I am purchasing a AC90A for a fast approaching wedding and I have the option of renting a AC160A. Will the footage look close enough to not be detected? This is for a wedding. I would also like feedback concerning the AC90A. It seems to be the best for my current budget. My last camera was the DVX100A. Thanks in advance.
AC90: Need Help: Getting back into the game. Under the gun. AC90A??
- Thread starter D.Films
- Start date
kwkeirstead
Well-known member
I would not recommend renting an AC160A for a wedding, unless you have a history of being able to pick up a camcorder and get good footage under different settings the first time you go out with it.
It took me a year to get to where I could get consistent good footage with my AC160A.
I gather you plan to use two cameras (AC90 and AC160A)? - aside from the likelihood that the optical image stabilization is better on the AC90 (it has 5-axis stabilization), you should get footage that is "close enough".
I recommend everything on manual other than OIS and that should be off when you are on tripod.
I insist on a new white balance each time lighting conditions change. The operators grind their teeth but comply.
It would be nice to see some footage. Good luck with this project.
It took me a year to get to where I could get consistent good footage with my AC160A.
I gather you plan to use two cameras (AC90 and AC160A)? - aside from the likelihood that the optical image stabilization is better on the AC90 (it has 5-axis stabilization), you should get footage that is "close enough".
I recommend everything on manual other than OIS and that should be off when you are on tripod.
I insist on a new white balance each time lighting conditions change. The operators grind their teeth but comply.
It would be nice to see some footage. Good luck with this project.
ChrisHarding
Well-known member
If it was me I would get an AC-90 for the handheld work and instead of an AC-160, just use rather any of the decent smaller Panny handicams ... put it on a tripod and lock it off ...you then have a nice fixed shot of the proceedings and can add closeups and cutaways with the 90 .... I also toss in an action cam on a light stand! Have it about 8' up in the air front and centre and you have a semi aerial shot of the whole ceremony to use as 3rd camera for a tiny amount of money ... I just use SJ4000 action cams which are under $100!!
I use both the 160A and 90 in tandem for most jobs I film. While the 160 is better in low light, the AC90 handles higher gain much better. With the 160 anything over 6db shows obvious grain while the AC90 can go up to 18DB before showing signs of grain. The main use for the 160 for me is the 22x lens. We film a lot of recitals and concerts and I need the added reach. For a wedding situation I would actually recommend the AC90 for the following reasons.
1) The 160 is a beast of a camera and can be very intimidating for most people when you put it in front of them. While impressive looking, at a wedding you want people to feel comfortable and not like they are on a TV set.
2) Iris control on the AC90 automatically starts to add gain when you pass open. This means that you do not have to fiddle with gain switches and an iris control. Since many people the I employ are only casual shooters, this is a much simpler way to control exposure.
3) Weight. I use a monopod or handheld for most of my wedding shots and the 160 would wear me out after a ceremony and a reception.
4) Battery Life - The max battery life on the 160 is about 2.5 hours wit the largest battery. With the AC90 I can get about 5 hours depending if I am using phantom power or not.
5) Zoom control - The 160 has a mechanical zoom control that does not have soft start and stop. If you ever want to slightly reframe a subject, there will be an obvious move in the footage. With the AC90, the zoom is electronic and can be super slow, almost imperceptible.
All of that being said, I love my 160. It has paid for itself many times over, but I am the only one who uses it. When I send other crews out to film, they use the AC90 as their main camera. Know that the AC90 does not shoot in 720 60p so if you want to film in 60p you must shoot in 1080 60p with both cameras.
I hope this helps some.
1) The 160 is a beast of a camera and can be very intimidating for most people when you put it in front of them. While impressive looking, at a wedding you want people to feel comfortable and not like they are on a TV set.
2) Iris control on the AC90 automatically starts to add gain when you pass open. This means that you do not have to fiddle with gain switches and an iris control. Since many people the I employ are only casual shooters, this is a much simpler way to control exposure.
3) Weight. I use a monopod or handheld for most of my wedding shots and the 160 would wear me out after a ceremony and a reception.
4) Battery Life - The max battery life on the 160 is about 2.5 hours wit the largest battery. With the AC90 I can get about 5 hours depending if I am using phantom power or not.
5) Zoom control - The 160 has a mechanical zoom control that does not have soft start and stop. If you ever want to slightly reframe a subject, there will be an obvious move in the footage. With the AC90, the zoom is electronic and can be super slow, almost imperceptible.
All of that being said, I love my 160. It has paid for itself many times over, but I am the only one who uses it. When I send other crews out to film, they use the AC90 as their main camera. Know that the AC90 does not shoot in 720 60p so if you want to film in 60p you must shoot in 1080 60p with both cameras.
I hope this helps some.
D.R. Gates
Well-known member
That's a good summation, Jonathan. Even though the OP never replied to any of the advice he sought. Can't stand when people do that.