Panasonic AG-AC90
 HD OK
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The two of these are YSTV's newest HD cameras, bought in May 2014 to replace the broken Sony HVRs.
They record at a maximum of 1080p25 to SD card in AVCHD format, making them YSTV's first tapeless HD cameras. Live video outputs over HDMI at a variety of resolutions - crucially, 1080i50 to match the Sony cameras. This requires the use of battery converters to work with BNC cabling. Composite output is also available through use of adapter cable.
To use these cameras unsupervised, members must be camera trained. Contact the Deputy Station Director or the Technical Director for details.
Controls
Like the HVRs, the AC90s have a touchscreen display which is used to operate the onscreen menus. However, they also feature a large array of buttons to access key features.
As well as an onboard 5.1 surround microphone, the AC90s have dual XLR inputs - enabling YSTV's stock of handheld and rifle microphones to be connected using standard XLR cabling instead of our custom ones. Controls for setting audio inputs for recording are to the rear of the camera behind the plastic panel, while phantom power can be switched on or off using controls next to the touch screen.
Faults
Both cameras have a three year warranty with Panasonic, expiring 17 May 2017. It is recommended that they should be sent for repair as soon as possible if a fault occurs, as Panasonic promise a 5-day turnaround.
Current issues
- Chelsea intermittently zooming in unexpectedly. Zoom rocker very slow on zoom out, fast on zoom in. Repair order filed.
External links
- User manual
- Panasonic Broadcast Support (For warranty and repairs - login in passwords file)
