AC90: AC90 or VG20 for XHA1 Replacement

C

cjcook

New member
I'm ready to replace my aging XHA1, and have narrowed my choices to either the AC90 or VG20. I mainly do event videography (mostly weddings) but also do short films, interviews, etc. In and effort to go tapeless and keep up with current IQ, I recently purchased a HF G10 and an A77 which would play B cam to whatever I buy. I've read tons of reviews on both cams and realize they both have pros & cons. The more I read, the more undecided I am. Until I started reading about the AC90, I was sure I was to get the VG20, especially with the current $500 discount at BH. Any suggestions and/or recommendations? Thanks.
 
I would go with the AC90, considering what you shoot. The ease of use, the super sharp alias free resolution, the professional audio inputs, the incredible O.I.S, the ability to widely adjust the color, cinema gammas etc. etc. Also, the fact you have an A77 means if you ever want a shallow dof beauty shot...you can get it....which is really the only thing the VG20 would do the AC90 can't. To me this one is a slam dunk....yesterday the AC90 was only $1850 if you add to cart at B and H. (nothing else to buy is another plus...charge it up and start shooting!)
 
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I have recently purchased an AC90 to replace my XHA1s. I use it alongside a Canon HFS21 and a Panasonic GH1. (Soon to be replaced by a GH3). The AC90 is a superb camera which does everything the XHA1 does and probably more. I love it's size and weight, especially love the LCD screen after using the XHA1 for a few years. I've done a few indoor interview type pieces with it and it looks much better than the XHA1 in similar lighting. The 12x reach is less than the Canon but in most cases I don't think that will bother me. The auto modes are excellent and I've had no problems with indoor or outdoor lighting situations. I don't think anything matches this camera for the price.
 
I replaced my XHA1 with AC130. Except for the auto-focus, I am happy with my AC130. The only other thing I liked about by XHA1 is it had that "Canon look" which I have grown to like that the AC130 does not have.
 
Im glad I decided to hold on to my xha1's, I recently had a shoot where I needed the ccd's, and the old xha1 with a citidisk (cf card) saved the day. So you might want to rethink getting rid of the xha1, I would say they have depreciated so much I dont see the point selling them, I might get 900.00 or a grand if I decided to sell, At that price, I don't see the point, but thats just me. With a little post sharpening the A1 can still make a nice image if you have enough light.
 
pulpfiction007, richtiger, & firefox, thanks for the feedback. I still have problems in my head with the 1/4.7 sensor size. Also, is this the same sensor/processor in the x900?

maranfilms, I not so hung up on keeping my XHA1. One of thoughts for actually keeping is if I decided to just get another g10 and/or a x900. I would then use those as A / B cams in most situations and have the XHA1 as a C cam (more just for show, because we all know bigger is better). That is an actual consideration of mine to wait and see what comes out at NAB
 
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