Panasonic ag ac90

Phil Gadd · February 4th, 2013, 10:42 AM

Hi Guys

Ordered on of these last saturday and as it stands, there are apparently NO units in the UK as Panasonic have only released to USA and Europe (was convinced the UK was in Europe the last time I looked!)

so, I am in a dilema, do I possibly leave the order as is and wait (though the arrival date has been 2 months delayed already) or go for an alternative i.e. Canon xa10 maybe to go with my Tm900?

Decisions decisions

Tom Roper · February 4th, 2013, 01:58 PM

The TM900 is very sharp, but the image stabilization is not as good, nor is the low light, DR, white balance or color accuracy. I own both. The gamma choices and DRS levels make a huge difference. The AC90 also has the 8 blade iris versus the 4 blade of the TM900. The XA10 doesn't do 1080/50p/60p. Sorry there is a wait for Uk. Panasonic are losing sales and opportunity.

Mike Beckett · February 4th, 2013, 02:27 PM

Phil,

I would tough it out. You've got cameras that will do a great job in the meantime, and when the AC90 arrives you'll be glad you waited. Supplies of these cameras are hard to come by it seems, and the best way is to get your name down and the supplier will do their best. CVP are a very, very good company.

There's two things you can do, obviously:
1. Wait for the AC90, and be delighted
2. Re-evaluate your needs. Is there something else that would do the job better for the same money? I would say not. Don't impulse buy something just because your primary choice is unavailable, think long and hard. If you do change your mind, be sure it's the right choice long term.

It's not always easy. In my case, I was waiting for my regular supplier to get me a JVC HM600, and he couldn't get it in time for my filming needs - with no date for deliveries. I re-evaluated my needs, and decided that the Panasonic AC-130 did pretty much everything I needed, ticked 99% of the same boxes on my spreadsheet (yes, I am that sad). It was £500 cheaper too, which means I can have a raincover, extra batteries, UV filter, mic and still have change from that £500.

In my case, it was a good decision I think. But if you are going to change your mind, hold your breath and count to 1300 (pounds) and see what you think you can get for the same cash. If the XA10 ticks all the boxes of your current and possible future needs, then maybe... but don't do anything rash!

Phil Gadd · February 4th, 2013, 02:44 PM

Thanks Mike/Tom

its Frustrating, to make matters worse I ordered a top 27" iMac which also is on a 4 week wait (to help speed my post editing workflow up)

So currently, I have spent £3600 to push my little business passion forward, one camera down and nothing to show" (words of my girlfriend by the way)

Guess you're right, its worth waiting for, will just have do what the animals do and hibernate for another 6 weeks! :-)

Mike Beckett · February 4th, 2013, 03:19 PM

At least you still have cameras, Phil! I surrendered my Sony for part exchange, little knowing that it would take so long for a replacement, over a month.

It will be worth it. I've read and seen a lot of good things about the AC-90. Might it be an idea to contact Holdan (UK importer of Panasonic cameras) to get more info on deliveries?

See: Broadcast and Video Technology from Holdan. Tapeless workflows, editing software, professional camcorders and media delivery tools

Phil Gadd · February 4th, 2013, 03:30 PM

Great Idea Mike, just sent them an email now. :-)

Chris Harding · February 5th, 2013, 07:26 AM

Hi Phil

Patience is the key here I guess..I'm sure they will come soon. At least you are still in the chilly season so you shouldn't be that busy...Last year I changed cameras (burning bridges like Mike did) in February as I had a neat 2 week gap between weddings and yes, the same thing happened to me!! A shoot and no cameras as they were delayed...Luckily I had sold my old cameras to a mate here so I had to sweet talk him into letting me borrow my old cameras back for a week.

Hope they arrive in the UK soon!!!

Chris

Phil Gadd · February 5th, 2013, 07:35 AM

Thanks Chris

It could be mid march but I am hoping it will be end of Feb. I can use my TM900 I suppose if needed OR I could always hire something (but again I am pretty new to the PRO gear so it would be like giving a ferrari to a baby!)

I did consider taking the plunge briefly for the 130 or 160 but I decided to stick to my original budget

Currently its snowing in Liverpool which will please most people enjoying the sunshine at present ha ha

Chris Harding · February 5th, 2013, 08:51 AM

Hi Phil

...and by comparison I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday and the forecast temperature is 38 degrees (and that's Celcuis too!!) It will be a sweaty day!!

It seems weird that the AC90 is not yet available ...Global Media Pro have had the 90 in stock since November at AUS$2070.00 (that's before any sales tax of course) but still awesome value.

If Pansonic had developed a AC100 to take over from the HMC80 then I would have stuck with them but that was not to be so I jumped ship to Sony with the new EA-50 ...shoulder mount cameras are scarce now and Sony had the only one where the form factor really suited by shooting style ...I'm still getting used to the DOF issues with using a big sensor like DSLR's but so far it's great!!

I was totally disappointed with the AC-130 and 160 and kept mine for 3 months only ..the AC-90 is a wise choice!!

Chris

Mike Beckett · February 5th, 2013, 12:53 PM

Chris,

I see it's cooled down a bit for you then!

Phil Gadd · February 5th, 2013, 02:41 PM

we can only dream of those temperatures cant we Mike :-)

I sent a complaint in to Panasonic and ...... (long pause) still no reply

I cant wait to start using the new ac-90 even if it is just a basic pro model.

As I say, I had to laugh on the phone when the agents said it was released in the US and Eurpoe (hence a bit of sarcasm about the UK not being in Europe.

I guess i should download the manual and see if its readable

Mike Beckett · February 5th, 2013, 03:02 PM

I've experienced those temperatures when I was in Aus a few years back... I don't think us pasty Celts are designed to cope with that. The people of Perth still talk about the guy with the bright white legs who blinded them when he wore shorts round town.

The AC-90 manual should be online somewhere. Failing that, try here:

Frank's thoughts on HDV - Documentation Index

Ctrl+F and search for AC-90, you'll find brochures and manuals. Panasonic manuals normally are in two parts, one is printed and the second, detailed one only as a PDF on a CD. I prefer PDFs, I can search easily and view them on my iPad.

Mind you, if the broken English in the AC-130 manual is anything to go by, you may be more confused after reading the manual!

Chris Harding · February 5th, 2013, 06:19 PM

Panasonic manuals have actually become very poor! Apart from the bad translation, the actual content simply tells you what a button does and that's about it..no usage or help or explanation. I would strongly suggest that you order Barry Green's book on the AC-90 ..It is written by Barry with the camera in hand and each section covers stuff in absolute detail.

Today is neat weather!! Up to 30 only!!

Chris

Phil Gadd · February 6th, 2013, 03:20 AM

Thanks Mike

I found part 1 of the manual here
http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/pdf/P...tober_4_EN.pdf

Why do they make manuals so boring with such exciting technology! surely its time for VIDEO manuals :-)

Chris/Mike, is there a big deffierence between the ac-90 and ac130 as its double the price in the UK?

Mike Beckett · February 6th, 2013, 04:16 AM

Phil,

Volume 2 of the manual is on there as well, if you look.

As to the differences... bigger chips, bigger lens (physically), more zoom, manual NDs, loads more functionality... I don't have an exact list of the differences, a comparison of specs will help there.

The AC-90 does have auto-NDs and a better built-in stabiliser, and is smaller and lighter.

My AC-130 comes tomorrow. It was supposed to be today, but they chose one of my least-favourite couriers. The wait is torture!!

February 4th, 2013, 10:42 AM	#1
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Hi Guys Ordered on of these last saturday and as it stands, there are apparently NO units in the UK as Panasonic have only released to USA and Europe (was convinced the UK was in Europe the last time I looked!) so, I am in a dilema, do I possibly leave the order as is and wait (though the arrival date has been 2 months delayed already) or go for an alternative i.e. Canon xa10 maybe to go with my Tm900? Decisions decisions

February 4th, 2013, 01:58 PM	#2
Tom Roper Trustee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 1,891	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays The TM900 is very sharp, but the image stabilization is not as good, nor is the low light, DR, white balance or color accuracy. I own both. The gamma choices and DRS levels make a huge difference. The AC90 also has the 8 blade iris versus the 4 blade of the TM900. The XA10 doesn't do 1080/50p/60p. Sorry there is a wait for Uk. Panasonic are losing sales and opportunity.

February 4th, 2013, 02:27 PM	#3
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Phil, I would tough it out. You've got cameras that will do a great job in the meantime, and when the AC90 arrives you'll be glad you waited. Supplies of these cameras are hard to come by it seems, and the best way is to get your name down and the supplier will do their best. CVP are a very, very good company. There's two things you can do, obviously: 1. Wait for the AC90, and be delighted 2. Re-evaluate your needs. Is there something else that would do the job better for the same money? I would say not. Don't impulse buy something just because your primary choice is unavailable, think long and hard. If you do change your mind, be sure it's the right choice long term. It's not always easy. In my case, I was waiting for my regular supplier to get me a JVC HM600, and he couldn't get it in time for my filming needs - with no date for deliveries. I re-evaluated my needs, and decided that the Panasonic AC-130 did pretty much everything I needed, ticked 99% of the same boxes on my spreadsheet (yes, I am that sad). It was £500 cheaper too, which means I can have a raincover, extra batteries, UV filter, mic and still have change from that £500. In my case, it was a good decision I think. But if you are going to change your mind, hold your breath and count to 1300 (pounds) and see what you think you can get for the same cash. If the XA10 ticks all the boxes of your current and possible future needs, then maybe... but don't do anything rash!

February 4th, 2013, 02:44 PM	#4
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Thanks Mike/Tom its Frustrating, to make matters worse I ordered a top 27" iMac which also is on a 4 week wait (to help speed my post editing workflow up) So currently, I have spent £3600 to push my little business passion forward, one camera down and nothing to show" (words of my girlfriend by the way) Guess you're right, its worth waiting for, will just have do what the animals do and hibernate for another 6 weeks! :-)

February 4th, 2013, 03:19 PM	#5
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays At least you still have cameras, Phil! I surrendered my Sony for part exchange, little knowing that it would take so long for a replacement, over a month. It will be worth it. I've read and seen a lot of good things about the AC-90. Might it be an idea to contact Holdan (UK importer of Panasonic cameras) to get more info on deliveries? See: Broadcast and Video Technology from Holdan. Tapeless workflows, editing software, professional camcorders and media delivery tools

February 4th, 2013, 03:30 PM	#6
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Great Idea Mike, just sent them an email now. :-)

February 5th, 2013, 07:26 AM	#7
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Hi Phil Patience is the key here I guess..I'm sure they will come soon. At least you are still in the chilly season so you shouldn't be that busy...Last year I changed cameras (burning bridges like Mike did) in February as I had a neat 2 week gap between weddings and yes, the same thing happened to me!! A shoot and no cameras as they were delayed...Luckily I had sold my old cameras to a mate here so I had to sweet talk him into letting me borrow my old cameras back for a week. Hope they arrive in the UK soon!!! Chris

February 5th, 2013, 07:35 AM	#8
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Thanks Chris It could be mid march but I am hoping it will be end of Feb. I can use my TM900 I suppose if needed OR I could always hire something (but again I am pretty new to the PRO gear so it would be like giving a ferrari to a baby!) I did consider taking the plunge briefly for the 130 or 160 but I decided to stick to my original budget Currently its snowing in Liverpool which will please most people enjoying the sunshine at present ha ha

February 5th, 2013, 08:51 AM	#9
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Hi Phil ...and by comparison I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday and the forecast temperature is 38 degrees (and that's Celcuis too!!) It will be a sweaty day!! It seems weird that the AC90 is not yet available ...Global Media Pro have had the 90 in stock since November at AUS$2070.00 (that's before any sales tax of course) but still awesome value. If Pansonic had developed a AC100 to take over from the HMC80 then I would have stuck with them but that was not to be so I jumped ship to Sony with the new EA-50 ...shoulder mount cameras are scarce now and Sony had the only one where the form factor really suited by shooting style ...I'm still getting used to the DOF issues with using a big sensor like DSLR's but so far it's great!! I was totally disappointed with the AC-130 and 160 and kept mine for 3 months only ..the AC-90 is a wise choice!! Chris

February 5th, 2013, 12:53 PM	#10
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Chris, I see it's cooled down a bit for you then!

February 5th, 2013, 02:41 PM	#11
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays we can only dream of those temperatures cant we Mike :-) I sent a complaint in to Panasonic and ...... (long pause) still no reply I cant wait to start using the new ac-90 even if it is just a basic pro model. As I say, I had to laugh on the phone when the agents said it was released in the US and Eurpoe (hence a bit of sarcasm about the UK not being in Europe. I guess i should download the manual and see if its readable

February 5th, 2013, 03:02 PM	#12
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays I've experienced those temperatures when I was in Aus a few years back... I don't think us pasty Celts are designed to cope with that. The people of Perth still talk about the guy with the bright white legs who blinded them when he wore shorts round town. The AC-90 manual should be online somewhere. Failing that, try here: Frank's thoughts on HDV - Documentation Index Ctrl+F and search for AC-90, you'll find brochures and manuals. Panasonic manuals normally are in two parts, one is printed and the second, detailed one only as a PDF on a CD. I prefer PDFs, I can search easily and view them on my iPad. Mind you, if the broken English in the AC-130 manual is anything to go by, you may be more confused after reading the manual!

February 5th, 2013, 06:19 PM	#13
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Panasonic manuals have actually become very poor! Apart from the bad translation, the actual content simply tells you what a button does and that's about it..no usage or help or explanation. I would strongly suggest that you order Barry Green's book on the AC-90 ..It is written by Barry with the camera in hand and each section covers stuff in absolute detail. Today is neat weather!! Up to 30 only!! Chris

February 6th, 2013, 03:20 AM	#14
Phil Gadd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: liverpool, England Posts: 143	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Thanks Mike I found part 1 of the manual here http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/pdf/P...tober_4_EN.pdf Why do they make manuals so boring with such exciting technology! surely its time for VIDEO manuals :-) Chris/Mike, is there a big deffierence between the ac-90 and ac130 as its double the price in the UK?

February 6th, 2013, 04:16 AM	#15
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Panasonic ag ac90 - Uk customer delays Phil, Volume 2 of the manual is on there as well, if you look. As to the differences... bigger chips, bigger lens (physically), more zoom, manual NDs, loads more functionality... I don't have an exact list of the differences, a comparison of specs will help there. The AC-90 does have auto-NDs and a better built-in stabiliser, and is smaller and lighter. My AC-130 comes tomorrow. It was supposed to be today, but they chose one of my least-favourite couriers. The wait is torture!!