**Some AC90 specs **

• 1080/60p, 60i, 30p, 24p, 480/60i. [50 Hz model]: 1080/50p, 50i, 25p, 576/50i.
• High sensitive BSI 3MOS sensor
• F1.5
• 29.8 mm wide angle / high powered zoom lens (12x)
• built in 5 axis hybrid OIS
• 3.5 inch lcd (touch) 1.150.000 dot resolution
• Dual SD Card Slots (support SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards).
• 2 channel XLR audio inputs (MIC/LINE/+48V selectable).

• Audio CH1/CH2 with individual level controls and input selection.
• HDMI output, AV Multi output (D-connector, composite video and audio 2 channel), USB connector.
• Remote terminals enable remote operation of iris, focus, zoom, Rec Start/ Stop functions.

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-AG-AC90-Full-HD-Handheld-Camcorder/dp/B00AA2P9UE

In all the excitement with the GH3 (some 1200 replies in 5 days here only ) I wanted to start a new discussion, because I feel we (or at least some of us) have to face the reality. Should we buy the GH3 or start filming again with a camera that is made for it ?!

I have the GH2 for 2 years, have 3 different lenses and tried several hacks, I bought the Tascam DR-40 for sound (and other stuff). I needed a rig to hold everything, and now it looks stupid. If you are not doing fiction, (always) filming on a tripod, or in a studio and you also want to be fast and flexible (which is often necessary) it just doesn't work! (for me ;-)

Therefore I am considering a 'normal' video camera again. But which one? Next month the AG-AC90 will be available for only € 1800,= . I got it yesterday to try it out for 1 day. As there is no information (or footage) about the camera, I wanted to do some video comparison.

I compare footage of the AC90 with the GH2 (As we do not have the GH3 yet, but I don't expect it to be a miracle anyway ;-). It was not my intention to make good shots, but to put both cameras in 'hard' circumstances, such as high contrast, back light, movement, moire, rolling shutter effects etc. I did different tests and tried to keep equal settings, same shooting moments and movements, tripod / handheld, slow motion, rack focus / auto focus, daylight / low-light / dark, menu / settings. I only had the camera for a day (without a manual), so I don't know it well. Most images in standard settings were a bit too bright (but this can be adjusted in the camera).

The AC90 has a smaller sensor so less DOF (but in daylight can be achieved with a ND filter.) I didn't have one during testing (but I did use a ND in some shots with the GH2, so that is not a fair comparison). I expected the AC90 to do worse in lowlight but I am actually quite surprised!

The video is definitely not a 'scientific' pixel tweaking test. I know little about how to test GOP, I / P/ B structure, 4:4:2, peaking, dynamic range, AVCHD profiles, etc. But you guys do! @Vitaly_Kiselev @Driftwood @Ralph_B @cbrandin and others ?! I can put some original files online for some deeper analyses. What can you tell about the footage? GOP, I/P/B, etc? Is it hackable (or worth hacking ;-) to give it a bit more Mbs? etc?

I hope to open up the discussion (from the large sensor cameras such as the GH3) and look forward to hear everybody's opinion!

Ps1 Some shots in the end are only with the AC90 because it was too dark for the GH2 (with the 14-140 mm lens)

Ps2 I know YouTube is not good, but I also think it is only showing HD 25P as I rendered it 50P (and the orginal looks better and more smooth)

Ps3 Sorry for the stupid music (without sound was even more boring)

I am selling my Panasonic AG-AC90 with 86 hours and 3 years warranty until April 2016.

Pic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3iV98q0KxUKSHFyN3hPU2ZSU2ZKN1RuYmJ1YzdTOFpZOWpj/edit?usp=sharing

Camera is in a very good condition, I always drained the battery and never reloaded it when it was half empty. I will also add the very good and professional book of Barry Green (bought at 50€) and a variable ND filter (bought at 60€)

All accessoires are in the original box with the invoice and a UK power connector adapter is also available.

Camera is in Vienna, shipping can be arranged.

Price: 1600€

best regards

GH2 was equipped with Moon T5 and T7, GH3 in MOV 50P mode and the camcorder was in AVCHD 50P and 28Mbit/s 50p. I am really satisfied with these cameras, but color correction and matching was really tricky with the camcorder. The codec fell apart as well unfortunatly.

Take a look!

regards Stiffla