AC160 I love my 160.

Ram S.O.S

Ram S.O.S

Well-known member
AC160.jpg
I've had my AC160 for about 2 months now and i really love it. I check this forum everyday and all I see is people going back and fourth about autofocus. That's a non issue for me because i was taught never to use it anyway. I just wanted to spread some positivity here. The last video camera I had was an HVX200 which I liked a lot but always felt a bit limited with my 2 8GB P2 cards. Last March I bought my GH2 for filmmaking purposes and ended up getting rid of the HVX. The GH2 is an excellent camera for certain purposes. but when I started using it as a run and gun camera for a local educational show I produce, I found it to have shortcomings. And of course it did as a DSLR style camera.

That being said I decided I needed a real video camera again and I originally planned to purchase an AC130, Then I changed my mind thinking a canon XA10 would suit my purposes since I had most things a professional camera offers. I looked at lots of reviews, shortly after that I thought well maybe I should get the XF100 since it has a 50mbs 4:2:2 codec I was all set to buy this little dynamo. Then I happened upon a deal for a JVCHM00u for $1000, I bought it and its a decent little cam and very convenient for final cut pro. I did compare the 35mbs XDCAMEX footage for the JVC to my AVCHD footage from the GH2 and I thought the GH2 looked significantly better to my eye. Ultimately I realized I needed a better camera with a longer lens and larger chips for better low light. The XF100 would have been better in low light than the JVC but it also only had a 10X zoom lens and while the 4:2:2 codec would be nice I can live with 4:2:0 for my uses.

So I was back to buying an AC130, much to my dismay I went to B&H's website and the 130 had been discontinued and the 130A was significantly more expensive. I found other retailers that still had the AC130 for a higher price than B&H and I wasn't happy about it. One night I looked on eBay for 130 and I ran across and auction for an AC160, It was only at $1200 and it had just under 2 days left in the auction. The seller described it as mint condition with no accessories included and the eyecup was missing. It looked really good, I asked the seller how many hours are on the camera and had it been fully tested. The seller told me it worked perfectly and offered me a money back guarantee but did not know the hours on the camera. I decided to go for it. I was thinking I might get it for a real steal, with less than one hour left the auction had stalled at $1500 no reserve. I didn't bid until there were less than 10 minutes left in the auction, I sent my Max Bid at $2200 and I was the highest Bidder at $1800 until the last minute I was outbid. I was in full bidding war and I changed my max Bid to $3,100. I won the auction for $2750.

I knew I was taking a little bit of a gamble but at least I could get my money back if it didn't work. At this point I was not even sure it was really a 160 and not a 130.:D One week later it arrived and the first thing I looked for was the HD SDI connector and it was there. The camera looked absolutely perfect. I went and borrowed a battery from a friend since I had no accessories. When I checked the hour meter it sad 22hours I couldn't believe it. It took me a couple weeks to get everything I needed for it. The eyecup came from my old DVX100A, a friend gave me the shotgun mic holder from his DVC80 that he had never installed and both of those items fit perfectly. Now I've used it for a few shoots and I'm very happy with my results, I love having this long lens shooting lectures and concerts. That's my AC160 story.
 
Glad you like it! It really is a superb performing camera, and compared to your older HVX200 it must feel like night and day. Be sure to download the latest firmware so you get the 1080/60p mode as well. Congrats on your new camera!
 
I couldn't agree more!! For dance recitals, seminars and concerts a perfect choice..with everything in full manual it works a treat and the big zoom is perfect for concerts where your feed is right at the back ..I would have definately kept both my 130's if that was what I was using them for...very strange here though, the 130 now is $60 MORE than the 160A ????? Surely that's a no brainer which to buy??

I trust we will see a bit of footage soon from Ram SOS????

Chris
 
Yep, I also agree. I was shooting in Dunedin City yesterday for a local promo. The dappled sunlight on the City main street plane trees, against a blue sky backdrop and the sombre grey buildings- It held the dynamic ranges astonishingly well (DRS+1) and produced beautifully detailed and graduated images. (most of my work is shot inside factories or industrial settings, so this made a very pleasant change!). All manual of course and the ND's were worked hard- But if you have time to plan your shots,that's where this camera really excels. Enjoy!

PS: If you haven't got Barry's book, get it- essential reading!!!!
 
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Yeah, the AC160 is one cool camera. I really enjoy using mine, and think it's the best cam I have owned to date. No regrets at all. Its low light capabilities are impressive, and that lens is a great performer. Congrats!
I second Barry's comment on being sure to download the update that will give you the ability to shoot in 1080/60P, with uncompressed audio. That's quite a killer combination.
 
Thanks Barry, Chris, Rod and sewolla. Yes Barry it's a huge step up from the HVX for me. I'll post something soon Chris. And Rod i probably will get Barry's book. I had his DVX book a long time ago and it helped me greatly. I also have his Lighting and Sound videos and those are a true must have as well. I did get the CallBox Live training for the 130/160 and it helped me get used to the camera settings fast.
 
No owner's manual, no mic holder, no eyecup, no battery, sounds like no AC power (I tried to look up your ebay purchase to see what if anything came with it. I couldn't even find the sale for $2750. (going back 3 months is the most I could go on ebay) )... Sounds like the seller sold you camera that he just took it off the tripod and sold it to you.
He didn't even know where to go to get the number of run hours.
Was the tripod plate still on the bottom?
 
Hi ELN614

Used sales just happen that way I guess..don't think I have ever lost an eyecup!! Manuals are easy to get online!! BTW: I have just been looking at the JVC HM600's new features and all I can say is WOW!!! I think that would suit you nicely!!!

Chris
 
Sure, the seller might have two of these and wanted spare parts for his/her remaining unit.

As Chris says, used sales just happen that way.

The amount "saved" has to be offset by the cost of the parts that will be needed.

A key part of any sale like this is the balance of warranty. Even if there is a balance of warranty, if the unit came from another country, it would need to be sent back to that country for any warranty service.

I am involved in a parts battle right now with a $400 Teac product that I bought in the USA. I used it one time, it fell and the mic screen broke - that was on Aug 1st and I am still trying to get the $8 replacement part.

Teac USA won't ship to Canada. Teac Canada apparently sub-contracts to a parts distributor.

So far I have been unable to get the parts I need.
 
ELN614 said:
No owner's manual, no mic holder, no eyecup, no battery, sounds like no AC power (I tried to look up your ebay purchase to see what if anything came with it. I couldn't even find the sale for $2750. (going back 3 months is the most I could go on ebay) )... Sounds like the seller sold you camera that he just took it off the tripod and sold it to you.
He didn't even know where to go to get the number of run hours.
Was the tripod plate still on the bottom?
Click to expand...

Actually I was mistaken about the price, it was $2850 and here is the link. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190714550008&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

He actually had another 160 he sold the next week that went for a little less than mine. Also with no accessories, I have no idea how many hours was on that one but it did have the eye cup.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-AG-AC160P-Camcorder-Black-/190716922390

The Camera came with the lens cap and the XLR covers on it. No it didn't have a tripod plate on it. I have the PDF manual, I purchased the OEM Charger and Battery and I have a second Swit Battery. All in I've spent about $3200 which is a really good deal to me for a new AC160. I might purchase a remote for another $30.
 
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I, too, love my AG-AC160A.

After months of testing it under stress conditions unrepresentative of real life (rapid switching from 1.5 mile objects to 30 foot objects), aside from learning curve, I have NO issues with AF or Push Auto, or with any significant feature of this camera.

Others have cited the camera getting "bored" and losing focus on stationary objects, I have not been able to repeat this.

One pro has clearly demonstrated that his camera loses focus in a horse/paddock recording where the horse is running directly away/to the camera and the operator has to do continuously zoom in/out to keep the scene in order. The best I have been able to do is film squirrels - they run fast but won't comply with repeated requests to run toward me or away from me in a straight line.

[edit: this particular camera apparently is a 130 ]

I am not going to invest in a horse, besides I have no paddock, and each time I go out into the countryside to find a horse/paddock, the owners or mostly their dogs come after me.

Bottom line, I am done testing. There are NO problems I can find with this camera. It is beyond great. How about superb?

Yes, you can get a better camera for $65,000 instead of $5,000 but you will need to double up on the $65,000 in terms of accessories and engage more staff.

So, go out with your AC160A and enjoy.

If you have not upgraded to AC160A, do it. No telling what is actually better (aside from Push Auto) but I know from my manufacturing days you don't put out a new model with just one feature. There may be subtle improvements not readily discernable.

Look at it this way, you paid $5,000, another $300-400 won't kill you.

My name is Walter and I have no affiliation with Panasonic other than "highly satisfied customer".
 
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kwkeirstead said:
I am not going to invest in a horse, besides I have no paddock, and each time I go out into the countryside to find a horse/paddock, the owners or mostly their dogs come after me.
Click to expand...

Maybe you could film the dogs as they run towards you? :)

Seriously Walter, you have really taken one for the team so to speak with the 160 and AF testing. Thanks for your efforts!

When the JVC camera becomes available I am going to compare the 160, the JVC and my XF300 and see which one I keep. Thanks to you, the 160 is still in the mix.
 
Thanks Bassman...

As anyone knows in sales, the last people you want to bring out with you on a sales call are your engineering staff - most of these people could find things wrong with their grandmother's cookies.

As for me, I am just keeping with my established reputation of being "extremely annoying" .
 
I am considering selling my EX1 for one of these, smart move? It will compliment my arsenal of DSLRs.
 
Always difficult to give advice - depends on what you want out of a camera. Since it appears that you do weddings, I suggest you talk to Chris Harding. I think he does a lot of these and can give you expert advice re your potential use of the 130A or 160A covering weddings.
 
Hi Scott

If you leave everything (and I mean everything) in full manual then the 130 and 160 are awesome wedding cameras!! An EX1 is a lot more money so you should also end up with some change and coming from the Sony you should be pretty used to manual operation anyway. Just be aware that there are autofocus issues (well documented here) and the autoiris ONLY controls aperture..nothing else. I'm working solo with two cameras so I have to have a camera that can look after itself at least exposure wise while I'm busy with the other one so the 130's were no use to me. Shoot manual and they are brilliant cameras and awesome value for money too!!

Chris
 
The one big advantage the AC130/ 160 has over the EX-1 is that 22X zoom, vs. a 14x (if I recall corectly) on tyhe EX-1r. However I'd suspect that the EX-1 / PMW200 would perform a bit better in low light, and have more flexibility in depth of field, owing to their larger chips.

Therefore I'd say you would probably be better off with the EX-1 as opposed to the AC160, as good as it is. And based upon my experience it is very good indeed. My AC160 is unmodified as of now, and is a great all-around performer. I run mine in AF and manual with little issue shooting events, but no weddings.
 
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