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HMC150 or AG-AC90
I’m just starting out. Want to start filming weddings, local sports events, a short documentary, maybe even a short ski film (Warren Miller-esque). Which camcorder would be better for my needs: the Panasonic HMC150 or the new AG-AC90? Or is there something better? (I don’t want to spend more than $3K.)
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6 Replies
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Jim – I’d spend somewhat less than the 3K and leave room for mics, tripods, dollies and lights. Also, I’d buy a Sony HXR-30U for $1999 instead of the AG-AC90 because it comes with an external mic, shoots 1080/60p, and has an incredible balanced optical stabilization system, as seen here:
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Sony Professional: HXR-NX30 – Ed Moore gives his first impressions from Sony Professional Europe on Vimeo.
As for the HMC-150 – it is at least two generations old, lacks 1080/60p and an external microphone and has a slow bit rate (21 mbps). I would avoid it.
Hope this is helpful,
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Jim – I’d spend somewhat less than the 3K and leave room for mics, tripods, dollies and lights. Also, I’d buy a Sony HXR-30U for $1999 instead of the AG-AC90 because it comes with an external mic, shoots 1080/60p, and has an incredible balanced optical stabilization system, as seen here:
As for the HMC-150 – it is at least two generations old, lacks 1080/60p, has no external microphone and has a slow bit rate (21 mbps). I would avoid it.
Hope this is helpful,
Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!This happens because the functionality/content marked as “Vimeo framework” uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.
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Hi Jim,
I have owned a HMC150 for the past four years, it’s a great camera, but it’s becoming out of date compared to the newer cameras. The only advantage it might have over the AC90 is low-light shooting, but I can’t say for sure.
From what I’ve seen of the sample footage the AC90 has great image stabilization, much better than almost anything else I’ve seen in this price range.
I would not recommend the Sony HXR-30U over the Panasonic AC90 because the HXR-30U is a single-chip camera so you won’t get the same image quality as the three-chip AC90. ( better resolution and better color from 3-chip cameras )
The only question I have with the AC90 is : What is the low-light performance like? I haven’t seen any comparisons with other cameras for low-light work, so this is one area I would want to check out before buying an AC90 camera.
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Hi,
The AG-AC90 will also do 1080P/60 at 28Mbs, and has 5 axis image stabilization as well as being a 3 chip camera. Its low light performance is along the lines of 1/3″ camera with the BSI chips in it. It has very high resolution chips and the ergonomics of it are really nice. Price/performance winner. Delivering in a couple of weeks.
Best,
Jan
Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, AVCCAM, AG-3DA1, AG-AF100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems -
Hi jan.
I have an hmc40. I want to get the ac90 as well. Do you think I can get away with intercutting footage from these cams for a two camera shoot? -
Bro! You must be drinking! The aghmc 150 is way way better than sony. Go home!
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