However, if you are used to the bells-and-whistles AF systems of cameras like Canon with its dual pixel AF, or Sony’s A7 range with hybrid phase detect and focus detect systems, then you won’t be overly impressed. There’s no touchscreen to do touch-to-pull focus, for example. For amore traditional camcorder, it’s a decent system, though. And there is now face detection, which not only detects a face in the frame, but switches tomanual focus when the face is obscured, rather than the camera focusing on something in the background. In fact, the rest of the camera is largely what you would expect from a professional-level camcorder made by a company with decades of TV experience. Themenus are clear and detailed, the buttons are easy to use and understand and can be customised extensively, and the servo zoom is smooth and responsive. There are twin XLR inputs with proper dials, hidden behind the bright, high-quality fold- out screen and offers all the tools you want froma camera of this type. The camera looks and feels professional and has an impressive spec. We just can’t wait to get hold of a finished version to see how it really performs in the real world.
ABOVE The HC500 offers a bright fold-out screen, proper dials, easy-to-use buttons and detailed menus
THE VERDICT
The world of filmmaking went crazy for large-chip cameras, because of the lovely cinematic look they produce. There has been a rush towards not only 4K and 120fps super-slowmotion, but also Log shooting and a high-quality Apple ProRes codec. And nowHDR is the latest must-have for any serious pro camera. Not only does the HC500 have all this, but it also excels as a streaming camera with well- thought-out spec that shames many of its far more expensive rivals. It also brings new features like the SSD card via a caddy – a great way of handlingmassive files at speed. There’s a fast 20x zoom, which is a 40x if you choose to shoot in HD. It has traditional controls that an experienced camera operator will appreciate, as well as all-auto functions to help the newbie. Not only that, it’s affordable and rugged, so should last for a very long time. Camcorders have really come on a very long way. The HC500 is a camera that can pretty much do it all.
HOW IT RATES Features: 9 As a camera that mixes streamingwith conventional tech, it has the lot Performance: N/A We tried a prototype, so reserve judgement until we can see final version Handling: 9 All the controls are where they should be, thanks to decades of experience Value formoney: 9 Relatively inexpensive for a fixed-lens camcorder with this sort of spec OVERALL RATING: N/A It’s affordable, can be a streaming camera and amore creative tool for post. But we’ll wait to see the final footage Pros: Nothing comes close for streaming spec at the price
Cons: Autofocus isn’t as advanced as some rivals
More information
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SUMMER 2019 PRO MOVIEMAKER
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