DVX100 and Opteka 0.4x fisheye is what I´m using right now, currently converting the footage into HD. I´m thinking about getting the HMC150, someone who got this camcorder? What do you guys think of the HMC150? Any advices of another camera that I should consider, I´m still gonna try to use my 72mm fisheye..?

Thanks, Torgrim

There are several people on here that shoot with HMC150s, I use one myself. It's definitely the best camera in it's price range right now, although there are several things to consider if you're thinking of buying it.

Most importantly is the AVCHD footage and computer requirements. You'll need a computer with a lot of horsepower to handle the footage, and newer, up to date editing software that supports the AVC footage. Your other option is to transcode the footage into a format that your editing software can support. But again, this can take a while if you're using a slow computer, and it may degrade the quality of the footage if you're transcoding the footage into a non-lossless codec.

On the positive side, the camera is capable of producing some amazing footage. Seeing you're already shooting with a DVX you probably know what most Panasonic cameras are capable of when it comes to image quality and colors. The HMC also has a very similar layout to the DVX, and it'll take you no time to get used to if you're coming from your camera now. The HMC has the variable frame rate options to shoot in 720/24p, 720/30p, 720/60p, and 1080/24p, 1080/30p, 1080/60i. The 60p frame rate is an awesome option if you plan to slow anything down in post. The HMC's overcranked 60p footage looks fantastic.

There are a few other cameras in the price range before you jump up to the HVX, HPX170 and EX1 level. The two other ones that are worthwhile to look into would be a Canon XH-A1, or Sony FX1000. Both cameras are HDV though, and shoot to tape which really is a step back. I went from an XH-A1 to my HMC now. It was a nice camera, but I wouldn't consider going back to it.