AC130: AC130 not shipped??

That is a bummer about the time/date stamping. You wouldn't think anyone would ever want the stamp up there that high in the frame. Ridiculous. Hopefully there is a way to adjust that and you just haven't found it yet. Doesn't look good, though.
 
That is weird, I have used alot of cameras over the years that have time/date burns- but I have never seen one with it so high. Re: moving it around- perhaps a firmw... scratch that. BG has stated that Panasonic typicaly never adds features via firmware.
 
I believe that Jan at Panasonic is already aware of the problems being caused by the high time - date stamp, and is looking into the matter.

I would have to believe that something like that can be fixed with a firmware update.

How good is Pansonic's track record in addressing issues like this one that involve firmware? Can any veteran Panasonic owners comment??
 
I think that, as manufacturers go, the Panasonic pro/sumer division is very responsive, and in the past has addressed firmware and hardware issues at least as well as anyone. And while Panasonic might not add features in firmware updates (I neither confirm nor deny this), they do release firmware updates to address issues and add small "features" (such as compatibility with new media, like Class 10 SDHC compatibility for the HMC150). If it is something that can be addressed, I'm sure it will be.
 
Agreed, Panasonic is easily the most reliable among camera manufacturers for acknowledging issues like this and working on a solution (via firmware). Wouldn't expect an immediate fix, but who knows. They may already have something in process.

I know for the HMC150, the last firmware update added some functionality - not necessarily "features" - and an improved AVCHD processing was among the additions. I doubt a firmware update would allow you to customize the position of the date stamp (possibly) but rather the fixed position of the stamp would just be moved.

Guess we'll see...thankfully this is not likely to affect the majority of my projects and I can still use my HMC150s for this.
 
Seems like the time date stamp was added as a bragging feature to sell the camera but not really designed as a usable feature in the real world.
This explains why the language in the manual says the time date stamp may vary on where it displays on your monitor. You would assume they are talking about over-scanning and under-scanning of TVs.
In truth it probably tries to get them off the hook on where the software engineer placed it.
When I have a chance I will put up a few different images of previous cameras made by Panny that have the TD stamp.
I have to run now---off to tape a deposition on my HMC80
 
ELN614 said:
Seems like the time date stamp was added as a bragging feature to sell the camera but not really designed as a usable feature in the real world.
This explains why the language in the manual says the time date stamp may vary on where it displays on your monitor.
Click to expand...

It definitely was designed as a usable feature...also as a bragging point (of course...that's marketing). The HMC150 is one of the most popular camcorders in use today for depositions and other legal purposes where time/date stamp is crucial.

As for the display...was your earlier image showing the recording display of the time/date stamp, or the PLAYBACK display (of a recorded clip)...?

One thing that popped into my mind about the placement of the stamp...the HMC150 display was a 4:3 screen, and I wonder if somehow or another the current display is based upon the same programming logic (such as "place stamp X pixels from the bottom of display") and so as the code was carried over from the HMC150 maybe somebody forgot to make an adjustment for the new 16:9 LCD screen on the AC160/AC130 cameras. Just a hunch, nothing more, but would love to know an answer.

Anyway, that's why I'm asking if you were showing a RECORDING display of the stamp or a PLAYBACK display (which would show where the data is actually stamped on the recording itself).
 
scapsinger said:
It definitely was designed as a usable feature...also as a bragging point (of course...that's marketing). The HMC150 is one of the most popular camcorders in use today for depositions and other legal purposes where time/date stamp is crucial.

As for the display...was your earlier image showing the recording display of the time/date stamp, or the PLAYBACK display (of a recorded clip)...? ...
Click to expand...

answer: recorded image on SDHC card-->NLE--->output still image --->post here unedited.


One other thing I noticed was the image seems brighter on the camera's LCD vs my NLE monitor. I have yet to further investigate the discrepancy. My NLE monitor is calibrated.. so I might have to do some tweaking of the camera's LCD.
 
Yeah, the LCD has a brightness adjustment you can change.

But of course, brightness is so fickle depending upon lighting conditions and glare and such. That's why things like zebras and waveform on cameras are such crucial tools, since they analyze the signal purely independent of any LCD screen adjustments.

In general, the "normal" or "medium" setting for on-camera LCDs is the best. Uses less battery and is more accurate than the high settings, although in bright sunlight you may need to go brighter just to see the image at all.
 
ELN614 said:
This explains why the language in the manual says the time date stamp may vary on where it displays on your monitor. You would assume they are talking about over-scanning and under-scanning of TVs.
Click to expand...

I've never seen the manual… but this gets me thinking… have you tried turning off or removing items from the on-screen display? Perhaps there are issues related to overlapping text on the screen; and the language might indicate that the timestamp might move so as to avoid overlapping the informational display... Also, have you tried different shooting modes?
 
We are studying the placement of the time date and figuring out how and if it is moveable. I will post back in a new thread when we have solid news.

Best,

Jan
 
Just stopped by the local shop here in ATL to check out the AC130. This is a BIG camera! Love the new LCD and viewfinder...really clear, just like the AF100. Zoom is crazy long. Problem I have is that I'll need a bigger case to hold this monster.

Gonna pick one up soon...this ATL store will need to put up a better price. Otherwise I have DVXUser sponsors to call. :)
 
scapsinger said:
Just stopped by the local shop here in ATL to check out the AC130. This is a BIG camera! Love the new LCD and viewfinder...really clear, just like the AF100. Zoom is crazy long. Problem I have is that I'll need a bigger case to hold this monster.
Click to expand...


B&H recommended the Kata D-Light Capsule-183 carrying case to me. It costs $100, and the salesman told me that the AC130/160 fits perfectly in it.

I'm getting my gear tomorrow. I'll have to post a photo of the camcorder in the case. I'm hoping that I received sound advice.

Here is a photo of what this Kata carrying case looks like:

t720x460_capsule_183_0003_v2.jpg


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