AC90: Should I buy AC90 / AC90A?

I

illusiumd

Member
Quick questions. Looking to get a good cam under 2k for interview, run/gun, weddings, etc. Trying to decide between AC90A and Sony NX30 (any others?).

1. So the AC90A is an AC90 with a firmware update?

2. AC90 owners - if you could go back in time and do the purchase again, would you still buy the AC90?

3. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd wager that the quality of video of the AC90 and NX30 isn't that much different.

4. I've shot a little with the NX30 and love how little it is - that's the biggest advantage for me of the Sony cam. The only thing I hated about the NX30 is all the menu functions are hard to get at, it's a pain to drill down through all those menus on that little screen. How's the menu stuff on the AC90?

Thanks!
 
1. Yup.
2. Yup
3. Similar specs
4. The AC90 is a fantastic cam for the $$.
One big advantage for important once in a lifetime shoots is the Backup shooting mode:
This means you can record to two cards at once just in case one is bad.

Al
 
Yes, for the money, the AC90 (now AC90A) is a great value, with lots of options for shooting. The size works for me most of the time, and when it doesn't I use a Panasonic X920 when I want to be more inconspicuous. I would love to have one of the 'bigger' brothers 130 or 160, but the AC90 hits the sweet spot for me in terms of price and performance.
 
My $0.02: I'm primarily a Panasonic GH series shooter. I picked up a AC90 for documentary shooting and live event coverage. My biggest regret of my video career was selling that camera. Times got tough and something had to go. You will not regret purchasing one. Truly one of the best values in camcorders at the moment.
 
Alchroma said:
1. Yup.
2. Yup
3. Similar specs
4. The AC90 is a fantastic cam for the $$.
One big advantage for important once in a lifetime shoots is the Backup shooting mode:
This means you can record to two cards at once just in case one is bad.

Al
Click to expand...

I have the 90 and I agree with everything stated above^^

The big advantage to the 90 is that everything is attached (not added-on), easily accessible (Well mostly. No camera is perfect), and you can show-up to a paying gig and not be scoffed at for bringing a "camcorder". I can understand the benefits of a smaller camera for easier stealth shooting but I'd rather have the 90 and an additional small camera as opposed to the NX 30 alone. Backup mode is real peace of mind for me and battery life is great. I don't even own a second battery :)
 
R Hudson said:
I don't even own a second battery :)
Click to expand...

Seriously? The battery life is great, but if you do all day events I can't imagine not having at least a few spares.

I was rather harsh on the AC90 when I first got it. But I've learned to like it. For budget event videography I don't think there's a better camera currently out there for the money. And I love that I was able to keep and use my DVX batteries.
 
I measured my AC90 and got over 6 hours out of the Panasonic battery. An aftermarket battery was 4.25 hours. That is a lot of shooting for one day and the editing hardly bears thinking about :- )

Pete
 
Mathew said:
Seriously? The battery life is great, but if you do all day events I can't imagine not having at least a few spares.
Click to expand...

If I did all-day live event shooting where I had almost zero downtime I would have spares. However, off and on shooting all day has been accomplished with no additional battery so far. It lasts and lasts.
 
G'Day Pete,

Was you shooting time continuous or was there the usual start/stop with auto stuff running?
I've never done a run time myself but have not had as battery problem.
There always seems to be plenty of juice in the batteries but I do like to a backup on hand. :smile:

Al
 
Al, my tests were with continuous running as I was looking at other factors as well. Obviously if you are doing a lot of stop start, reviewing clips, etc that may increase the drain but you have the down time to counter that. I always have a spare battery with me but I have never ever needed to use it.

Pete
 
I did an evening shoot with the AC90 and it was brill and very adaptable to the changing environment I was in. It was also oddly discreet. The one thing that kills it is the lack of ND! No biggy though...
 
Before too long, most of these cams are going to have ND adjustable from remotes.

Not much point having on/off, focus, iris, zoom at a remote if you have to reach to the front of the cam to go to a new filter setting.

On my Ag AC160A you have to go to the front and dial in a new setting. Except for this, I can make most adjustments from the tripod handle (when the cam is on a tripod). It's a huge distraction IMO to have to go to the front of the camera.

Am I being unreasonable?
 
Y'know, I could love some remote ND... that said, I've been using the same focus/iris and zoom remotes for 3 different model families now. Very nice to not have to upgrade that stuff.

To anyone looking at the AC90 - I'd suggest taking a serious look at the 130. Every time I use it, I'm still "sheesh, this is a great camera!!". (OK, I never use AF...)
 
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