AC90: Panasonic AG-AC90 vs HMC-40

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dslr_sc

Active member
I own an HMC-40 and I see that the model was discontinued, apparently replaced by the AG-AC90. I wanted to ask if anyone here has used both and if so, do you see any major difference in the image quality? From looking at Vimeo videos the cams appear to shoot very similar images, although I might give a slight edge to the AC90. Actually, the depth of field on the AC90 looks better to me.

I'm thinking about upgrading because those XLR inputs would be nice to have! (I was one of the unlucky ones who didn't get the XLR adapter with my cam.) But if the image quality is about the same I'll probably stick with my HMC-40.
 
I imagine others will chime in that offer more helpful advice but here's what I believe to be the general consensus:

The HMC40 is favored in size because it's smaller and lighter
The HMC40 fares well in image quality as long as the light is good.
The AC90 has backlit sensors and cleaner gain where the HMC40 is pretty poor in low light.
The AC90 has a better LCD with focus in red which is a big plus.
The AC90 has the advantage(s) of dual SD cards.
The AC90 starts out wider which is one thing many complained about with the HMC40 (shooting in tight spaces)
The AC90 can do 1080 60P
The AC90 has superior image stabilization.
The AC90 is front heavy in stock form.

My experience with both was that the image quality is comparable in well lit indoor environments and outdoors
 
Yep, that about sums it up. The HMC40 is a much smaller camera, the AC90 is as big as the DVX100 was. But the AC90 has vastly better image stabilization, and its gain is much cleaner. In bright light, they look about equal. When you need to use gain, the AC90 is a lot cleaner.
 
The HMC40 has a WFM if that is important to you, it is to me. The audio adapter is running about $200 on eBay. It has the one advantage of being removable (with the handle) which makes the cam even smaller if you need stealth.

Grant
 
Yeah, one of the things I've been debating is whether or not to get the XLR adapter and keep my HMC-40, or sell it and put the money towards an AC90. Tough decision. I think I'm leaning towards the AC90 since the low light and image stabilization performance is a big plus. Size of the cam is not too important and in fact I think the bigger cam might increase that "profesional look" that seems to impress clients. If I can sell the HMC40 for around $1,200 and buy an AC90 for $1,700, that means I'm really only paying about $300 for the AC90 (instead of buying the XLR adapter for $200 and adding on to the HMC40, a cam that is older technology).
 
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