HVR-A1E?

[@jmprater]

I just ordered this camera tonight. I also ordered the rode video mic...I'm choosing to go without the XLR adapter and just plug the mic into the mic port. Will that work?

[@MoeGunz]

@bestamerica Unfortunately, I have to deal with tape in school and the capturing process is so annoying and long that most capture one day and come back another to actually edit. To directly answer your concern, every time you stop the camera and begin recording, a new file is created on the SD card. Therefore, you won't have to do anything again and you won't have to worry about timecode breaks and recording over footage by mistake.

[@MrDiezsobrediez]

SE ME ROMPIÓ EL DISPLAY(LAPANTALLA ) DONDE LO PUEDO CONSEGUIR - SI ME INDICAN QUEDO AGRADECIDO

[@MrQwert7]

Does it have night vision

[@paulperry62]

I realize you did this review a few years ago, I see this camera with xlr adapter on ebay, Can this camera adapt to a Manfrotto remote control on the handle, if so what & where is the connection for the remote on the camera? Also can a separate monitor be installed on the shoe? If so what connection for the monitor is on the camera? If you can answer me it will be very helpful. Thanks

[@bizefalo1234567]

hello! you had some kind of problem with the sd card? I want to buy this camera, but I'm not sure to change Cassette to sd. I appreciate your help, thanks My work is social video and I have fear of losing an event with sd card

[@dteubner]

@TheTitanic3 It's has 3 full-raster sensors, 1920 x 1280.

[@TVperson1]

Is the HDMI out 4:2:2?

[@dteubner]

No, the HMC150 does well with the XLR connectors.

[@dteubner]

@l0uischarles Yes. It's called Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

[@dteubner]

The camera has fully manual settings as an option.

[@dteubner]

The two Sony cameras you mentioned record to DV tape in the HDV format. I would say that the newer Panasonics, recording in AVCHD (h.264) are better quality. I haven't used the Sony cameras, but either Panasonics would be a good choice. I think the HMC150 in a more pro choice. It all depends on your budget.

[@dteubner]

@Hygoog The HMC40 has a bigger body and is easier to hold steady. But if price is an issue, the TM700 (newer model is the TM900) is the way to go. The real issue is getting good sound. Neither of these cameras have professional XLR microphone imputs so you'll need to figure out a way to get good sound. For extra money, the HMC40 has an XLR adapter you can add. I use the HMC150, the bigger brother of the HMC40. I love that camera.

[@spookyspectre]

The specs state 1 lux for very low light..do you believe this feature to be accurate? Please email back. Thanks! Scary Harry

[@dteubner]

@BBrtqB Nope. Class 4 will work, or class 6. You'll need to check if this camera will accept the new class 10. But class 4 works. I use class 6 usually.

[@dteubner]

The HMC150 is a great camera. No question about it. With a proper white balance setting the image is awesome. I've videotaped theater mostly with this camera.

[@crijomeinzer1579]

does this camera have ND filters?

[@ChaseMcIntyreFilms]

@avo7778 um, it's a camera, not a car or a house. lol. i don't think you can lease a camera like that. best to just save up for it or get it as a gift from someone. i recently got it as a christmas gift.

[@dteubner]

@jazzcat522 I believe I used auto white balance and auto iris. Don't actually remember. I had the camera on loan for a week. But one thing I know, best results are achieved when not in full sunlight at noontime. Most cameras respond best to even lighting situations, even overcast days. Harsh light will mess things up. Try fixing your aperture/iris setting and shoot a tad dark. Avoid over exposures. It's taken me years to avoid pitfalls in videotaping. Indoor shooting, set manual white balance.

[@dteubner]

@HPPFilms It isn't terrible. You avoid quick pans and you'll be fine.

[@itvnpagadian2651]

HOW TO SETUP 4:3 RECORDING?

[@LAWLoROFL]

I don't care how long it takes but I'm buying thus camera!!!

[@Nexarla]

Thanks for doing these reviews, power to the consumers!

[@dteubner]

@photogss Yes. I've attached a large monitor and still the LCD worked as always.

[@PerthSkate]

@tijuanapkfr new there are usually around 1700 - 2200 dollars

[@dteubner]

@jarredjarred12 I only had the camera a few days to review it. I believe the rocker arm works fastest for zooming. The ring zoom feature (toggle between zoom and focus with a push of a button) is a server type, not geared directly to the zoom, so I imaging zooming isn't that fast. You could ask your question at DVXUSER where Panasonic cameras are discussed more in depth.

[@dteubner]

I have the TM700 which is similar to your new X900m, but a couple years old now. It shoots great video, lightweight and easy to carry. I use my TM700 as my "wide shot" when working with my larger AG-AC160, which I use for closeups. Your X900m should give you many years of quality video.

[@dteubner]

@teheverythingshow My feeling is that the Panasonic TM700, which costs less, does about the same as this one. If you need more controls beyond the TM700, go all the way up to the HMC150 by Panasonic. But I feel the HMC40 is too expensive for the little it does. Either the TM700 or HMC150 are my choices.