Panasonic AC130 and AC160

Barry_Green said:
That is a bit of a decision. 10-bit AVC-Intra at 4:2:2, vs. 8-bit AVCHD at 4:2:0 but on cheaper memory cards that can be simultaneously recorded. I think the AC160 would be the events camera of choice for someone who has to hand off media to the client at the end of the day -- you can keep one card for yourself if the client (invariably) loses it, deletes stuff, formats it, or complains that you didn't give them the right footage, or whatever -- you'd have a backup. For those that are already integrated into a P2 workflow or who need 4:2:2 or 10-bit or AVC-Intra, the HPX250 would be the obvious choice. And for those who can't afford either or who don't need all that the top two offer, the AC130 gives you most of the goods for quite a bit less.
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The dual slot recording is a BIG selling point for me.
Its something the DSLRs don't have currently and something that gives me ease of mind.
Now I wont HAVE to have a laptop onset to offload in the field.
The client can bring there's if they want but it frees me more to work on the image and its capture.
 
Boncrek said:
The dual slot recording is a BIG selling point for me.
Its something the DSLRs don't have currently and something that gives me ease of mind.
Now I wont HAVE to have a laptop onset to offload in the field.
The client can bring there's if they want but it frees me more to work on the image and its capture.
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I totally agree, this is perhaps the best new feature as far as I'm concerned. These cameras seem destined for more ENG-style or event-style coverage, and having simultaneous recording and even the ability to hand footage off to a client -- that's something that's been more difficult in the tapeless days than it was back in the days of BetaSP, so ... good on them for offering it.
 
Even though this is a ENG style cam I really am looking forward to its narrative nature.
I am a big fan of resolution (the sharp HD look is actually preferred by me and my clients) and am gonna love those full raster chips.
I've always liked the image of the HPX370 but it was way out of my price bracket.
Now with the AC130 in comparison to a DSLR it may be less DOF but it'll be faster (and again sharper) in setups and breakdowns with audio built in and a form factor that is condusive to some run n' gun docs if needed.
Im also looking forward to some steadicam work with the AC130 lol

I know the AF100 would be the perfect cam in this respect but its just out of my pricepoint at the moment.
Maybe when the AF200 comes out I'll be able to afford everything for it and fully rig it out lol
 
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I cant wait to see some footage. I wonder when units will be sent to persons for review...

EDIT- I've also been wondering how the AC130 will be compared to to the Canon XF100. They are like diametrically opposed cameras with one side having three chips AVCHD 4:2:0 with the other side having single chip XF MPEG 4:2:2. One large and the other small. I hope the price of the AC130 will be competitive.
 
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Wondering where the low end of 'broadcast quality' is now. I assume the AF100 and the HPX250 (?) are the bottom of the line for needing to go to a TV station? Given the high quality of HD and the musicians we cover, we are looking at the possiblity of offering our event coverage to television, and it's becoming a question as to what next to buy... I really need better low light than the 150 does.
 
8string said:
Wondering where the low end of 'broadcast quality' is now. I assume the AF100 and the HPX250 (?) are the bottom of the line for needing to go to a TV station? Given the high quality of HD and the musicians we cover, we are looking at the possiblity of offering our event coverage to television, and it's becoming a question as to what next to buy... I really need better low light than the 150 does.
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Of course I'm just guessing based on the chips being from the 370 and that it's newer tech overall, but I think the 130 will be better than the 150 in low light, and to Boncrek's post, I really it's going to be very competitive with the XF100. The 130 has several advantages right off the bat - 3 high sensitivity chips, a 21x zoom, more physical controls, DV recording, etc. The XF does have 4:2:2 onboard and overcranking/undercranking. I would choose the 130 based on what we know right now though.
 
pulpfiction007 said:
...I really it's going to be very competitive with the XF100. The 130 has several advantages right off the bat - 3 high sensitivity chips, a 21x zoom, more physical controls, DV recording, etc. The XF does have 4:2:2 onboard and overcranking/undercranking. I would choose the 130 based on what we know right now though.
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I would say the same here as well :)
The AC130 also has a larger robust body (which is advantageous to some).
I do wonder about power consumption though. According to specs the HPX370 draws about 19W in operation while in comparison the HMC150 draws about 10W.
So the AVCCAM batteries that would normally last 4 hours on the HMCs would only last two...assuming the AC130 has the same power draw.
I hope it doesn't but in case it does I'd consider it a small price to pay for those better/sharper chips :)
 
8string said:
Wondering where the low end of 'broadcast quality' is now. I assume the AF100 and the HPX250 (?) are the bottom of the line for needing to go to a TV station? Given the high quality of HD and the musicians we cover, we are looking at the possiblity of offering our event coverage to television, and it's becoming a question as to what next to buy... I really need better low light than the 150 does.
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Well if lowlight is a big factor then the AF100 would be the better of the two I think (larger sensor area)
but you'd have to compliment it with fast glass to really take advantage of that sensor size which aint gonna be exactly cheap/light/small if its a run n' gun zoom.
From what I gather on this forum, fast primes are easy but fast ergonomic zooms are another story.

Have you seen any HPX370 footage in lowlight? Does anyone know any good examples?
I haven't seen any great examples so I'd also love to know the possible lowlight capabilities since the HPX370 has the same sensors as the AC130/AC160/HPX250.
 
I've seen some nice stuff done by Bloom on it...but it wasn't exactly low light.
The encouraging part to me is the first look aritcle by Barry Green on the HPX370.
He figured the HPX to be 1/2 stop more sensitive than the Sony EX3 in 1080 24 and 1080 30. He also estimated the 370 at 600 ISO in 1080 progressive and 700 ISO in 1080i.
Those are good numbers, although he did mention the Sony being cleaner when going into gain - Sony has the clean look down. (even their backlit consumer cams are clean)
If you haven't read it...it's in the articles section. It's a glowing review and very informative. I know these cameras aren't HPX370's, but it's still relevant info, given that they do share the same chipset.
 
pulpfiction007 said:
I've seen some nice stuff done by Bloom on it...but it wasn't exactly low light.
The encouraging part to me is the first look aritcle by Barry Green on the HPX370.
He figured the HPX to be 1/2 stop more sensitive than the Sony EX3 in 1080 24 and 1080 30. He also estimated the 370 at 600 ISO in 1080 progressive and 700 ISO in 1080i.
Those are good numbers, although he did mention the Sony being cleaner when going into gain - Sony has the clean look down. (even their backlit consumer cams are clean)
If you haven't read it...it's in the articles section. It's a glowing review and very informative. I know these cameras aren't HPX370's, but it's still relevant info, given that they do share the same chipset.
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I saw Phillip Blooms footage as well and also read the article by Barry Green. Its sold me on the AC130 so far. Just wished there was some footage now lol
 
Hi Jan,The AC 130 reference refers to modified Lockheed Hercules aircraft that are heavily armed for ground attack roles.
 
I wonder if there is a way to 'disable' the miniDV mechanism in order to save on power... Many of us will never use the thing, and I wish they made a model with all of these specs, minus the miniDV slot. Its a step back in tech, adds weight, and uses power. All I wanted was a souped up HMC150
 
There is no miniDV slot or mechanism. It records DV to the SD card.

It is what you are looking for.

Best,

Jan
 
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