Panasonic announces the AG-AC90 camcorder, a new model of the AVCCAM family

The new AG-AC90 camcorder records to a memory card and combines all the elements that professionals demand, from high image quality to advanced functions, all combined with simple operation and an elegant, easy-to-use design.

Starting from an elegant and ergonomic design, easy to use but with professional functions, Panasonic has announced a new camcorder in its AVCCAM family. The new AG-AC90, which records to a memory card, combines all the elements that professionals demand, from high image quality to advanced functions.

Its zoom lens ranges from a wide angle of 29.8 mm (35mm equivalent) to a 12x optical zoom, maintaining a high brightness of F1.5. It incorporates three BSI (back-illuminated) type MOS image sensors, which offer high sensitivity, Full HD resolution and a high S/N ratio. AVCHD recording to SD memory card is compatible with both PS mode, for the production of Full-HD progressive images, and PH professional mode. All of this provides the camera operator with the field of view, image quality and video format needed for news capture and image production.

Other professional operating features of this camera are the triple annual ring (focus, zoom and iris), which bring the versatility and feel of interchangeable lenses closer; XLR microphone and audio inputs, and remote terminals provide the expandability that professional applications require.

The latest Panasonic camcorder will be available from October 2012, although we will already be able to see it at IBC 2012.

Main features

One of the details that stands out in the AG-AC90 is its 12x Zoom lens with a 29.8mm wide angle (35mm equivalent). When using Intelligent Digital Zoom, the camera achieves up to 25x zoom continuously. In addition, it also has 2x, 5x and 10x digital zoom functions. Panasonic's exclusive Nano Surface Coating system minimizes double images and reflections, and its high brightness of F1.5 enables the processing of very clear images.

For its part, the five-axis hybrid optical image stabilizer allows stability to be maintained even when images are captured handheld.

Noteworthy, on the other hand, is its high sensitivity thanks to its three BSI (back-illuminated) type MOS sensors. These 1/4.7-inch sensors have an effective resolution of 2,190,000 pixels. This allows you to capture excellent images with high definition and good color reproduction even in low-light locations. The image processing circuitry, which is suitable for professional use, produces very natural gradation and very sharp details.

From the point of view of use, the new camera is very easy to use thanks to the triple manual ring and the high-definition LCD monitor.

The lens is equipped with manual rings to control focus, zoom and iris, allowing for the kind of fast, intuitive work usually associated with interchangeable lens cameras. The 3.5-inch (8.89cm) LCD touchscreen, which stores easily inside the front of the top handle, has approximately 1,150,000 dots of resolution to ensure focus, and includes focus assist and patterns zebra The LCD monitor can be rotated up to 270 degrees to facilitate high and low angle shots, as well as self-recording.

As far as recording is concerned, the AG-AC90 offers the possibility of working in professional AVCHD modes: PS mode for Full HD image acquisition (1920 x 1080) in progressive (50p) and HP mode for high quality, in HD/SD multi-format (50 Hz model: 1080/50p, 50i, 25p, 576/50i: and 60 Hz model: 1080/60p, 60i, 30p, 24p, 480/60i).

Using two SDXC/SDHC/SD cards, the camera operator can select recording with backup. Also note that the camera allows you to capture 3 megapixel still images during the video recording itself.

Specifications associated with professional use

From the professional point of view, the AG-AC90 provides two XLR audio channels (microphone / line inputs / +48 V selectable); independent audio level controls and input selectors for CH1 and CH2; HDMI output, Multi AV output (D connector, composite video and audio) and USB connector; and remote terminals for remote control of iris, focus and zoom, as well as start and stop recording.

Additionally, the top handle includes a REC button along with a three-step zoom speed control, making it even easier to use.

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