Panasonic AG-AC90: Review, Specs, And More!

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Panasonic AG-AC90 video camera. This camcorder has been a favorite for event videographers, indie filmmakers, and journalists alike. We'll cover everything you need to know, from its key features and specs to its performance and potential alternatives. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

AG-AC90 Video Camera Review

Let's kick things off with a comprehensive review of the AG-AC90. This camera is known for its blend of professional features and ease of use, making it a solid choice for a variety of video production needs. The AG-AC90 boasts a high-quality lens, excellent image stabilization, and versatile recording options, allowing you to capture stunning footage in various shooting scenarios. One of the standout features of the AG-AC90 is its 20x optical zoom lens. This allows you to get close to the action, even when you're far away. The lens also has a wide-angle of 29.8mm (35mm equivalent), which is great for capturing landscapes or group shots. The AG-AC90 also has a built-in ND filter, which is helpful for shooting in bright sunlight. The ND filter reduces the amount of light that enters the camera, which allows you to use a wider aperture and get a shallower depth of field. This can be useful for creating a more cinematic look. The AG-AC90 is also equipped with a 3MOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality. The 3MOS sensor separates the light into three primary colors (red, green, and blue), which results in more accurate color reproduction and less noise. This is especially important when shooting in low light. Speaking of low light, the AG-AC90 performs admirably in challenging lighting conditions. Its intelligent auto mode adjusts settings automatically, ensuring you get the best possible exposure without needing to fiddle with manual controls constantly. The camera also offers manual controls for those who prefer to fine-tune their settings. In terms of ergonomics, the AG-AC90 is well-designed and comfortable to hold, even for extended shooting periods. The buttons and dials are easily accessible, and the menu system is intuitive to navigate. The camera also has a flip-out LCD screen, which is helpful for monitoring your footage. The LCD screen is also a touchscreen, which makes it easy to adjust settings. The AG-AC90 records to SD cards, which are readily available and affordable. The camera has two SD card slots, which allows you to record continuously or simultaneously. This is a great feature for events or situations where you can't afford to miss a moment. Overall, the Panasonic AG-AC90 is a reliable and versatile camcorder that offers excellent image quality, a powerful zoom lens, and a user-friendly interface. It's a great choice for anyone who needs a professional-grade video camera that's easy to use.

AG-AC90 Video Camera Specifications

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty specifications of the AG-AC90. Knowing these details will help you understand exactly what this camera is capable of and whether it fits your specific needs. The AG-AC90 features a 1/4.7-inch 3MOS sensor, which is essential for capturing high-quality video with accurate colors and minimal noise. This sensor size balances image quality with low-light performance, making it versatile for various shooting environments. The lens is a crucial part of any camera, and the AG-AC90 doesn't disappoint. It boasts a 20x optical zoom, covering a focal length of 29.8mm to 596mm (35mm equivalent). This extensive zoom range allows you to capture wide shots and close-ups without needing to swap lenses. Additionally, the lens has a fast aperture of F1.5 at the wide end, which is excellent for low-light shooting and creating shallow depth-of-field effects. The camera records in AVCHD format, which is a widely supported codec that offers a good balance between video quality and file size. It supports various recording modes, including 1080/60p, 1080/60i, and 720/60p, giving you flexibility in terms of frame rates and resolution. The AG-AC90 has two SD card slots, allowing for simultaneous or relay recording. Simultaneous recording lets you create a backup of your footage in real-time, while relay recording automatically switches to the second card when the first one is full, ensuring uninterrupted recording. For audio, the AG-AC90 has two XLR inputs with phantom power, making it easy to connect professional microphones. It also has a built-in stereo microphone for capturing ambient sound. The camera has a 3.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,152,000 dots. The LCD screen is bright and clear, making it easy to monitor your footage. The camera also has a viewfinder, which is helpful for shooting in bright sunlight. Other important specs include built-in ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), which are essential for controlling exposure in bright conditions. The camera also has a variety of manual controls, including focus, iris, and shutter speed. The AG-AC90 is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, which provides approximately 6 hours of recording time. The camera also has an AC adapter, which allows you to power the camera from a wall outlet. Here's a quick rundown of some key specifications:

  • Sensor: 1/4.7-inch 3MOS
  • Lens: 20x Optical Zoom (29.8-596mm equivalent)
  • Aperture: F1.5 (wide)
  • Recording Format: AVCHD
  • Resolution: Up to 1080/60p
  • Audio Inputs: 2 x XLR with phantom power
  • LCD Screen: 3.5-inch, 1,152,000 dots

AG-AC90 Video Camera Price

Let's talk about the price of the AG-AC90. While it's no longer the newest model on the market, understanding its price point can help you decide if it's a worthwhile investment, especially considering its features and capabilities. When it was first released, the AG-AC90 was positioned as a professional-grade camcorder, and its price reflected that. It typically retailed for around $2,500 to $3,000, depending on the retailer and any bundled accessories. However, since newer models have been introduced, the price of the AG-AC90 has come down, especially on the used market. You can often find used AG-AC90 units in good condition for around $1,000 to $1,500. Of course, the exact price will depend on the condition of the camera, its age, and whether it comes with any accessories. When considering the price, it's important to factor in the cost of accessories like extra batteries, SD cards, and external microphones. These accessories can add to the overall cost of ownership, so it's good to budget for them upfront. It's also worth comparing the price of the AG-AC90 to other camcorders in its class. While it may not have all the latest features, it still offers excellent image quality, a versatile zoom lens, and professional audio inputs. If you don't need the absolute latest technology, the AG-AC90 can be a great value for the money. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts on the used market. You may be able to find a bargain if you're willing to do some research and negotiate. Remember to check the seller's reputation and ask about the camera's history before making a purchase. In summary, while the AG-AC90 was initially a premium-priced camcorder, its current price on the used market makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious videographers. Just be sure to factor in the cost of accessories and compare it to other models before making a final decision.

AG-AC90 Video Camera Tutorial

Alright, let's get practical with an AG-AC90 tutorial. This section will guide you through some essential functions and settings to help you get the most out of your camcorder. First things first, let's talk about setting up the camera. When you first turn on the AG-AC90, you'll want to go through the menu system to set the date, time, and language. You'll also want to format your SD cards before using them for the first time. To access the menu, press the "MENU" button on the side of the camera. Use the joystick to navigate through the different options. Next, let's cover the basic recording settings. The AG-AC90 records in AVCHD format, which offers a good balance between video quality and file size. You can choose from several different recording modes, including 1080/60p, 1080/60i, and 720/60p. To change the recording mode, go to the "RECORDING SETUP" menu and select the desired option. The AG-AC90 has a variety of manual controls, including focus, iris, and shutter speed. To switch to manual mode, move the focus switch on the lens to the "MF" position. You can then use the focus ring to adjust the focus manually. To adjust the iris and shutter speed, press the "IRIS" and "SHUTTER" buttons on the side of the camera. Use the joystick to adjust the settings. The AG-AC90 also has a built-in ND filter, which is helpful for shooting in bright sunlight. The ND filter reduces the amount of light that enters the camera, which allows you to use a wider aperture and get a shallower depth of field. To activate the ND filter, press the "ND FILTER" button on the side of the camera. The AG-AC90 has two XLR inputs with phantom power, making it easy to connect professional microphones. To connect a microphone, plug it into one of the XLR inputs and turn on phantom power if needed. To adjust the audio levels, go to the "AUDIO SETUP" menu and adjust the input levels. The AG-AC90 also has a variety of other useful features, such as zebra stripes, focus peaking, and waveform monitor. These features can help you get the best possible image quality. To access these features, go to the "DISPLAY SETUP" menu. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Panasonic AG-AC90 and capturing stunning video footage.

AG-AC90 Video Camera Alternatives

Finally, let's explore some alternatives to the AG-AC90. While the AG-AC90 is a great camcorder, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few other options to consider. The Sony HXR-NX100 is a popular alternative to the AG-AC90. It features a 1.0-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality. It also has a 12x optical zoom lens and a variety of manual controls. The Canon XA40 is another good option. It's a compact and lightweight camcorder that's easy to carry around. It features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a 20x optical zoom lens, and a variety of recording options. The Panasonic HC-X1500 is a newer model that offers many of the same features as the AG-AC90. It features a 1/2.5-inch MOS sensor, a 24x optical zoom lens, and a variety of recording options. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Sony FDR-AX53 is a good choice. It's a consumer-grade camcorder that offers excellent image quality and a variety of features. It features a 1/2.5-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 20x optical zoom lens, and 4K recording capabilities. When choosing an alternative, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Think about the types of videos you'll be shooting, the features you need, and how much you're willing to spend. Each of these alternatives offers a different set of features and benefits, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that's right for you. Consider factors like sensor size, zoom range, recording formats, and audio inputs. Also, think about ergonomics and ease of use. Choose a camera that feels comfortable in your hand and has a user-friendly interface. By carefully considering your options, you can find the perfect camcorder for your needs.