Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AC90 User manual

AG-AC90
Memory Card Camera Recorder
(AG-AC90P, AG-AC90AN)
*The mic shown in the photo is an option.
AVCCAM 3-Year Warranty Repair Program*
* AG-AC90 users qualify for a 3-year warranty on repairs.
Visit the website for details: <www.panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e>

Featuring a Wide-Angle/High-Powered Zoom Lens and
High-Sensitivity BSI Type 3MOS Sensors, This Stylish AVCCAM
Includes the Smooth Operation of Triple Manual Rings.
Slide-Retractable LCD Touch Panel
This versatile LCD serves as a high-definition,
1,152,000 dot monitor and menu-setting touch
panel. When not in use, it slides into the handle
front for extra mobility and safety. It also
rotates 270 degrees vertically for easy high-
angle, low-angle and self-interview shooting.
Highly Functional Controls
The control panel offers both
multifunctional versatility and easy
operation. Frequently used functions
have large, distinct buttons in an
easy-to-recognize layout. Large
audio level dials are also designed
for both safety and operating ease.
Triple Manual Rings
Focus, zoom and iris rings are positioned on the
lens barrel. This provides an operation to enable
the kind of speedy and intuitive camera work.
Large-Capacity Battery
Included
A large-capacity 5,400 mAh battery
comes included, to give you around
6 hours of continuous shooting in PH
mode.
*picture simulated
1

Panasonic’s new AG-AC90 AVCCAM combines the high image quality, advanced functions and easy operation that
professionals demand in a stylish, easy-to-handle design. The high-speed F1.5 lens extends from 29.8mm (35mm
equivalent) wide-angle to 12x optical zoom. BSI (backside illumination) type 3MOS Image Sensors exhibit high
sensitivity, Full-HD resolution and a high S/N ratio. The AVCHD recorder section supports both PS mode, for Full-HD
progressive image production, and pro-use PH mode. They realize the versatile shooting angles, image quality, and
recording formats you need for news gathering and image production. Other professional operating features include
Triple Manual Rings (focus, zoom and iris), XLR Microphone/Audio Inputs, and remote terminals to provide the system
capabilities that professional applications require.
29.8 mm Wide-Angle
12x Zoom
The zoom lens combines
F1.5 (at the widest angle)
high speed and
29.8 mm (35 mm equivalent)
wide-angle with high-
powered 12x optical zooming.
A Nano Surface Coating
minimizes ghosts and flaring.
XLR Mic/Line Input
The AG-AC90 comes standard
with 2-channel XLR audio input
terminals for external mic or line
recording use. It also has a 48 V
phantom power supply.
2

Shooting Angles, Image Quality, Mobility, Operating Ease – No Compromises in This Professional Handheld Model.
29.8mm Wide Angle to 12x Zoom Lens
This high-powered zoom lens covers from news gathering to
image production field. It goes from 29.8 mm (35 mm equivalent)
wide-angle to 12x zoom. Panasonic’s unique Nano Surface
Coating minimizes ghosts and flaring, and the high-speed F1.5
(at the widest angle) enables extremely clear image rendering.
High-Sensitivity BSI Type
3MOS Sensors
Three (RGB) 1/4.7 type MOS image
sensors have an effective pixel
count of 2,680,000 pixels. In
addition to high BSI (backside
illumination) sensitivity and excellent
3MOS color reproduction, 4x dense
pixel shifting technology achieves
high resolution. This lets you record
high-quality Full-HD (1920x1080)
images even in dim lighting. The
image processing circuit, which is
tuned for professional use,
produces highly natural gradation
and detail.
Three Manual Rings —
Zoom, Focus, Iris
The lens barrel is equipped with manual rings for focus, zoom and
iris operation to enable the kind of speedy, intuitive camera work.
5-Axis Hybrid Hand-Shake Correction
The AG-AC90 features 5-Axis Hybrid OIS (Optical Image
Stabilizer/hand-shake correction). This powerful image stabilizer
combines the advantages of both optical and electronic systems
to ensure stable handheld shooting.
Intelligent Zoom and Digital Zoom
Intelligent Zoom gives you seamless zooming up to 25x
magnification while minimizing decreases in resolution. And a
2x/5x/10x Digital Zoom is also featured. Combining the optical
zoom and Intelligent Zoom, this provides an ultra-telephoto range
up to 250x.
Focus Assist and Push AF
The Focus Assist (Focus in Red)
button shows when your subject is
in focus by outlining subject edges
in red on the LCD monitor. And
Push AF activates the AF function
while in Manual mode with the
press of a button (allocated to a User button). This provides handy
support for manual focusing.
Scene File Function for
Advanced Image Quality Settings
The six preset scene settings allow immediate response to a
variety of shooting situations. The following settings can be freely
changed and saved over the preset values.
• DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch): Suppresses blocked shadows
and blown highlights by visually expanding the dynamic range.
• 7 Mode Gamma: Allows selection from seven gamma curves:
HD NORM/LOW/SD NORM/HIGH/B.PRESS/CINE-LIKE D/
CINE-LIKE V.
• Other settings: H detail level, V detail level, detail coring and
skin tone detail, chroma level, chroma phase, color temp and
master pedestal, auto iris level, knee (LOW/MID/HIGH), matrix
(NORM1/NORM2/FLUO/CINE-LIKE).
Professional Camera Functions
• ZEBRA Button: Displays two zebra patterns (blown highlight
warning) and a marker (brightness level percentage).
• BARS Button: Outputs a color bar image and test tone audio.
• DISP/MODE CHK Button: Shows mode settings at a glance.
• Auto Slow Shutter: Allows the shutter to automatically slow
down to brighten dark scenes.
• High-Speed Shutter: Adjusts up to a maximum speed of 1/2000
sec.
• White Balance: Allows selection of ATW/3200K/5600K and two
manual settings (A/B).
• iA Mode: The AG-AC90 detects the shooting conditions and
automatically switches to the optimal iA mode (Portrait,
Landscape, Spotlight, Low Light, Normal).
Focus Assist
4x dense pixel shifting technology
(concept image)
1920 × 2
1920
10801080 × 2
The green MOS sensor is shifted by a
half-pixel both vertically and horizontally.
General multi coating lens Nano surface coating lens
Ghost
3

Shooting Angles, Image Quality, Mobility, Operating Ease – No Compromises in This Professional Handheld Model.
Seven User Buttons
User buttons one to three are hardware buttons, and User buttons
four to seven are touch panel controls. Seven functions out of a
total of twelve (Push AF, Backlight Compensation, Spotlight
Compensation, Black Fade, White Fade, ATW, ATW Lock, Digital
Zoom, Histogram Display, Rec Check, Last Clip Delete, and Menu)
can be allocated to these buttons.
AVCHD PS/PH Mode + SD Recording
• PS Mode: Records Full-HD progressive (1080/60p) images
compliant with the AVCHD Progressive standard.
• PH Mode: This AVCCAM professional mode supports
1920x1080 full-pixel images and 1080/60i, 30p, 24p multi HD
formats.
• SD Image Recording: Enables SD (480/60i) recording in AVCHD
SA mode.
Dual Memory Card Slots
The slot to be used can be
switched during normal recording.
Auto-Switch Recording*1lets you
record images onto two memory
cards consecutively, and Back-Up
Recording*2records the same
images onto two different memory
cards to increase reliability.
*1: Simple relay recording. When switching recording media, audio is interrupted for maximum 0.8 sec.
*2: Rec Check and Last Clip Delete do not operate during Back-Up Recording.
Versatile Recording Functions
• Interval Rec: Records one frame at a time in set intervals (1 sec,
10 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min). Ideal for observation, surveillance
and other applications.*
• Pre Rec: Prevents missed shooting opportunities by storing
about 3 seconds of video and audio data in memory prior to
pressing the Rec button.
• Rec Check: Lets you check the end of the most recently
recorded clip with one-touch ease.
• Last Clip Delete: One-touch delete of the most recently
recorded clip.
• The built-in SMPTE time-code generator lets you select the Drop
Frame/Non-Drop Frame and Free Run/Rec Run modes and preset.
UB (User Bit) is also provided.
• Still shots with 3-megapixel resolution. (Still shots can also be
captured during video recording.)
*Up to a maximum of 12 hours, HA mode only, no audio recording.
Slide-Retractable, High-Definition LCD Touch Panel
• High-definition 16:9 aspect ratio 8.8 cm (3.5 inches) LCD monitor
with approx. 1,152,000 dots.
• Slides into the handle front for storage. Rotates 270 degrees for
high-angle, low-angle and self-interview shooting (with Mirror
mode).
• Menu settings and playback by touch panel operation.
• Various playback functions can be selected on thumbnail
display, such as Pause, Fast Rewind, Fast Forward, Slow, Frame
Advance, Skip, and Repeat.
SDXC Memory Card Support
The SDXC memory card, which is more than 32 GB, can be used
on the AG-AC90, as well as conventional SDHC and SD memory
cards.
*Use SDXC/SDHC/SD memory cards with an SD Speed Class of 4 or higher.
XLR Input and Other Professional Audio Features
In addition to a built-in 5.1-channel surround sound mic, the
AG-AC90 features 2-channel XLR audio input terminals for
external mic use. Input (Mic/Line) can be selected for CH1/CH2
independently, and a 48 V phantom power supply (ON/OFF) and
level control are provided.
Professional Interfaces and Design
• HDMI Output: Digital output
of video and audio signals to a
wide variety of HD devices.
• AV Multi Output: Analog
video and audio output. Output
analog component video
(component terminal), analog
composite video (pin jack), and
analog audio (L/R pin jacks)
through the bundled cable.
• USB 2.0 (DEVICE): For
transferring files to a PC.
• Remote terminals enable remote operation of iris, focus, zoom
and Rec Start/Stop functions.
• The AG-AC90 has a well balanced center of gravity and a short
body for nimble mobility.
• The upper part of the handle grip contains both the Rec Start/
Stop button and a zoom speed control (three speed steps).
• A front tally lamp is provided (ON/OFF switchable).
Rear terminal Side terminal
4

The AVCCAM Series Makes Video Packaging and Internet Distribution*1Smooth and Easy.
The tapeless design means lower total costs, and unlike tape,
AVCHD files require no digitizing*2and can be directly and quickly
transferred*3to storage in a Windows PC or Mac. This makes it
easier to use motion images in new IT applications*4like content
production, internet distribution*1and source material archiving.
AVCHD's direct editing also saves time and effort in TV program
production. And AVCHD means lower costs for both media and
equipment maintenance.
*1: To distribute AVCHD files on the web, you may need to use a video distributing service that is
operated by other web publishers supporting AVCHD. For real-time web distribution,
a real-time video encoder that is supplied by other manufacturers may be required.
*2: Editing may require conversion to an intermediate codec, depending on the editing software. The
conversion speed varies depending on the hardware specifications of the Windows PC or Mac, the
software used for converting, and the file format being converted.
*3: Maximum speed: 22 MB/s (Using a Class 10 SDHC Memory Card. Speed depends on the hardware
specifications of the Windows PC or Mac.) Some computers may not recognize the SDXC/SDHC
Memory Card. If that occurs, use an SDXC/SDHC Memory Card Reader.
*4: AVCHD-compatible software is required. The minimum system requirements for using the software
must also be satisfied.
AVCHD Nonlinear Editing
Compatible with many existing HD editing systems, AVCHD files
can be transferred at high speed by using the USB 2.0 interface to
connect the AVCCAM Series or an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card
reader to a Windows PC or Mac. This dramatically improves
productivity when compared with the time-consuming task of
digitizing.
* Please see our website <http://pro-av.panasonic.net/> for information on the interoperation of
nonlinear editing systems. Click on "Non-linear Compatibility Information." For more detailed
information, please see the website of the relevant manufacturer.
Copying onto BD/DVDs with a BD/DVD Recorder*
You can easily copy AVCHD data onto the built-in HDD of a
Panasonic BD/DVD recorder.* You can also copy HD images onto
a BD or DVD.
*Must be compatible with AVCREC. BD/DVD recorders are not available in some areas.
HD Playback on a Monitor
Full-HD images recorded in AVCHD format can be previewed on a
wide variety of professional and home HD monitors using HDMI*
or AV multi output.
*Use an HDMI cable with Type A terminal (not compatible with VIERA Link).
A Host of Software to Support ProductionAs of October, 2012
AVCCAM Viewer*1(for Windows/Mac, Free Download)
AVCCAM Viewer for Windows PC/
Mac*2makes it easy to preview
AVCCAM files and other AVCHD
motion images, still images and meta-
data, with very simple operation. Files
can be played from an SDXC/SDHC/
SD Memory Card, BD (Blu-ray
Disc™), or hard disk, and saved to a
PC (hard disk) from an SDXC*3/SDHC/
SD Memory Card or BD. Files can
also be copied or deleted, meta-data can be displayed, and data can be
written to an SDXC*3/SDHC/SD Memory Card or BD*4.
*1: AVCCAM Viewer doesn’t support DV and PS mode.
*2: Copying and playing data on BD (BD-RE Ver3.0) are not supported by Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger).
*3: Mac version doesn’t support SDXC memory card.
*4: Do not insert a disc [DVD (AVCHD)] into a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. If it is
inserted into such a device, the disc may not eject. Also, do not play the disc with a device that does
not support the AVCHD standard.
AVCCAM Importer (for Mac, Free Download)
AVCCAM Importer is a software for Apple Final Cut
Pro 7 to enable direct editing of AVCHD* “.mts”
files without conversion. Since AVCCAM Importer
is a plug-in component for Apple QuickTime,
QuickTime Player can play AVCHD “.mts” files and
other software based on QuickTime Framework
can also handle AVCHD “.mts” files directly after
installation of AVCCAM Importer on a Mac.
*AVCCAM Importer supports the AVCHD files produced by AVCCAM
products only.
AVCCAM SD Card File Recovery
(for Windows/Mac, Free Download)
The AVCCAM SD Card file recovery is software for repairing the file
which was erased or formatted accidentally. It supports SDXC/SDHC/SD
memory card.
*This software can only be used with AVCHD, DV and JPEG clips recorded with a Panasonic AVCCAM
series camera.
*Note that it will not always be possible to repair the files using this software.
AVCCAM Restorer (for Windows, Free Download)
The AVCCAM Restorer is software for restoring inconsistencies in video
data recorded on an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card.
* This software can only be used with AVCHD clips recorded with a Panasonic AVCCAM series camera.
*Note that it will not always be possible to restore the data using this software.
*This software targets recorded data that has been damaged for restoration. It is not capable of
performing processing to restore deleted data.
AVCHD compatible
Nonlinear Editing System
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
SDXC/SDHC/SD
Memory Card
SDXC/SDHC/SD
Card Reader
AG-AC90
DVD-Video
(SD)
DVD (AVCHD)
BD (BD-Video)
AG-AC90
SDXC/SDHC/SD
Memory Card
DB/DVD Recorder
DIGA*
BD
DVD (
AVCHD)
AG-AC90
SDXC/SDHC/SD
Memory Card
Monitor
HDMI Cable
5

AG-AC90 Specifications As of October, 2012
AG-AC90 Options As of October, 2012
Precautions for Using the SDXC Memory Card
•The SDXC Memory Card can be used for products that display the SDXC logo mark either on the product itself, or in the User’s Manual. It cannot be used with products that are only compatible with SDHC/SD
Memory Cards.
•How to confirm SDXC compatibility: Confirm compatibility by looking for the SDXC logo mark on the product or in the User’s Manual, or check the information provided by the product manufacturer.
•When using the SDXC Memory Card with a computer: For a computer with Windows 7 OS, use the SDXC Memory Card via an SDXC-compatible USB reader/writer, or connect the SDXC Memory Card to an
SDXC-compatible product via a USB terminal. If you want to use the SDXC Memory Card in a direct slot, be sure to check the information provided by the manufacturer for the computer that you plan to use, and
follow the instructions therein.
•UHS-Ⅰ(Ultra-High SpeedⅠ) is a speed class for SD Memory Cards. UHS-Ⅰcompatible memory cards can be used in the AG-AC160A/AC130A as SD Speed Class 10 cards.
General Specication
Supply Voltage: DC 12 V (when the AC adaptor is used)
DC 7.2 V (when the battery is used)
Power Consumption: 12.9 W
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Operating Humidity: 10% to 80% (no condensation)
Weight:
Approx. 1.50 kg(Approx. 3.3 lb/main unit only)
Approx. 1.78 kg(Approx. 3.9 lb/with battery and an SD card)
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)
Camera Section
Pickup Devices: 1/4.7 type 3MOS image sensor
Effective pixels:
Approx. 8,040K (Approx. 2,680K x 3)
Lens: Auto Iris optical zoom (Full range AF)
F value (focal length):
F1.5 to F2.8 (Focal length; 2.84 mm to 34.1 mm)
35 mm equivalent:
Motion picture
/Still picture; 29.8 mm to 383.7 mm (16:9)
Minimum focus distance:
Approx. 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) (Wide)
Approx. 1.2 m (3.9 feet) (Tele)
Filter Diameter: 49 mm
Zoom: 12x optical zoom, 25x i.Zoom, 2x/5x/10x digital zoom
Shutter Speed: 60i/60p/30p:
1/30 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (auto slow shutter ON)
1/60 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (auto slow shutter OFF)
24p:
1/24 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (auto slow shutter ON)
1/50 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (auto slow shutter OFF)
at motion picture recording, manual mode
Image Stabilizer Function: Optical (hybrid optical image stabilizer, active mode)
Minimum Illumination: Approx. 3 lx (iA mode, auto slow shutter ON)
Memory Card Recorder Section
Recording Format: AVCHD version 2.0 compliant, AVCHD Progressive
Motion Picture Compression:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio Compression: Dolby Digital (5.1ch/2 ch)
Recording Mode: *Please see the table below.
Still Picture Recording Format:
JPEG corresponding (Design rule for Camera File
system, based on Exif 2.2 standard)
Recording Media: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card,
SDXC Memory Card
Video Output
AV Multi Output: Component video output level:
Y: 1.0 V [p-p], 75Ω
P
B: 0.7 V [p-p], 75Ω
P
R: 0.7 V [p-p], 75Ω
AV video output level:
1.0 V [p-p], 75Ω
HDMI Output: HDMI™ 1080p/1080i/480p
Audio Input/Output
LINE: 2 ch (AV Multi terminal)
HDMI Output: Dolby Digital /Linear PCM
Headphones Output: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
XLR Input: XLR (3 pin) x 2 (INPUT1/INPUT2),
LINE: 0 dBu
MIC: –50/–60 dBu (switch with the menu)
Microphone: 5.1 ch surround microphone
(with zoom /focus microphone function) /stereo microphone
Other Input/Output
USB: Reader function (No copyright protection support)
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), USB terminal Type Mini B
Camera Remote: 2.5 mm diameter, super mini jack x 1 (ZOOM, REC S/S)
3.5 mm diameter, mini jack x 1 (FOCUS, IRIS)
Monitor
Monitor: 8.8 cm (3.5 inches) wide LCD monitor
(Approx. 1152 K dots)
Viewnder: 0.61 cm (0.24 inches) wide EVF (Approx. 263 K dots)
Included Accessories
Battery pack, Battery charger, AC adaptor, AC cable (x 2),
Eye cup, Remote control (Battery built-in), CD-ROM (Operating Instructions),
USB cable, AV multi cable, Lens cap, Shoulder strap, Microphone holder, INPUT
terminal cap (2 caps), Microphone holder adaptor, Microphone holder screws
Weight and dimensions are approximate.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
CGA-D54
Lithium Ion Battery (5400mAh)
AG-MC200G
XLR microphone
SDXC/SDHC/SD
Memory Card VW-W4907H-K
Wideconversion Lens
VW-LF49N-K
Filter Kit
*When two 64 GB SDXC memory cards are used. The maximum continuous recording time is 6 hours regardless of the recording mode.
Recording Mode Bit Rate Image Size (H x V) Recording Format Max. Recording Time*
PS Mode Approx. 25 Mbps (Average) /Max. 28 Mbps 1920×1080 1080/59.94p Approx. 10 hour 40 minutes*
PH Mode Approx. 21M bps (Average) /Max. 24 Mbps 1920×1080
1080/59.94i Approx. 12 hours*
1080/29.97p Approx. 12 hours*
1080/23.98p Approx. 12 hours*
HA Mode Approx. 17 Mbps (Average) 1920×1080 1080/59.94i Approx. 16 hours*
HE Mode Approx. 6 Mbps (Average) 1440×1080 1080/59.94i Approx. 48 hours*
SA Mode Approx. 9 Mbps (Average) 720×480 (NTSC) 480/59.94i Approx. 33 hours*
Recording Mode and Recording Time
6

*AVCHD and the AVCHD logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation and Panasonic Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbols are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. HDMI and the
HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC. SD Logo is a trademark. SDXC/SDHC and SDHC logo marks are the
registered trademarks.
http://pro-av.panasonic.net/
Please refer to the latest Non-linear Compatibilty Information, AVCHD
Support, Download and Service Information, etc. at the following Panasonic web site.
Panasonic Corporation
Professional AV Business Unit
2-15 Matsuba-cho, Kadoma, Osaka 571-8503
Japan
http://pro-av.panasonic.net/
Argentina [phone]
Australia [phone]
Bahrain [phone]
Belgium [phone]
Brazil [phone]
Canada [phone]
China [phone]
Hong Kong [phone]
Czech Republic [phone]/511
Denmark [phone]
Egypt [phone]
Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia
[phone]
France [phone]
Germany, Austria, Switzerland
[phone]
Greece [phone]
Hungary [phone]
India [phone]
Indonesia [phone]
Iran
(Vida) [phone]
(Panasonic Office) [phone]
Italy [phone]
Jordan [phone]
Kazakhstan [phone]
Korea [phone]
Kuwait [phone]
Lebanon [phone]
Malaysia [phone]
Mexico [phone]
Netherlands [phone]
New Zealand [phone]
Norway [phone]
Pakistan [phone] (SNT)
Palestine [phone]
Panama [phone]
Peru [phone]
Philippines [phone]
Poland [phone]
Portugal [phone]
Puerto Rico [phone]
Romania [phone]
Russia & CIS [phone]
Saudi Arabia [phone]
Singapore [phone]
Slovak Republic [phone]
Slovenia, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia,
Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro
[phone]
South Africa [phone]
Spain [phone]
Sweden [phone]
Syria [phone]/4
Taiwan [phone]
Thailand [phone]
Turkey [phone]
U.A.E. (for All Middle East)
[phone]
Ukraine [phone]
U.K. [phone]
U.S.A. [phone]
Vietnam [phone]
[Countries and Regions]
Factories of Business Solutions Business Group have
received ISO14001:2004-the Environmental Management
System certification. (Except for 3rd party’s peripherals.)
25K201210ZP-1 Printed in Japan
SP-AC90P1