I checked out tommy's 1080p50 AC90 AVCHD files in Stream Parser and Elecard Streameye. They're recorded at 28Mbps with a 24-frame IPB GOP. The AC90's AVCHD encoder uses both 4x4 and 8x8 quantizer matrices, much like the AF100 and GH3. From what I saw, the AC90 records much like an AF100 with a small 3MOS sensor. Looks like a very good choice for a compact shoulder-mount videocam with a fast motorized zoom and advanced image stabilization.

@peternap if i will buy the camera i would get a variable ND but another issue is that the lens hood is fixed so it is perhaps difficult (if not impossible) to access and turn the ND :(

@peternap No ND's in the AC90 and indeed many shots are too bright/ highlighted. I didn't test it, but don't you think this can adjusted in the camera settings? Because in the menu there are many options for: Knee, Ped and also the autoiris level can be set -10 till +10.

@mozes 4.23PM You know I started this post because of the GH3 hype, right ?
I like the GH2 but the GH3 still isn't a video camera : XLR, holding, ois, zoom, so I don't expect it to fulfill my needs.

@mimirsan Some more AG-AC90 shots. Mostly issue cases : shaky, lowlight, ois , too bright shots.( I hope you don't mind? Otherwise I can upload some normal shots as well ;-)) Probably because much is in the auto mode (if I remember correctly). Besides that all shots are too highlighted like I mentioned (probably because in camera settings, as knee, ped, auto iris settings?)

Some explanation 01-AC90-low light-auto-shake I wasn't trying to hold it steady, but you can see some 'shaky/ flickering' perhaps low light OIS issues in auto, shutter speed was set on 50, so it can not be that.

02-AC-90-Low light auto-tilt Maybe same as above

03-AC90-Autofocus-test. Fast and correct auto focus . Only a bit too bright/ highlighted

04-Shaky too bright: Real rough camera handling in auto mode filming in the sun. Interesting what happened in bright light: the black turned gray. (and in the end becomes black again) Perhaps the lack of a ND (and it couldn't get darker? It also didn't have an UV filter

05- Indoor lowlight-grain-shaky pan: Same as before, but with more movement. Don't remember the settings, but I think much auto so probably 30 DB

000067-Low-light-ois problem: This is an interesting case: I was just freaking and the shot was made after shot 1 and 2 (so sun was almost set). It has nice DOF, but pay attention to the background. It is dithering and shaking a lot. Perhaps an issue of the 5 axes OIS in low light? or in combination with zoom, movement, and lowlight (Not that I am planning to do that a lot).

Still hope someone will examine the files (Good/ bad DR,GOP,IPB) thoroughly. Download available untill: October 10th

http://wtrns.fr/NL5gcln23X9WRkA

@tommy If you can upload more footage that would be great to see :-D

@Mozes You are aware that the GH2 (and other mirroless cameras) has decent AF in video mode?

@Mimirsan I posted the message above to Vitaly before I read yours. (I didn't refresh the browser) I am afraid you are right about moiré with the EA50. Yesterday I contacted Sony (with some questions about this camera) and I still hope they fixed the moire (for a camera that is 6 times more expansive than a NEX5)

Besides the moire, I think there are more downsides compared with the AC90, OIS, easy handling, same batteries as I already have, etc . And it is not a Panasonic (that often are better in lowlight, and more film like image)

So twice the amount of money for a bigger sensor, but probably more other downsides.

Good to hear your reaction about the AC90 raw videos! Let us hope @LPowell and others will have the time to download the files as well to get some more info about the files as well. If he / you or others want some more raw footage for testing, I can send some.

At least we are still considering the AC90! (so Vitaly don't close the topic yet ;-) Maybe I just need to get used to film with the AC90 in one hand and keep the GH2 in the pocket ;-)

@Tommy The Nex EA50 will most likely have moire and alaising issues but would be beneficial for portrait and lowlight work. I really do like the look of the AG AC90 and will look out for more footage before I decide to get one. I do like that there is no sign of alaising in the videos. I downloaded the raw videos from vimeo and had a play with grading and it seems to grade quite nicely. Not much artifacting from the 24mb files either which is nice to see. Is it constant f1.5 lens? Seems it would cost more if it was. Some guy seems to love it and it apparently has clean 4.2.2? AC90 with a external recorder might be a great combo.

Maybe another camera solution for me : The new NEX EA50 a NEX 5N in an ENG body. I didn't see any topic here yet . Not worth talking about or should i start a topic?

@LPowell Thanks and many thanks for "I'be happy to examine the AVCHD files." That's GREAT! It doesn't need to be a thorough test, but I am really curious what you can tell about it ( Good/ bad DR,GOP,IPB) Some days ago I already uploaded two shots that can be downloaded untill October 5th

http://wtrns.fr/Zw4bY_aoz17Ohe

These are two indoor lowlight 'bad' shots, but I don't know what you would need for testing. If you need something else/ static /normal/ longer shots please let me know, I will send them. And like I said, I should have changed the in camera settings, because it was standard to bright (maybe the Knee setting) THANKS again I really appreciate it!

@LPowell Thanks! I hope you are willing to answer some questions (or tell me where I can find the answers):

• I also use shutter 50 with 720 50P, you? (Because I did read the shutter speed should be twice the frame rate which means that at 720 50P and a shutter of 100 you are losing again much light.)

• Maximum ISO 1600 (so you also don't apply the full range ISO hack)? (as it only gives much noise above 3200

• I tested Flowmotion but haven't used it because the bitrate is a bit too high for me (and many of my cards). I asked before (but didn't get the answer yet ;-) if I can lower the bitrate (to 45 MB/s) without any problems or you would not suggest to do that?

Yesterday I ordered the 20 mm Pancake lens, I hope it will make a big different in light (as the 6mm 1.4 cctv c-mount lens did not give good image results).

As so many things are more easy with a camera like the AC90 I am still considering it (combined with the GH2). The video is a bit flat, but I suppose I could get rid of that in post (as the image is sharp, the dynamic range seems quite okay (and I think many things can improve with in camera settings)

• Do you have any ideas why the AC90 tiny (1/4.7) sensor did quite well (in low light) ? Is (the BSI?) better technology? Instead of the Micro 4/3 it does have 3 sensors that probably make the different as well (mostly in color) (and the F 1.5) Because if I am correct the GH2 has 17,779,972 effective pixels compared to only 2,190,000 from the AC90?

• I uploaded some original ACHD files, but I think not many people here (as most are large sensor lovers ;-) are willing to 'check' the I/P/B frames, peaking, GOP, dynamic range. Is it possible for me to check this (what program can I use)?

Sorry for my long posts

@tommy

I think you've raised the bar when it comes to side-by-side comparison thread writing & illustration. Thanks.

Yes, DSLRs are fiddly. There must be a way to trim down the klutz-factor for an event shoot, but I've yet to find one. I dread the moment I know I've got to show up with my DSLR somewhere and get in the way of my ENG ex-collleagues.

@tommy I haven't used the 90 so I really don't know if the 160 is "Better". Better is always relative anyway. I've been happy with the autofocus. Given enough light, it's fast and precise, low light it hunts. I manual focus most of the time though.

I can't say about the stepping problem in the GH2 either. Again, it's pretty much all manual operation with me.

A lot of what I buy is based on the recommendations of more experienced people who's opinion I respect. I sent you a PM about that.

The biggest issue I see with your decision is that you are artistic. I'm not....but the GH2 seems to be better at cinematic video.