AC160 AG-AC160 Problems - TRUE or FALSE??

Hey Rod

I was just checking my orders from my supplier in Auckland this evening and in the last 4 years I have bought 5 pairs of Panasonic cameras from them (that's 10 units total) Every single camera has worked from the instant it has been turned on and my cams work on a daily basis too. I have never had a 'faulty' unit supplied and also have never sent a camera in for warranty repair either!!! That should tell you that the build quality and reliability of Panasonic is second to none!!! I don't think that I am a 'lucky' user at all, the units are obviously tested and quality control checked before leaving the factory...In fact to come to think of it, my first Panny was in 1990!! (yeah I'm old!!!) and every camera since then has been a Panny so over a period of 22 years I have never had a faulty camera and also never had a warranty repair (or for that matter, ANY repair) on any camera...I reckon that's a good quality assurance testimonial!!

Apart from the barrel (which I would love to fall into!) I would hate to have to sell this guy even a tooth brush!!! I pity any supplier that does a deal with him!

Chris
 
Hee Hee! Chris, I don't think anyone could sell him a toothbrush! But yes, as I said the QC on this stuff is amazing! I have been involved with video since 1968 (you think you're old!) and of the many cameras I have owned I have only had one go a bit pear shaped and that was a sony Hi 8 in the 90's which had a drum issue. Everything else rock solid. This little 160 couldn't be bought for $100,000 twenty years ago, so it represents incredible value I reckon, ( Not a camera for hand holding though, I'm too used to a shoulder mounted iron parrot! but I shoot everything on a tripod these days so it fits the bill superbly.
Cheers!
Rod
 
ChrisHarding said:
Hey Rod

I would hate to have to sell this guy even a tooth brush!!! I pity any supplier that does a deal with him!

Chris
Click to expand...


I do feel sorry for B&H Photo here. To buy 6 expensive professional camcorders from them and then return them all seems to me to be taking advantage of B&H's money back satisfaction guarantee. He has been able to find flaws in every single professional camcorder that he bought.

At some point I've got to think that B&H is going to have to cut him off, if he continues to keep this up.

I wonder, does B&H have to absorb the financial hit in circumstances like this? Or do the manufacturers themselves help out retailers like B&H with such returns?

He bought camcorders mostly made by Sony ( 3 ), but also models from Panasonic and Canon. I guess that he felt that all of these camcorders were not good enough to replace his Sony CX550, which is what he continues to use at present.
 
Any focus on this mysterious non-buyer who returned six cameras IMO is a waste of everyone's time.

B&H should put him on a no-buy list and if I had my way he would also go on a no-fly list.

I looked back at the list of complaints and my observations re the line items highlighted are as follows:

1- The build quality is good.
2- The buttons and switches do not rattle, the layout of these is good. only Chris could do a better build.
3- No issues with sound (who tries out in-camera mics anyway?, you can input what you like at the XLRs)
4- The focus and iris rings are smooth (non-issue in my case, I use a Manfrotto remote)
5- The zoom does not whine (unless my hearing is starting to go?)
6- I never knew the camera even had cooling fans.

Bottom line, no complaints.
 
I have heard the fans on a hot day in the Caribbean. No more noticeable than any tape drive I've heard in other cameras.
 
As a GH2 video shooter as well, it seems it would be a no brainer to put a histogram readout box on the Pany Cams, especially the 160/130. I've gotten so accustomed to using it that when I do shoot video I feel a little lost. I'll have to start using the WFM function and get use to it.
 
First of all there is no way to know if this poster, on the other board, is telling the truth or just stirring up mud as trolls usually do. secondly I saw mentioned about the built-in mic... honestly I don't know a single pro that relies on it for the final product. I wish they would just give me an XLR connector instead of the built-in mic and include a small mic that plugs into the XLR. Makes much more professional sense and probably would make the camera cheaper.

I personally came from a DVX100B and a DVC30. this AC130/160 is a perfect fit.
I am pretty opinionated and critical of the cameras I buy.
my 2 cents:
Build: Works every time but I would of loved an alloy body like the DVC30 has. Yes, that adds weight and everyone complains about weight these days, but damn whiners... try carrying an ENG around. these cameras are feathers compared to them.
Noise: Only noise I hear is my breathing from getting old.
Buttons and zoom: work fine for me... no difference from DVX100B

As I read the quote the OP copied and pasted-- they guy sounds like a nut job perfectionist. Perhaps he should buy a RED instead.

Let me end by saying: If I could return my AC130/160, to Panasonic, for a FULL refund and go out and a buy a new camera I would just be buying the same exact model (AC130/160). I think that says it all. I have no regrets other than the early problem with the time-date position.. which has since been addressed.
 
Scout Pro . . .Will be interesting to hear back from you how the WFM compares to the histogram readout you have used on your GH2.

I can definitely see the value of installing a Hoodman Loupe on the LCD because that is the only place you can see the WFM.
 
I purchased four of the P160 cameras in one go for my live event filming company, I researched, read reviews, talked to pro AV stores, but never actually handled one, and when they arrive I absolutely adored the build quality and the construction of the cameras, I also have a AF101 and found the casing to be a similar feel and quality. Panasonic tend to have a unique build quality better than a lot of the plastic feeling Sony's in the same price range in my opinion, they are sleek and feel rugged and would pass a tough jungle test with ease. Best of all? I was blown away by the image quality these cameras can produce, I almost fell off my chair. ;)
 
The guy lost all credibility with me when he said he had returned 6 cameras to B&H since 2011. This is like a guy that has been married six times. Once or twice is a mistake. When you get to three or more you need to start looking in the mirror. This guy either has ridiculous expectations or just doesn't have a clue to have sent back six cameras in one year.
 
Hi all,
Now, can we agree that we have answered the original poster's question and identified the naysayer as a possibly unreliable reviewer, as a professional and a new owner of the interesting panasonic ag ac 160a, I would like this forum to get back to discussing the successes/ failures of this camera , and our experiences with it. Even at my great age I am keen, indeed hungry to keep up with factual information that wil improve my skills ( oh yes, there is plenty of room yet!). So your experiences please, to help us all progress. I am feeling rather grumpy now, at the lack of input into this forum , so from New Zealand I bid you all a good night and an even more creative day tomorrow.
Cheers!
Rod
 
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Hey Rod

It would probably be a lot better to start your own new thread ..sorta something like "What do you like and dislike on the 160A" That should stir up some interest..I suspect it will mostly be "likes" though so it will make you less grumpy!!

Chris
 
I couldn't figure out how to start a new thread.

My issue is depth of field. With the 160, is there a way of varying aperture with shutter automatic?
 
I do believe the naysayer was operating in subjective territory. Objective opinions are not easy to come by.

As a former GE design engineer I might have been able, way back, to comment on electronic gear, but not optics and not mechanics.

You would probably need several tech people from at least three areas to give a proper evaluation re any modern camera. And, they should all have experience with cameras/videography before they try to kick themselves in the rear end when they have both feet in their mouths.

For the most of us, we don't need to do much else but listen to Barry.


For any visitors seeing this thread for the 1st time, Rod did start a Wish List thread along the lines of what Chris suggested.

WRT depth of field there is only so much you can do when you have a fixed lens. It's mostly aperture and zoom but a 35mm DOF adaptor might help you.

I leave shutter alone at 1/60 unless I am in one of the eight scenarios described in Barry's book on pages 21-22.
 
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