AG-AC160 firmware update 1.11, have you done it?

[Cg Coffyn]

Personally I would buy the latest version of the 160 if we had not jumped in when we did. BUT once I jump, I try not to look back, though it’s tempting. Ultimately, as you know, it’s all about telling a good story and I’ve seen some really bad stories shot on some very expensive cameras. I think you can tell some great stories Steve, on the camera you have ordered. Be encouraged.

I have not noticed any back focus issues. Our previous HD camcorder (Sony) had that issue, but it was easily fixed by Sony and we never had another problem with it.

I have not used a viewfinder in some years, mainly because our last few camcorders had much higher rez flip-out monitors.

So you’ve found the peaking function not reliable? On our previous camcorder it seemed to work well when I used it. This is good info, I think I need to do some more tests and see. Thanks again for posting!

[Stephen Crye]

Thanks Chris!

Regarding peaking – I had problems with it on the Sony NX70. In particular, one day I was at the base of a 500′ radio tower, shooting it against a blue sky. I had peaking on, and adjusted the focus in and out while watching the peaking highlights move up and down the length of the tower. My goal was to shoot the tower so that the top half all the way to the top was in sharp focus. Even though the peaking told me that my target zone of the tower was in focus, in post the shot was unusable. This was very annoying because I had paid $15.00 for a ride on the tramway to the top of the mountain!

I think the problem with peaking is that all it does it look for max contrast, and in this case, the bright red and white paint on the tower, combined with the high-contrast shadows of sun on the struts really fooled the system.

Other cases where peaking does not seem to work:
* Xmas lights at night
* Cat fur in full sunlight

There is really no substitute for expanded focus sometimes.

Steve

Win7 Pro X64 on Dell T3400, MultiTB SATA, 8GB RAM Vegas 10e (and 11) x64 DVDA 5.2(build 133) Sony HDR-CX550V

[Cg Coffyn]

Thanks Steve! I”m going to do a few more test.

[Stephen Crye]

Hi Chris;

FYI I sent the AC160 back. Not sure if it is polite to post my criticisms here. I’m still sad about it not working out. There is pretty much nothing left to try in the three-chipper ENG offerings until JVC releases the GY-HM600U in late October.

For now I’m slunk back to my cave to lick my wounds and try to get some solace by fiddling with Vegas 11.

Steve

Win7 Pro X64 on Dell T3400, MultiTB SATA, 8GB RAM, nVidia FX 570, Vegas 10e (and 11) x64 DVDA 5.2(build 133) Sony HDR-CX550V

[Cg Coffyn]

No worries Steve. I hope you find something that will scratch just the right creative and functional itches! All the best!

[Karl Gerhard]

Here is the update I just got from Matt of Audio-Video corp in VT.

Click on Software for AVCCAM Product

https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/soft/upgavc_e.htm

Click on AC160 is in the bottom

https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/soft/upgac160_e.htm

I’m downloading now and will update if any issues occur.

Karl Gerhard
Group Effort Pro

[Cg Coffyn]

Thanks Karl! When you register your 160 you will get notifications automatically from Panasonic. I did the update, but haven’t tested anything yet.

My biggest question regarding washed out blacks and under saturated colours is actually at this link here: https://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?281500-Black-levels-washed-out-and-color-undersaturated-share-your-scene-setting

[Guy Mcloughlin]

[Stephen Crye] “FYI I sent the AC160 back. Not sure if it is polite to post my criticisms here. I’m still sad about it not working out.

So what were the main drawbacks for you with the AC160 ?

Was it the red color-fringing that you mentioned earlier ?

Panasonic will never fix these issues if we don’t make them aware of them.

[Stephen Crye]

Hi Guy;

No, it was not the red thing, I was ready for that.

Are you sure it is OK to post my criticisms here? Don’t want to annoy the truly fine Panny People here in this forum. If you think it is OK, I can post what I sent to Jan. Please let me know …

One reason I don’t want to bother this group is that it is possible I might end up buying the AC160A, in which case I will be on here a lot.

Steve

Win7 Pro X64 on Dell T3400, MultiTB SATA, 8GB RAM, nVidia FX 570, Vegas 10e (and 11) x64 DVDA 5.2(build 133) Sony HDR-CX550V

[Guy Mcloughlin]

Hi Steve,

I believe in telling the whole truth about any piece of gear, warts’n’all, as I feel it would be a disservice to this group if you end up censoring your true opinions here.

For example, I currently shoot a lot with modified (“hacked” ) Panasonic GH2 cameras, which produce an excellent video image. They might not be as easy to use as an AF-100 camera, but I don’t mind living with some small inconveniences to achieve great results with a low cost camera.

On the other hand, the GH2 camera takes absolutely horrible JPEG still photos ( the Panasonic JPEG engine is the weakest of the major brands ), and I was ready to stop using it for photos until I tried shooting raw photos and processing them with Adobe LightRoom. Shooting raw images, the GH2 is an OK still photo camera. At some point I will likely buy an Olympus OM-D camera to shoot stills with my Micro 4/3 lenses, as I still feel that Panasonic has a long way to go compared to Olympus.

I would only buy a Panasonic AF-100 camera if the price dropped to less than $3,000, as I feel that this camera desperately needs a sensor upgrade if it wants to compete with the Sony FS-100. I like the overall build of the AF-100, but the image quality just isn’t there compared to the Sony FS cameras.

I am hoping that Panasonic steps up it’s game and introduces a replacement for the AF-100, with a new sensor featuring better dynamic range, lower high ISO noise, and AVC-Intra internal recording. Otherwise I think my only route is to switch to the Sony FS cameras to stay competitive with the market.