First Look, Panasonic AG-AC90 at DVExpo West

[Barry_Green]

personally im hoping they offer a firmware upgrade for the ability to shoot in 720p as well, just so i can fit more hours of footage into a single SDXC card

That's not how AVCHD works. In the other AVCHD cameras (HMC150, HMC40, HMC80, AC160, AC130, and AF100) 720p exists pretty much solely in PH mode, which takes up exactly the same amount of space whether it's in 1080 or 720. 720/24 takes up the same amount of space as 1080/24, as 1080/30, as 720/60, etc. They all take up 21 to 24 megabits.

There is one exception, which is there's a new PM mode on the AC130/AC160, which takes up only 8 megabits, but that's not really a high-quality recording mode.

Plus, you already have the ability to fit more footage on an SDXC card in the AC90 -- you can use PS (28 megabits), PH (24 megabits), HA (17 megabits) or HE (6 megabits).

On top of that, SDXC cards can be massively huge. Even using PH mode, you'll get six hours on a single 64GB SDXC card.

 

[Barry_Green]

Barry's books tell you so much more I would not classify them as a PLUS but more an absolute essential!!!

Thanks, Chris! Glad you find them helpful.

 

[LanceOregon]

Hi Chris,

Sorry, I thought the DVX size was useful. So here you go:

Dimensions (W X H X D):
160 mm x 195 mm x 350 mm excluding protruding parts
(6-5/16 inches x 7-11/16 inches x 13-1/16 inches)

Well, that compares to the HMC40, which has dimensions of:

136mm x 135mm x 304mm

While it is larger, that is still a very manageable compact size. That works out to only a 15% increase in length, and 17.6% increase in width.

I believe that people have been commenting that the AC-90 is quite lightweight too. So it should still be easy to hold for extended periods, despite its larger size.

 

[Barry_Green]

It is very light, but it isn't a tinycam like the HMC40. It is a full size handheld, comparable to the DVX100 or HMC150.

 

[ChrisHarding]

Thanks People

Much appreciated...I purely wanted to try to estimate how it would sit on a rail system with a shoulder pad at the end ... that will work pretty well I think but I needed the dimensions mainly to see if one could avoid using the EVF on shoulder and rather use the LCD with a loupe...that will work very nicely I would think..... Sorry about the SM obsession but I have shot Panasonic since the WVP100 tube video camera back in the 80's and right thru the M series range so shoulder mount to me seems natural. The camera in fact is only 47mm shorter than the HMC150 and much the same height so that's a really nice manageable size ..any smaller would be "dinky"

Chris

 

[jimith]

A few days ago I started a new thread wanting information compairing the Canon XA-10 and the Panasonic HMC-40. I'm upgrading to HD and was going to purchase a Canao XA-10 until I discovered the HMC-40. Now, thanks to this forum, I have discovered the AC90. I shoot mostly using a 7" monitor. It is much easier to follow my subject and see the framing and information on screen. I have asked many sites and forums about connecting a monitor to all of these cameras, but have not had a response. I hope someone can answer a few questions about using a 7" non HD monitor on the AC90. Can you connect a standard def monitor to the AC90? (I understand it is not HD, but it is 7") Does it connect with a/v cables (yellow, red, white) or would I need some converter? Does the information on the camera's LCD HD screen appear on a monitor connected the the AC90? (I know I cannot controll the menus from the monitor) Can I connect a lanc zoom controller that just controls the zoom? Also I saw a post asking if the release date is still close to the end of October, but I didn't see a response.
Thanks eveyone.

 

[Felipe Henao]

A few days ago I started a new thread wanting information compairing the Canon XA-10 and the Panasonic HMC-40. I'm upgrading to HD and was going to purchase a Canao XA-10 until I discovered the HMC-40. Now, thanks to this forum, I have discovered the AC90. I shoot mostly using a 7" monitor. It is much easier to follow my subject and see the framing and information on screen. I have asked many sites and forums about connecting a monitor to all of these cameras, but have not had a response. I hope someone can answer a few questions about using a 7" non HD monitor on the AC90. Can you connect a standard def monitor to the AC90? (I understand it is not HD, but it is 7") Does it connect with a/v cables (yellow, red, white) or would I need some converter? Does the information on the camera's LCD HD screen appear on a monitor connected the the AC90? (I know I cannot controll the menus from the monitor) Can I connect a lanc zoom controller that just controls the zoom? Also I saw a post asking if the release date is still close to the end of October, but I didn't see a response.
Thanks eveyone.

Yes October 30, trust Pana, yes Lanc Control Great tool, I've been using it for 3 years , Can't live without it

 

[ChrisHarding]

Most, if not all Panasonics have individual jacks for remote controllers..the AC-90 has one just for zoom and the other socket is for iris and focus control..I made a controller for both and I often unplug the iris/focus and just use the zoom one. I'm assuming that they will have a video out terminal like the others... you can probably also have OSD on your monitor too....Shucks a 7" screen is a monster to have if you are shooting handheld!!

Chris

 

[Barry_Green]

. Can you connect a standard def monitor to the ac90?

Yes.

Does it connect with a/v cables (yellow, red, white)

Yes-ish it has a custom port that outputs component or composite and a breakout cable that cable has yellow/red/white ends that will go to your monitor.
[quots]Does the information on the camera's LCD HD screen appear on a monitor connected the the AC90? [/quote]
Yes, if you tell it to. Some thing (like zebras) won't.

Can I connect a lanc zoom controller that just controls the zoom?

You cannot use LANC with any Panasonic but you can choose from many zoom and focus/iris controllers that are compatible with the AC90.

Also

 

[jimith]

Chris, thanks for the information. For a lot of my shooting I am on a tripod, sometimes a jib crane. I also have made something I call a monotripod. It has a round base of 6" with a telescoping 1 1/4" diameter shaft and a small tripod head. It telescopes from 46" to six feet, made of aluminimium and weighs a couple pounds. It has the quick mobility and small foot print of a monopod, but STANDS alone. You don't want to walk away, but when on a stable surface it is rock steady. I mostly use it for shooting my video house tours for realators. I also use my camera on it and have taken night pictures with the shutter open for 10 seconds. I also made a mount for the monitor. It is great to get high shots over people's heads and be looking down at the monitor. I have a short handle at the top and when at 46 inches it serves as a crude Glidecam. With the AC90 it should shoot great video. I hope to have a video on YouTube about it soon. I already have a video about a jib crane I made, and in two years I have over 100,000 views so I hope to get the monotripod out for everyone to see. Thanks again.

 

[jimith]

Barry, thanks a lot. It is important for me to be able to use a monitor. I am also glad I will be able to see the information on a seperate monitor. Your right, my mistake. I use a Libec ZC-3DV zoom controller and it has a Lanc and P switch. Using my DVC-30 it is on the P selector. Thanks again.

 

[Felipe Henao]

Yes.
You cannot use LANC with any Panasonic but you can choose from many zoom and focus/iris controllers that are compatible with the AC90.
Also

Barry and jimith what is the difference between LANC and zoom/iris/focus controller. Doesn't them make the same ?

 

[ChrisHarding]

Hi Felipe

LANC control I think is a Sony thing that's why the generic controllers have a P switch so they work with Pansonic cameras too. Take a look at the sticky on this forum about the easy-to-make controller ..I made the whole hog for my main camera but I mainly just use the zoom.. I think I put a photo of mine there too!! It's a totally passive thing so it's very easy to make as long as you can solder !! That will show you exactly how it works and photos too from the original author!!

Jimith?? Love to see a pic of your combo tripod/monopod it sounds good. Have you also seen the "stedipod" ??? It's basically a monopod with a tripod base (I made mine with a mic stand base) and the legs are weighted too....It works it quite a few ways and you can also invert it and use it as a "doggycam" ....Just google "stedipod" They might still be made?? I post a link if I can find one from a guy who reviewed it

Update : Here it is : http://www.barbertvp.com/products-steddiepod.html


Chris

 

[Felipe Henao]

Hi Felipe

LANC control I think is a Sony thing that's why the generic controllers have a P switch so they work with Pansonic cameras too. Take a look at the sticky on this forum about the easy-to-make controller ..I made the whole hog for my main camera but I mainly just use the zoom.. I think I put a photo of mine there too!! It's a totally passive thing so it's very easy to make as long as you can solder !! That will show you exactly how it works and photos too from the original author!!
Chris

Thanks Chris, So is a different protocol but they do the same, to control the camera. I use the Varizoom zoom/iris/focus controller and is great.
However from some research I just made seem like the Lanc protocol from Manfrotto has many more functions than the Varizoom controller
The one Manfrotto makes for Panasonic has only zoom

 

[ChrisHarding]

Hi Felipe

Impressive but it wont work on Pannys!! You have to get a controller that has the switchable S-P switch on it as the LANC protocol is totally different The last thing you want to do is damage your camera!! LANC works only with Sony and Canon as far as I know!!

Chris

 

[Felipe Henao]

Hi Felipe

Impressive but it wont work on Pannys!! You have to get a controller that has the switchable S-P switch on it as the LANC protocol is totally different The last thing you want to do is damage your camera!! LANC works only with Sony and Canon as far as I know!!

Chris

Yes Chris I have use the Varizoom for Panasonic and is very strong and sensitive, plus very precise, yes the Lanc is the protocol for Sony and Canon, and the one I just posted is for Sony and Canon
The one below is made by Manfrotto for Panasonic but has only Zoom control. In fact just information since The Varizoom I'm using with the HMC40 is perfect, Still very impresive this Unit Manfrotto makes for Lanc protocol
Felipe

 

[ruben_sano]

Hello. I apologize if this is considered off-topic. But I have been struggling to settle on a camcorder purchase for the last six weeks. At first I was convinced to purchase Sony's HXR-NX70. However the Panasonic AG-AC90 intrigued me when it was announced. Other than a few things, like a much lesser optical zoom and no 720p on the Panasonic, they seemed very comparable. However the AC90 at $800 less, and sans a shotgun mic and internal memory (in exchange for another card slot) was attractive to me. I figured I could use that saved money toward particular mic and memory card purchases.

Could any one offer me guidance on making a decision between these two, or another camcorder in their category? $2,000 - $ 2,500 is my price range, however if the camcorder includes a decent shotgun mic and storage I would accept a price in-line with the NX70.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jimith]

Chris, I looked at the stedipod. The base footprint is larger than my monotripod and it doesn't telescope. The stedipod is more like a Glidecam. Mine is a small footprint base and takes the place of a standard tripod. Also I had thought of using a microphone base, but it is too heavy and too large a diameter. Here are a few pictures of my monotripod. In the front and behind pictures it is standing by itself. I'm thinking of selling a DIY video or possibly even sell them.

 

[ChrisHarding]

That is really neat!! and a tiny footprint too with the small diameter base!! Now, I cannot see the details exactly but does that base have a cutout in it so you could maybe slip your foot inside the base to make it even steadier??? It looks like it??? That would work pretty well on the 40 but I still wouldn't wander too far from it..if some idiot walked past and bumped it, it could topple over!! What is the base actually made from??? All in all very nice!!!

BTW: Like your work light stands holding the backdrop..I have some too!! They are heavy and cheap when you toss out the halogen tops but do a good job!!

Chris

 

[jimith]

Chris, your right on about the cut out. I want to make a better looking cut out, but yeah it makes it real steady when panning. The base is a wheel half from a racing go-kart. Taking the pictures was the longest time I didn't have my hands on it, but when your right next to it you don't need to touch it. The light stands work great. I made a pin that threads into the top. Just drill a couple of holes in a piece of conduit to go across, and there you go. BTW my name is Jim, but my niece calls me jimith so there you go. Glad you like the monotripod, I don't go anywhere without it.
jim