Hi;
Try posting your question in this forum:
https://forums.creativecow.net/panasonicagdvx100
Essentially, you will see objectionable noise at 12 dB or higher gain. Try to shoot with slower shutter – the AC160 has syncro-shutter, so you have a lot of choices. 1/40sec will give you a lot more “light” than 1/60th, for example, but less blur than 1/30th.
FYI I just returned an AC160 for refund … good luck! I found it to be a bit noisier than the Sony NX5, which in turn is noisier than Sony’s that use the Exmor-R chips. But, the Panny has many cool features that lots of people like; it was just not the cam for me. (I’m picky and have specific needs …)
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