Panasonic Professional AG-HCK10 Point of View Camera with 12x Lens (Requires AG-HMR10 & Cable)

I bought the HCK10 POV Panasonic camera along with the HMR10 recorder/monitor with the intention of using it for a wide array of applications. The camera must be paired with the HMR10 recorder with the Panasonic cable (available in 9.x ft and 65' lengths). The camera itself does not record. It sends the signal to the HMR10 recorder.

The camera is essentially an HMC40 in a smaller form factor. It records a number of AVCHD formats (720 in 24P,30P, 60P, and also in 1080i and 1080 24P and 30P.

The camera's functions are all controlled from the HMR10 recorder unit (iris, shutter, zoom, record, recording format, etc..) which is incredibly useful.

One use is as a third camera for weddings and theater events where it can be remote controlled from a distance without having to have a camera operator visible or mounting it high on stands or in places where a camera operator cannot physcially be anyway. When mounted on a remote Pan Tilt head, you have complete control of everything from up to 65' away, just as if you had a camera person there.

Another use is as a "pole cam" atop a 12' and 20' pole. I get very impressive shots with this setup, simulating Jib and even some aerial type shots.

Yet another use is mounting it on vehicles and then the camera can be contolled by a passenger safely inside the vehicle.

Another use would be on a jib arm. Since it is much lighter than a traditional handheld, it would not require nearly the counterweight nor as heavy of a Jib.

Apparently these things are also used for nature observation, medical uses, law enforcement and even under water (with a housing). I have only used it for the listed purposes. It is supposed to have been used in the 2010 Cadillac TV Commercial for interior shots.

It's full raster 1920X1080 and if given enough light, pumps out incredible images just like the HMC40/80.

Also worth mentioning is the recorder includes a built in wave form monitor like the HMC150 and an external mic can be attached. The camera itself has a built in microphone. The recorder also has a host of outputs including SDI and can also be connected with an external zoom controller, which I find useful when pole cam shooting. If you have a P2 camera you can attach it to the recorder and thus have the convenience of long AVCHD recording times, saving you from the great expense of using P2 cards during long events.

The Pros:

1. Small and lightweight. Tons of creative and versatile uses. Your imagination is the limit.

2. 3MOS sensors. A "Pro" level POV camera whos footage can intercut nicely with other Panasonic Prosumer cameras without the hassle of much post work to try to match.

3. Full HD quality. Capable of outstanding images. Can do 720 /60P

The only cons I can say about it are:

1. More expensive than HMC40/80 and HMC150, espicially once you buy the accessories such as longer cable, recorder hood, mounting plate (if mounting recorder on a stand, vest or jib arm).

2. 43 mm lens is not wide enough for pole cam shots. It does ok, but I wish it were wider. A wide angle adapter is available but it adds more weight which makes pole cam shooting more difficult.

3. Low light performance is not as good as HMC150. Thanks to it's 3MOS sensors, it's probably better indoors than say a GoPro or cheaper POV camera, but if you are shooting in low light areas, you will need some lighting to avoid having your footage suffer.

In conclusion, if you need another camera that can be used traditionally handheld or tripod mounted, or if you need a higher grade POV camera for a host of creative shots, this camera will fit the bill.