AC160 Ac160A for events?

[firehawk]

It's been years since it came out, but now I am considering one for when I need the zoom range for events.
Would be using this with HMC150 and HMC40 for dance recitals and weddings.
I remember the autofocus fiasco which prompted the turbo focus and peaking. What else is there to consider as far as cons?
I seem to recall the dual SD cards stopping both if one failed defeating the purpose of backup recording.
I also seem to recall much dis-satisfaction in the lens itself. But I don't remember exactly what.
And I know it is a huge size.
How big a hassle matching it to the 40 and 150?
Is the zoom smooth on start and stop and variable like the AC 90?
Any thoughts?

 

[kwkeirstead]

What type of events?

I have a 160A, great for live theater production recordings typically from a distance of 65 feet.

The auto-focus works to an extent, but you are better off not using it - especially not for tracking soccer players from the sidelines.

I found no issues with the zoom 35 mm equivalent: 28 mm to 616 mm.

I ran a few tests when I bought this cam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi7Pcyw3NlE (auto-focus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r_QPIA4tsY (auto-focus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28LqOr6W_Lk (zoom test w/Studio 1 Controller)

Here is a short clip (recording of an operatic event from 65 feet)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-_macB-ff4


I would today go with the DVX 200

http://www.dvinfo.net/article/acqui...-dvx200-43-sd-to-4k-fixed-lens-camcorder.html


Hope my info helps

 

[TubEfingers]

I used to have a 150 - it cut really easily with the 160, very little CC'ing to do if your scene file is the same across cameras,
I don't use autofocus, zoom is smooth enough to use, lens is fine for me - not had any problems shooting with our 160

 

[firehawk]

Thank you. I ended up getting an AC90a at a great price. So I still don't have a long zoom camera but it accomplishes most everything else I wanted for events. Looks like the 160a is going away soon.
Still like to have one but for the price, the 90a cost much less. Plus I couldn't justify spending over 3 grand on a 160a with the upcoming new ux180 which should be much better and 4k for not a lot more money.