AG-AC90 vs GH2 or buy GH3? Video camera test, compare lowlight, focus, sensor, motion, slowmo
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- The Panasonic AG-AC90 will be available next month and I got a demo to try out for a day. As there is little information and no footage online about the AC90 I wanted to do a video test comparison. Because of the DSLR / DSLM / large sensor hype and trends and the GH3 just released, I wanted to compare the small sensor AC90 with the micro 4/3 sensor of the hacked GH2. (I don't expect the image of the GH3 to be better as the hacked Gh2 anyway.)
It was not my intention to make good shots, but to put both cameras in 'hard' circumstances, such as high contrast, backlight, 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 / lowlight / dark, menu / settings. I only had the camera for a day (without a manual), so I don't know it that well. Most images in standard settings were a bit too bright (but this can be adjusted in the camera).
Working with a 'normal' camcorder is definitely more easy for run and gun shooting.
The AC90 has a smaller sensor so less DOF, but the Depth Of Field 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!
GH2 standard 14-140 mm lens (not the best low light)
Some AG- 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.
• 4:2:2 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
• LCD: 8.8 cm ( 3.5 inches) wide LCD monitor (Approx. 1152 K dots)
• Viewfinder: 0.61 cm (0.24 inches) wide EVF (Approx. 263 K dots)
• AVCHD 2.0
• Dimensions (W X H X D): 160 mm x 195 mm x 350 mm excluding protruding parts (6-5/16 inches x 7-11/16 inches x 13-1/16 inches)
• In build ND (automatic) exact same as HMC40 / 80 Seamless.
Barry Green writes about this The system uses zero ND filtration when the iris is set between f/1.5 to f/2.8. If you "stop down" the lens past f/2.8, the iris doesn't actually change at all. The system adds a little bit of ND filter to make the same exposure as if you'd actually stopped down the iris. It brings in more and more ND until you hit f/6.4 when the iris display reads out f/6.4, it's actually f/2.8 plus all the ND filter the camera can deliver. If you stop the iris down any further, it actually starts closing the iris again.
This has two massive benefits: 1) It delivers seamless exposure changes 2) It keeps the iris in the "sweet spot" for as long as possible, avoiding the crippling issues of diffraction. If they'd gone with true iris changes, diffraction would start mushing up the image as early as f/4 (and, in the red channel, as early as f/2.8!) By the time you got to f/11, the image would be a total mush of soft, fuzzy, out-of-focus nothingness. But by doing it this way, they avoid diffraction entirely down to about f/10. F/8 is pretty much diffraction-free. It's really clever engineering to avoid the serious side effects that could occur, from using such a small chip. - Фільми й анімація
Gh2 is nice for steady tripod shots where sound doesn't matter, but it is not a video camera. I tried all kinds of rigs, Tascam audio recorder. Doesn't work for run and gun. Actually the AC90 has same hardware as the X900. You have to pay for more flexibility (such as format, XLR, manual rings,etc) and it was such a relief (having a normal video camera again)
The 1080p50 AC90 AVCHD files material was analyzed. 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. The AC90 records much like an AF100 with a small 3MOS sensor.
The 1080p50 AC90 AVCHD files is analyzed: records 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.
I've been a long time Panny fan since before the DVX100.. got the HMC150 then HMC40 and the GH1 when it came out. I eventually replaced my HMCs for GH2's and now use GH3's but I do miss my easy run and gun HMCs. This looks like a sweet 2nd or 3rd camera option. I may just get one! Thanks for this helpful video!
From a GH2 (hacked) and HMC40 owner I can say with enough fiddling the GH2 will always blow away the HMC40 in picture quality, sharpness, low light and the like but for run and gun a rocker zoom is a must and having the XLR audio on the HMC40 is great too. Remember the HMC40 had some of the sharpest video in the business EX1 like ($6k camera) so the GH2 is quite amazing when hacked. It really depends on what the job is - you can add a electronic zoom lens to the GH2 - XLR via recorder too.
of course the AC90. Very good camcorder.
I only had the AC90 one day, and didn't have the HMC 40. Many people are filming with DSLR and as I just can not get use to it, I found it interesting to compare it with a 4/3 camera.
Many thanks for doing this comparison - very well produced. Perhaps you might do a comparison between the AC90 and the GH3 when it comes out?
Great Video, Thanks. Very informative. Personally, cannot decide between 5D MarkII with all L lenses and real video camera. So far i really like all info and reviews about AG-AC90, looks big value for money...Thanks a lot. Aloha.
It has a built in automatic ND filter. Problem is it works up to certain exposure levels and not well beyond that. You can then screw on a 49mm ND 2, 3, etc. in those very well lit situations.
that is correct. But personally I prefer to have my image too sharp than too vague. (Making it more vague is not a big deal.) By now I have changed my in camera settings, so it is good for grading: flat image, not too much color, not oversharped etc.
I think this is one of those comparisons that is a matter of application. Use which ever one meets your needs. The GH3 is more of a multi-purpose hybrid tool. It offers better depth of field control similar to dSLRs, connects well to outboard audio mixers, and shoots great stills. Yet for some things, the AG AC90 is appealing.
Has AC-90 same chips as X800/X900 series? So, is AC-90 professional version of X900?I
I understand, but you compared so many things side by side so meticulously, that it struck me that for the AF test on the AC90 you decided to rack focus instead on the GH2. An yes, the AF on the AC90 is supposed to be much better, the purpose of the test would´ve been to quantify how much better, obviously. :)
Anyway, thanks for the test, I wish more people made them as well as you do.
Cheers
Very impressive. but APS-C still has an ongoing future. This and the VG30 should be standardized world cams. Looking at the specs the AG-AC90 isn't AVCHD 2.0 @28mbps which is a real bummer, however the VG30 is. And the NEX line in video cams do pretty well in low light. So with the option of power zoom lenses the VG30 is a better in my opinion plus an F mount adapter for my primes =) However I do like the AG-HPX style menu interface. Lots of algorithm manipulation. a hack would be great
I used these cameras in the test, because the price range is quite 'similar'. But it are totally different cameras for different usage. For good flexible video (such as run and gun) the AC90 is much more easier: Steady, good sound and much more. Definitely worth it! If you mostly want to make good pictures/ video images from tripod and sound is not important, I suppose the GH3 wins. But you need (at least 2 lenses.(Fast pancake for example + standard zoom lens)The GH2/ 3 image (DOF, etc) wins.
Thank you for sharing the test. In brightlight, I think, AG-AC90 has much better dynamic range. And it is better in lowlight than GH3 as well.
It's great, that Panasonic is releasing this nice low entry pro cam.
This is an excellent informative video. Great comparison job!
Nice video! thanks for taking the time to share this.
There's still a long way from AC90 to GH2 and 3 if you plan to do something cinematic with it. It's not just ready for that yet. I don't know what Panasonic's deal is with worse sensors in larger camcorders. It's strange. In bright light it's somewhat better though. But the colors on the GH2 and 3 are superb, especially with the Driftwood hack on. Lots of bang for your buck.
With GHx you have an infinite variety of Lens options which gives you limitless options on the type of footage you can take, from anamorphic to macro. From vintage cinema lenses to the latest super sharp primes which will keep coming year after year. Plus you can do stills too with the same camera. In my opinion that's more bang for the buck than a fixed non adaptable system. Unless you need the bulky equipment look for clients?
Often I have to be fast and ready at once and the GH2 just doesn't work. So I was looking for a budget pro camera and the AC90 looked interesting, but there were no reviews online yet so I decided to put it online, to hear reactions. To have some comparison I took my alternative the GH2.
I did same tests (sometimes stress tests) with both cameras.
There are video test out that GH3 has moire and aliasing really bad like Canon and Nikon have. I think Panasonic is using a Sony sensor because they wanted the GH3 to be a better stills camera.
I'd put my hacked GH1 against both these cameras. The hack makes it a super sharp video camera but at a price. If you go with the highest quality hack you risk getting error messages with high detail shots such as leaves blowing in the wind. There is a hack that is reliable with less bit rates. I was thinking about getting the Panasonic but have to do more research. Thanks for posting. Both of the cameras in your test excelled in different shots. Hard choice.
Nice! I like it but one variable not mentioned is, GH2 $600.00 and the AC90 is $2,200.00! GH2 wins for the value. But I do like this camera, get you a little close to the AF100!
There are a view videos on Vimeo and UA-cam with GH3 footage and moire and aliasing are showing up. Rumor was going around that the GH3 has a Sony sensor because Panasonic wanted the GH3 to be a better stills camera and wanted more dynamic range.
I'll send you a PM with some links of the GH3 with aliasing and moire.
Thanks you very much!.The Panasonic AG-AC90 is a new model,economic and will be mine in a few days.I prefer a camcorder,it´s works for everything you want,you have a very good quality image,a very good sound,XLR for aditional mic´s and it´s very handle to manipulate...I hope you understand my english from Andalucia jajaja...
I am surprised that at indoor shots like 4:05 the GH2 is sharper. Were both cams in auto mode? Maybe the AC90 raised gain and blurred image to hide noise. 4:54 shows something that I would expect to see, AC90 being sharper. And its image is very clean! I wish it had bigger chips for slightly shallower DOF, but otherwise a very nice compact cam.
How hard was it to put filter on/off the AC90? It has non-removable hood, right?
Three things! First off, great video! Secondly, what's that song?! And lastly, was your GH2 hacked?
The lens was 14-140 lens. I now also have the pancake 20 mm. Perhaps I make another lowlight test with that one (when I have the AC90) But on the other hand (why, because then I already own the camera ;-) I prefer to have 1 piece of equipment that works, so if I had changed lenses all the time, it would not be fair as well, right? Besides that with the 20 mm lens you can not zoom.
It´s a really nice camera, marred by excessively small sensors that will prevent a lot of people from buying it, unfortunately.
Other than that, I wonder why you didn´t test the autofocus on the GH2, it would´ve been nice to see the difference. After all, AF reliability is one of the main reasons why many people are still buying camcorders with tiny sensors anyway...
Cheers
And in low light, the GH2 and 3 defiinitely still wins in my opinion. It's a great cam for starters, or at least people who are beginning to do freelance work, such as shooting weddings and such.
I am /was also considering the VG30 or big brother NEX EA50. I WANT a bigger sensor as well, but they are also both NEX 5 (€500) cameras in a bigger body. I don't expect Sony has cleared the NEX5 / VG20 issue, so they will both give aliasing and moire... It is a pity they didn't put F100 / F700 sensor in the NEX EA50. :(
So what other cameras can we consider ;-) ?
What's with the 6 thumbs down?, any child can push the thumbs down button, but if you are an adult, then make a comment on why you don't like the video or just make a video yourself. BTW, great vid!
Should I get a ac90 or a gh3, my only concern with the gh3 is the auto focus and how it performs. The ac90 looks like a semi-pro camcorder, but is it worth the extra cash compared to the less expensive gh3. Another concern of mine is the lens. The one on the ac90 looks great, but what would be a good equivalent one for the gh3 and how much would it cost? My budget is about 1800-2000 so I want to get the most bang for my buck! Thanks
Please tell me: effective video pixels, maximum recording time with the included battery pack, internal memory, minimum illumination (lux), filter diameter and viewfinder pixels. Thanks!
• 2.190.000 effective pixel count,
• The battery I didn't need to recharge for a day. It uses the same batteries as the DVX100
• Internal memory I don't know. 2 SD slots
• Lux I don't know. During the shot with only candles, the DB went to a maximum of 30DB (but perhaps it can be set higher in the menu).
• Filter Diamer 49 (I think) (see other video on youtube)
• LCD 3.5 inch 1.150.000 dot
• EVF pixels I don't know.
MORE INFO see also discussion on personal-view[.]com
ISO 3200. I had it hacked before to 12.000, but because I often used auto iso, it would go all the way up in dark scenes, and gave extreme noise. So with the last applied hack I didn't 'upgrade' it. Can you please clarify your 2nd question?
man why the heck did panny leave out the built in nd filters? anyway i think the ac90 would be better for documentaries and eng or reality shows and the gh3 better for filmmaking! thanks for the great video!
may I ask, what do you mean by automatic ND filter? does that mean there is no physical filters so stop down the light? or is it done by the processor?
In some shots the white balance was set different, so I only corrected the color in some shots. Not too much, and no other grading.
I forgot to test many things. (only had the camera a short time) But I wasn't interested to test the GH2 (as I already have one, and there is much material online about it). I just wanted to judge the AC90 (and therefore comparing it to any other camera.) With a smaller sensor it is indeed more easy to fast auto focus. and the auto focus of the AC90 is much much better than a GH2 auto focus/ Rack focus
Why is there that weird effect around the candle fire on the 90? I like the ac90 everywhere except when it shoots lights, I shoot at gigs that there are many lights so this could a deal break for me...
What ISO GH2 had at lowlight
And what strengthening in db... was at 90 ?
Strange, right? Maybe I tested it wrong ;-) Because if I am correct the GH2 has 17,779,972 effective pixels compared to only 2,190,000 from the AC90. Is (the BSI?) better technology?The Micro 4/3 does have only 1 sensor compared with 3 tiny sensors (and the F 1.5)
Did you read this on personal view? So will the GH3 in some cases (aliasing / moire) be worse than the GH2? If so, it is good I did not wait for the GH3 to arrive. In a day (or 2) I'll finally get my AC90... and go abroad for shooting
This is great helpful comparison, good job, thanks.
In short.I have a GH2 for 2 years. Reading a lot on personal view, really trying everything to make it work as a video camera (hack, several rigs,tascam recorder etc) But it is not! GH2 can make very good images (see ALL pixel tweeking videotests). I did not want to impress anyone with any camera. I just wanted to have something that works for me.
If you plan on making money with your choice get the AG AC90 if you plan on wanting nice images and shooting as a hobby go for the GH2/3
at you already is in AC90 shops and how many costs?
GH2 autofocus varies on each lens. the 14-140 is 'okay' but the Pancake, doesn't work. In most cases it has no use comparing the autofocus because GH2 looses by far.
Finally what is the best camera?
GH3 has light flicking problems so far we know its the PAL model. I posted some info on philipbloom DOT> NET under the GH1 & GH2 forums.
Put on DepositFiles original files please.
particularly interested in the files in low light conditions.
Esta será mi siguiente videocámara,,hasta cuando estará a la venta...
The idea that the moire on the GH3 is somehow terrible or unacceptable is overblown.
It is far better that the 5d Mark II and it is true 1080 p not 800 900 like the Mark III...
The GH3 is the camera monster for the money...
What gain in DB ... was 90?
Thanks. I created the music my self (with some samples and stuff)
they're both 3 goods cameras
What editing programme did you use please/
I deleted the videos with your tests,sorry for not doing this earlier :D
id go with the ac 90....unless you really like taking still pictures then just go with the gh2
Nonetheless a 1.5 with zoom and new stabilization is wicked! if it did all I-Frame it would THE SHIT! But it's not the Lumix team unfortunately
I don't understand what you mean. But I heard it would cost here €1800,=
Hard to compare. Judge for your self (see video). I only tested the AC90, and haven't worked with it yet, so I can not say for sure. But I am going to buy one, as I expect it will fill all the gaps of the GH2. GH2 is nice image, and DOF, for the rest it is not a video camera (no xlr, etc) So I am going for the AC90 for video
But bmc 2.5k is the killer m43. Ive sild my red one and pucked up 2 bmc awaiting 4k. Pocket camera is on my test list. Thats the gh killer
I have added a link in the description above. You can download it untill October 5th.
I love the AC90, but I am sooooooo disappointed in its DOF performance :( Definitely not a DVX-100B replacement ...
***** It doesn't have a shallow enough DOF
AG-AC90 can't beat GH2 in low light.
The only way is if the huge sensor of GH2 ( compared to tiny ag-ac90 ) is handicaped with a kit lens that starts at 3.5.
So Ag-ac90 starts at 1.5 and GH2 at 3.5 and they look aout the same, imagine how GH2 performs on a prime lens that starts from 1.4 or even 1.8, probably destroys almost every camcorder up to ex1r.
Most benchmarks on youtube cam vs dslr are made with kit lenses while most camcorders start from 1.8 and some like this one from amazing 1.5.
You don't have to wait until next month search Ebay for a used one
Very good test! I could test the GH3 and this camera is amazing! But I think the camcorder is more flexible...
~nordrheintv
Goes to prove that GHx is a cult not a camera.
Sir can we use ag-ac90 as a Webcam? Please reply sir
No clue, I am 4 cameras further... And don't have it anymore for many years
What I heard: Yes. Similar/ same hardware
test AC 90 vs HMC 40 ?????????
Thanks for the video, but I wonder: does have the AC90 an external mic jack, such as 2,5 or 3,5 mm jack?
is not fayr....The GH2 with the 14-42 /3,5 lenses?Give a goodiest lenses for GH2!!
GH3 has minimum to none moire and aliasing... GH2 has none from what I know, maybe really fine lines
Ilove Ac90
what music is this? it's really good! :)
Less than $2000, most video cameras are plastic and it has a built in ND.
I will say poor test ive done this except i know gh123 in n out and 40hrs on ag and pending application gh is a fav. Gh1 hacked for slo mo. Gh 2 hack as a b cam fg3 a cam. I owb a 3ton grip n light truck so i usally light my sets. And in doing so ag doesnt produce the cimena feel as well with gh2 3
I just saw it, HUH? It isn't released, and there is already a second hand. How is that possible. Anyway if I buy it, I rather wait to spend €400 less for a new one bought here.
I used to own HMC 40 for few days , is really bad in low ,
I want that song!
Interesting, the GH2 looks awful in comparison to the AC90 however this may be because the AC90 footage looks graded and GH2 does not.
Looks like you have really tried to impress us with the AV90. Some of your GH2 images are over and underexposed. GH2 images sometimes are hot really sharp...did you used that very cheap and bad standard lens?
Much better images can be achieved with the GH2 than these samples.
E SOLAMENTE FANTASTICA
Gh2- 600 $ AG-AC90- 1800$
Hi there, have you considered "photo SFX art" (just google it)? On their website you will find a good free video explaining the right way to make amazing photographs. This made it easier for Daniel to create pictures that have a jaw-dropping-effect any time you take a look at them. I hope it works for you also.
Да бред тут полный.У друга Панас 84, вместе снимали концерт. GH2 на порядок круче снял камеры. У камеры голимое мыло было у Гаша стоял 24p, а в камере 50p.
Good comment.
GH3 has no flicker problem
30 DB
premiere
Not good test!!!
GH2 and Gh3 - the best!
What gain in DB ... was 90?
Ilove Ac90