Beyond the look and feel of the AG-HMC150, the professional features extend to the audio controls. Two XLR inputs equal two channels of audio that can be controlled independently. We found the gain controls to be heavily guarded (in a good way) by a clear plastic shield that made it unusually difficult to get a good handle on the control. This helps keep the gain pots from being bumped accidentally. Fortunately, you can remove this shield or modify it if you're clever with a file. To do so, of course, will be modifying at your own risk.

On top of the camcorder, there's a shotgun microphone holder for the obvious reason of adding said mic. Or the on-board mics will also do the job for the casual shooter. All these options give the shooter some flexibility. You're limited, however, with the Dolby AC3 audio recording format as the only audio codec. The AC3 audio performed quite well, though.

Following the footsteps of the AG-DVX100 and AG-HVX200, the AG-HMC150 is set to move right in and find itself at home with a unique set of shooters. Creative videographers who need an HD camcorder with professional controls at a reasonable price will be most interested. The AVCHD format could turn some folks away, as tape still gives us a sense of comfort by familiarity. But, as processing and memory technologies increase, the cost efficiency of the tapeless workflow will ultimately improve and will be the most compelling in the end. The Panasonic AG-HMC150's superb performance and proven design make it one of the first prosumer-level camcorders poised to cross that tapeless line.

Format: AVCHD
Image Sensor: 3 x 1/3" CCDs
Interchangeable Lenses: No
Lens f-Stop: f1.6-3.0
Optical Zoom: 13x
Focal Length: 28-368mm
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Focus: Auto/Manual
Iris/Gain Control: Auto/Manual
Shutter Speed: Auto/Manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/2000 (60i), 1/1000 (30p, 24p)
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/15
Image Stabilization: Optical
Internal ND Filter: Yes
Manual White Balance: Yes
Zebra Stripes: Yes
Viewfinder: Color .44" 235k pixels
LCD Monitor: Color 3.5" 211k
Progressive Scan: Yes
Video Out: HDMI, component, composite
Audio Modes: Stereo
Microphone In: Yes (XLR)
VU Meter: Yes
Manual Audio Level Controls: Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Wireless Remote: Yes
External Battery Charger Provided: Yes
Battery Type: Info Lithium Ion
Form Factor: Standard, horizontal
Memory Card Loading Config.: Back
On-board Video Light: No
Accessory Shoe: Yes

• Lightweight
• Long record times
• Professional audio
• Mixed frame rates
• 28mm wide-angle lens
• High-quality recording bitrate

• Editing AVCHD requires dual-core processor

The Panasonic AG-HMC150 is a remarkable camcorder that will make shooting professional HD video a reality for many of us.

Mark Montgomery is Videomaker's Technical Editor.

Panasonic Broadcast
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
www.panasonic.com
$3,995