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Panasonic AG AC8
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    PR

    (Newark, New Jersey--October 8, 2013) Panasonic has announced delivery and pricing for the AG-AC8PJ, an AVCCAM shoulder-mount with exceptional ergonomics and functionality. The AG-AC8PJ, with 1080p recording capabilities, is ideal for shooting weddings, business conferences, documentaries, sporting events (including 720p at 8Mbs, optimal for use with leading coaching analysis systems), exhibits and government activities.

    The AC8PJ will ship in October with a suggested list price of $1450.00. The camcorder’s advanced functionality includes a wide angle 28mm/F1.8 lens that allows the operator to fit more people and background into the frame, especially useful in narrow spaces. A powerful 21X optical/50x super-high resolution zoom facilitates shooting scenes that are difficult to access. Intelligent auto (iA) resolution technology enables acquisition at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. A 1/4.5 type high-sensitivity sensor ensures bright and sharp images even in the most dimly lit scenes.

    With dual SD card slots and the capability to record on both cards simultaneously, the AC8PJ’s Relay Auto Switch functionality provides dependable back-up recording or the ability to switch from one card to the other for extended recording times.

    The AC8PJ offers a wide range of recording models including:1080/60p [Max. 28Mbps/VBR], (1920x1080/60p); PH [Max. 24Mbps/VBR], (1920x1080/60i); HA [Ave. 17Mbps/VBR], (1920x1080/60i); HG [Ave. 13Mbps/VBR], (1920x1080/60i); HE [Ave. 5Mbps/VBR], (1440x1080/60i); PM [Ave. 8Mbps/VBR], (1280x720/60p); and SA [Ave. 9Mbps/VBR], (720x480/60i).

    Sophisticated professional capabilities include Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which helps compensate for wide variations in exposure in a contrast heavy scene, from light to dark; and a Focus in Red function that shows the sharp edges of a subject in red, making it stand out more easily, allowing a shooter to find focus even faster in some situations when manual focus is in use.

    Input control commands can be made by the AC8PJ’s integrated 3-inch touch panel LCD and Smart Touch. The camcorder is Eye-Fi™ SD card compatible, making the transfer of recordings via a wireless network to devices like a PC or a file-sharing site like YouTube or Vimeo fast, simple and convenient. Interfaces include HDMI Type A, Microphones (stereo mini), Headphone (stereo mini), USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Host/Device, AV, and Video Component.

    Other key features include a powerful 5-Access Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) that thoroughly suppresses blurring all the way from wide-angle to powerful zoom shots; and a manual, multi-purpose lens ring that provides fine adjustments and precise control of Focus, Zoom, Iris, White Balance and Shutter speed (a fast, accurate auto focus is also available). An illuminating LED ring allows recording verification and serves as a tally light to make shooting smoother. Other functions encompass the ability to back up hours of footage to an external portable HDD via USB; a Level Function mode that automatically detects and corrects the tilting of captured images; and a large lens hood that blocks light more effectively to reduce lens flare.

    The AC8PJ weighs only five pounds, and measures 8.07 inches (W) x 8.54 inches (H) x 18.85 inches (D). The camcorder captures still images of 16:9, 20.4 megapixels [6016 x 3384 resolution], or a 4:3, 15.1 megapixels [4480 x 3360 resolution] still image. In simultaneous record mode, it can take a 16:9, 9.4 megapixels [4096 x 2304] still image or a 4:3, 1.4 megapixels [1440 x 1080] still image. A new high-performance stereo microphone is included, and standard accessories comprise an AC Adaptor, AC Cable, Rechargeable Battery Pack [2900 mAh/Lithium-ion], AV Cable, USB Cable, External Stereo Microphone, Lens Cap and Eye Cup.

  • 22 Replies sorted by
  • I wish they have included a USB 3.0 port instead of 2.0. but very nice event cam and good price.

  • I'm looking forward to seeing footage from this... good price for a run and gun style event camera.

  • @bmorgan83

    It seems like present V710 camera in big body. So you can check existing video for it.


  • Forgot to say, V710 is like V720 without Wi-Fi and such. Cheaper version. So you can also check V720 samples.

  • ah thanks Vitaliy!

  • There's something unique about the AG-AC8. The live feed when switched from Video to Photo mode is not the same. When switched on Video mode you see what you get very closely to your AVCHD image. However, when you switch the camera to Photo Mode you're getting a realtime feed of what your JPEG will look like. I'm not sure if this is ''uncompressed'' since the image looks exactly like the Photo feed, but maybe it's somewhat of a Photo JPEG stream in realtime. OR perhaps the Photo Mode has a different color space protocol. When you switch from both modes you can literally see a difference in quality. Trust me. We should look more into this cam. Therefore, I wonder how the AG-AC8 would capture with a Ninja 2? There are some new videos of this camera on Youtube. Some amazing images at 21x, and the new S-FSI sensor has a unique grain algorithm in low light, so it doesn't have a traditional low light noise from previous entry level camcorders. I think Panasonic's new sensor for their AVCCAM entry level cam is amazing, and I'm sure the S-FSI sensor will do wonders in the time to come.

  • As I said, you can get V710 or V720 and test it in many shops.

  • The V720 series are a 1/2.33" sensor, the same cheap sensor only rolled out for the HC-MDH2 (AG-AC8 Indian market model). The AG-AC8 is the only cam using their own patented and newer 1/4.5 type 4.14M S-FSI sensor that behaves just as nice as BSI. The videos of the V720 look lower quality than the AG-AC8. check this one Vitaliy. You're good with testing. Maybe you should get your hands on the AG-AC8 with a Ninja 2 with a shock blog? I need a nice 20x+ cam for mountain traveling. thanks

  • The V720 series are a 1/2.33" sensor, the same cheap sensor only rolled out for the HC-MDH2 (AG-AC8 Indian market model). The AG-AC8 is the only cam using their own patented and newer 1/4.5 type 4.14M S-FSI sensor that behaves just as nice as BSI.

    I'll tell you shocking information, it looks to be same sensors. :-) Panasonic now advertise many sensors as 1/2.33" ones despite that only small central portion is actually used. with V700 line it is so, you can check lens specs.

  • Thanks Vitaliy. Interesting for sure. Something doesn't add up though... The firmwares are different too then? Check out the Iris/Gain specs from the V720 and the AG-AC8. The AG-AC8 has manual control for both Pictures & Video Recording control. AG-AC8: Video Recordings can do (F12 to F1.9) - OPEN - (0-30dB), and Still Pictures (F12 to F1.9) - OPEN - (0-12dB).

    The V720 states that it can only do via Video Recording (F16 to F2.0) - OPEN - (0-18dB); and no option for Stills. Can you check please. Why wouldn't Panasonic market S-FSI on the V720 when it's consumers that ''buy'' hype more than the pros? S-FSI is fairly new. Thanks man!

  • The V720 states that it can only do via Video Recording (F16 to F2.0) - OPEN - (0-18dB); and no option for Stills. Can you check please.

    As I know V710 and V720 have photo mode. I suggest to just check it in shop. Must be the same.

  • Low light noise from the V720 doesn't look nice compared to the AG-AC8 night shots. =( Hmmmm. The V720 is definitely cheaper too.

  • @Atila_Da_Hung

    By idea they can put different sensor (that is improbable and they did not do this before, but who knows). But most probably it is difference is shooting conditions and settings.

  • Thanks Vitaliy. I know the V720 takes Photo stills. I just reat the V720 manual and there's no İris/Gain control (dB) for Photo Mode, it only states Video, or perhaps 18dB is the max for the V720 for both video and photo. The AG-AC8 can do 30dB. gets interesting. I'd like to know more about this S-FSI sensor

  • is that a Photo Mode capture JPEG or a still from AVCHD?

  • Well, you can follow the link and find the answer in 2 seconds..