AG-HMC40 vs. AG-HMC150 which is better?

I'm going to purchase a new Panasonic camera with the AVCHD format. Anyone have experiences with these cameras? I'd like to use Panasonic's P2 technology, but it seems impossibly expensive for now.

Also anyone have an opinion on HDV vs. AVCHD?

This guy is comparing AVCHD to HDV.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=998

According to him and the comparison the AVCHD is bad.

However that presumption is based on a false premise.

AVCHD is not equal on all cameras, it uses a mix of compression methods. So basically some cameras don't store as much info in the file.

Saying all AVCHD files are the same is like saying all car engines are the same.

All car engines are the same.

I hear the HMC-150 is pretty good, I was looking at it but ended up going with the FX1000 a year ago. After working with the Mark II for a few weeks I LOVE not having to rip tapes anymore, and just plug the CF card into the computer.

I don't know anything about the HMC40...

The price of the HMC40 is hard to beat. If I had a newer intel-based mac (I have a g5 mac powerpc) I would be shooting with the hmc40 due to the low price, framerate options, sdhc card format, and three chips (albeit 1/4", which won't do well in low light and isn't the best for shots with a small DOF). Apparently the avchd's compression is better, er, maybe I should say more effecient on the HMC40 compared to the hmc150 (correct me if I'm wrong anybody). This must be due to the fact that the hmc40 is a more recent camera. The other day there was a 9+ condition HMC40 on BHPhoto for $1400!!! I didn't get it when I researched the workflow and realized my computer can't handle the footage easily without hours of conversion... Blast you PowerPC/Intel changeover!

Also, if you have the money, you might want to go for the hmc150 since you get 1/3" chips (opposed to the 1/4" chips on the hmc40) and integrated XLR, plus a better lens. Just make sure you've researched your workflow on editing the footage!

BTW, I have an Hvra1u (HDV) and a 5d, and the 5d is way clearer, its so easy to greenscreen. Other than ipod video files and 5d footage I have no other experience with other cameras that shoot AVCHD.

I guess it depends a lot on how you work, Some people say AVCHD files take a long time to work with, and to play back. I don't have that problem, on the other hand I have several quad computers linked together into one "supercomputer" that will probably become self aware and declare nuclear war on humans, but until that time my computers are capable of playing back AVCHD for the time being.

you guys rock. thanks!!

I own the Panasonic HMC40 and I love it. It's a great camera and it was an excellent price. I upgraded from the Panasonic DVC30, which I used for years, and all of my lens (wide angles, fish eye, macro) and my XLR adapter fit perfectly onto the HMC40. I like the fact there it's a touch screen menu, and I like that I can shoot time lapse with ease.

The ONLY issues that I'm seeing with the AVCHD codec is that the files are really big when brought into Final Cut Pro. I can easily use up a ton of hard drive space after a day of shooting. Still, the price is great, and shooting on SD cards is really helpful on keeping my costs down.

That's my input.

I was going to buy a HMC40 and decided not to. 1/4 chips is equal to a daylight outdoor camcorder. If you have to shoot indoors and want to shoot weddings or rock concerts buy the HMC150 or the Sony AX2000. Since I am not in the wedding or concert video business, with the advice of Pond5 members I have decided to go and buy the Canon T2i which is much better than the HMC40 in low light and some experts say that it is even better in low light than the HMC150, FX1000, NX5 or AX2000. Since in my business I have to shoot video and photograph a lot of hotel interiors, the Canon T2i will do a great job. You can always compensate for audio with a Zoom H4n recorder.