Should I upgrade to AVCHD?

Nate Haustein · October 17th, 2012, 09:50 AM

Ah yes, I forgot about the new AC90 - could be a very nice option! From what I've seen the OIS is amazing and the backlit MOS chips, though smaller, are of a new design and are much more sensitive. I also love the LCD screen design on the top handle versus on the body.

Henry, you're in New York, why don't you take a day trip down to B&H down in NYC to try things out once the AC90 comes out? Then you'll know exactly what you're getting, most importantly concerning the handycams.

One other thing, the CX260 don't have the top of the line 1/3" Exmor sensor, it's just a touch smaller - but I don't want to sound like a broken record about sensors! How much it matters depends on your usage. On that note, I've never used them, but Panasonic also makes some higher end handycams like the V700, or the X800 or X900 that has 3 separate chips like the AC90. You don't hear as much about them, but staying all one brand might make things easier when matching angles in post.

Chris Harding · October 17th, 2012, 06:57 PM

Very True Nate!!

I'm a BIG fan of trying stuff first ..Heck, If I lived in NY I would make a day of it and do some serious looking!! I don't think the AC-90 will be in stock until the 30th October so wait until early next month.

Yes Henry, the 90 has a lot better features than the AC-7 but as Nate says it depends what you are filming. My buddy Chip in Green Bay has just bought an X900 ... Bottom line is that it's all about personal taste, feel and which camera grabs your attention.

If you have the opportunity so try them all out!! You make find the AC-7 is too bulky for you or like me, find that the X900 is just too dinky in your hands.... a physical "feel" beats a page of specs any day of the week!

Chris

Henry Kenyon · October 18th, 2012, 07:32 AM

Hey Thanks to all of you for your advice, I could not have gotten to this place without it.

My wife hates it whenever I go to B&H, it's her greatest fear. That's why she controls the checkbook. LOL

Tentative decision:
If the AC 90 wins me over (which I hope it does), I'll get a pair. Then take my time looking for a $500 or $600 handycam (which is usually locked off wide and used least).

Again, Thank you.

Chris Harding · October 18th, 2012, 06:42 PM

Hi Henry

Look forward to your comments about the AC-90 ... I will probably get one just for ny stedicam (it's lighter) but I still wouldn't part with my HMC80's ..love them much too much!!

BTW: Don't forget to grab yourself a GoPro Hero ...clipped onto a lightstand it's the most useful camera you can use and gets you out of all sorts of trouble!!

Chris

Steve Wolla · October 19th, 2012, 05:31 PM

I would have to agree that the new Panny AC90 looks like the best bet too replace your Sony's. I have always had great luck with Panasonic, and am sure you would too.

October 17th, 2012, 09:50 AM	#16
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	Re: Should I upgrade to AVCHD? Ah yes, I forgot about the new AC90 - could be a very nice option! From what I've seen the OIS is amazing and the backlit MOS chips, though smaller, are of a new design and are much more sensitive. I also love the LCD screen design on the top handle versus on the body. Henry, you're in New York, why don't you take a day trip down to B&H down in NYC to try things out once the AC90 comes out? Then you'll know exactly what you're getting, most importantly concerning the handycams. One other thing, the CX260 don't have the top of the line 1/3" Exmor sensor, it's just a touch smaller - but I don't want to sound like a broken record about sensors! How much it matters depends on your usage. On that note, I've never used them, but Panasonic also makes some higher end handycams like the V700, or the X800 or X900 that has 3 separate chips like the AC90. You don't hear as much about them, but staying all one brand might make things easier when matching angles in post. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

October 17th, 2012, 06:57 PM	#17
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Should I upgrade to AVCHD? Very True Nate!! I'm a BIG fan of trying stuff first ..Heck, If I lived in NY I would make a day of it and do some serious looking!! I don't think the AC-90 will be in stock until the 30th October so wait until early next month. Yes Henry, the 90 has a lot better features than the AC-7 but as Nate says it depends what you are filming. My buddy Chip in Green Bay has just bought an X900 ... Bottom line is that it's all about personal taste, feel and which camera grabs your attention. If you have the opportunity so try them all out!! You make find the AC-7 is too bulky for you or like me, find that the X900 is just too dinky in your hands.... a physical "feel" beats a page of specs any day of the week! Chris

October 18th, 2012, 07:32 AM	#18
Henry Kenyon Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Saratoga, NY Posts: 37	Re: Should I upgrade to AVCHD? Hey Thanks to all of you for your advice, I could not have gotten to this place without it. My wife hates it whenever I go to B&H, it's her greatest fear. That's why she controls the checkbook. LOL Tentative decision: If the AC 90 wins me over (which I hope it does), I'll get a pair. Then take my time looking for a $500 or $600 handycam (which is usually locked off wide and used least). Again, Thank you.

October 18th, 2012, 06:42 PM	#19
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Should I upgrade to AVCHD? Hi Henry Look forward to your comments about the AC-90 ... I will probably get one just for ny stedicam (it's lighter) but I still wouldn't part with my HMC80's ..love them much too much!! BTW: Don't forget to grab yourself a GoPro Hero ...clipped onto a lightstand it's the most useful camera you can use and gets you out of all sorts of trouble!! Chris

October 19th, 2012, 05:31 PM	#20
Steve Wolla Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 477	Re: Should I upgrade to AVCHD? I would have to agree that the new Panny AC90 looks like the best bet too replace your Sony's. I have always had great luck with Panasonic, and am sure you would too.