ag-ac90a

[flvideo]

Is anyone using the Panasonic ag-ac90a I am thinking of getting one!

[CKNewman]

I don't own one but I have used one at one of the places I work. It's a good camera - but remember that you should match what you plan to shoot to the capabilities of the camera. I believe you shoot auto races and the like, and maybe some interviews. You need to consider how much zoom you could use, if the camera can handle panning quickly without the recorded image breaking up, as well as the low-light capability of the camera. It uses pretty small chips.

You also have to consider the best mode to shoot in and if the camera can handle it.

You might also want to take a look at the Canon XA20, or even the prosumer model - the Canon VIXIA HF G40 (it doesn't have XLR audio inputs and there may be some other differences).

It would be great if you could rent or borrow the camera so you could see for yourself how it performed in your normal shooting conditions.

[flvideo]

Yeah it'd be nice to use one before I bought it! the fastest class I shoot, Sprint cars, come by me right at 100 MPH. I taped a show last week with them and I think a Street Stock race was after and it was like a let down when you get used to going so fast!. The sony's I use do a great job but they are SD. I have watched hours of footage they have shot but no real fast zooming or panning! The low light shots I have seen ren't bad. I saw one clip where they went to 12db gain and I couldn't see noise!

[CKNewman]

I think the biggest problem you will have to overcome will be the rolling shutter distortion that CMOS cameras suffer from. It is very pronounced when recording scenes with fast action. I would get as much info as you can before you purchase a new (or used) camera. Watch video clips that illustrate the distortion that rolling shutter produces when recording fast moving objects and also the effect of fast pans.

Who knows, you might find that a high-end used standard def camera with a great lens and electronics will serve your needs better for the racing shots. You'd be able to buy one for a great price since everyone is dumping them. Go with a hi-def camera for interviews and static shots, etc.

[flvideo]

I am still looking for sure. I hadn't heard of the rolling shutter thing. I'll check it out! I have found a couple camera's that I liked but no XLR inputs! Thats absolutely nessary for my stand up's!

[bethklinger]

If you find a camera that you like that has no XLR inputs, you can get a Beachtek DXA 2T adapter that when attached to the camera will give you 2 XLR inputs. I have a couple, they work great.
Beth Klinger

[CKNewman]

Just to be clear, the rollling shutter distortion I mentioned is a problem with HD cameras that use CMOS sensors - not standard-def cameras that use CCD sensors. That's why I suggested considering a high-end standard def camera.

On the other hand you wrote:

The sony's I use do a great job but they are SD. I have watched hours of footage they have shot but no real fast zooming or panning!

If you don't change your shooting style but stay wider and pan slowly then maybe an HD camera could work out for you.

[LouBruno]

I had this camera and returned it. Too noisy

[flvideo]

Lou, Noisy as in operating or noisy video? I think I am going to back up and punt! I have saved $1000 toward the camera and I am thinking I will just scrap HD and get my PD170's fixed! They both have problems but they still shoot a good picture!

[methuenbill]

I have used the Panasonic AG-AC90 for the past 3 years. I video weddings and Dance Recitals. I find that in low light it is not as good as some other cameras costing more. I find it is light weight (which is good for weddings) and has a good LCD screen. They are selling for less than $1500.