Recording media is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase recording media for this item.
The Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder is a highly affordable Full HD camera that enables a truly professional style of operation. Professional projects require stable operation over long periods of time and manual control over the picture, with smooth adjustments. High-def or not, most undersized handheld camcorders often will not fit the bill.
The AC7's shoulder-mount design, its relatively low power draw from the included long-life battery, and selectable-bit-rate AVCHD recording to high-capacity SD/SDHC/SDXC cards all serve to facilitate long days of shooting events, weddings, news, and anything else that requires you to be on the move, ready to shoot, camera on shoulder. It's also perfect for houses of worship and educational institutions that teach manual settings and a professional style of camera operation.
For ease in completing both SD and HD projects, the AG-AC7 camera features AVCHD recording at 1920 x 1080 and 720 x 480, both at 60i. The built-in 16.7x (optical) / 23x (Intelligent) zoom lens starts out nice and wide at 35.8mm (35mm equivalent), so indoor shooting does not become a challenge to see how deeply into the corner you can smash yourself. With a large grip and zoom lever and a large, easy-to-hold manual focus ring, you've got accessible, precise controls, and a zebra pattern assists you in setting exposure. In addition to extensive manual controls, there's also Intelligent Auto (iA) and Hybrid optical image stabilization, providing the high-tech help you need to ensure smooth, reliably crisp & clear capture of Full HD video.
| Image Device | 1/4.1 Type MOS (3.32 Mp) |
| Effective Pixels |
Motion Image 4:3: 1.02 Mp (tele) to 1.44 Mp (wide) 16:9: 1.36 Mp (tele) to 1.92 Mp (wide) Still Image 3:2: 1.46 Mp (tele) to 2.08 Mp (wide) 16:9: 1.36 Mp (tele) to 1.92 Mp (wide) 4:3: 1.52 Mp (tele) to 2.16 Mp (wide) |
| Illumination |
Standard: 1400 lux Minimum: Approx. 4 lux (1/30 Low Light scene mode); approx. 1 lux (Color Night View) |
| White Balance | Auto / Indoor1 / Indoor2 / Sunny / Cloudy / White settings |
| Shutter Speed |
Motion Image: (At 60i) 1/60 to 1/8000 sec Still Image: 1/2 to 1/2000 sec |
| Image Stabilizer | Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) / O.I.S. Lock |
| Focus | Auto/manual |
| Iris | Auto/manual |
| Backlight Compensation | Yes |
| Lens | Panasonic Lens, 2.9-48.7mm (16.8x optical zoom, 23x intelligent zoom) |
| Digital Zoom | 50x / 1200x |
| 35mm Equivalent Focal Length |
Motion Image: 35.8-716mm (16:9), 43.9-878 (4:3) Still Image: 35.8-716mm (16:9), 35.8-716mm (4:3), 35.8-716mm (3:2) |
| F Number | f/1.8 (wide) to f/2.7 (tele) |
| LCD Monitor | 2.7" (6.7 cm) widescreen LCD (230,000 pixels) |
| Viewfinder | Yes (no specifications provided) |
| Still Mode | JPEG (design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 standard) |
| Still Picture Resolution |
Still Picture Only 3:2: 2.8 Mp (2064 x 1376) 16:9: 2.1 Mp (1920 x 1080) 4:3: 2.9 Mp (1952 x 1464); 0.3 Mp (640 x 480) Simultaneous Recording 16:9: 2.1 Mp (1920 x 1080) 4:3: 0.3 Mp (640 x 480) Creating Still Picture from Motion Picture 16:9: 2.1 Mp (1920 x 1080); 0.2 Mp (640 x 360) 4:3: 0.3 Mp (640 x 480) |
| Signal System | 1080i60, 480i60 |
| Compression | MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 |
| Recording Modes |
1920 x 1080: HA (approx. 17 Mb/s VBR), HG (approx. 13 Mb/s VBR), HX (approx. 9 Mb/s VBR), HE (approx. 5 Mb/s VBR) 720 x 480: SA (approx. 9 Mb/s VBR), SX (approx. 4.5 Mb/s VBR) |
| Clip Splitting | SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot |
| Maximum Recording Time |
HA Mode: Approx. 8 hrs 30 min HG Mode: Approx. 11 hrs HX Mode: Approx. 16 hrs 50 min HE Mode: Approx. 27 hrs 30 min SA Mode: Approx. 16 hrs 30 min SX Mode: Approx. 33 hrs 1 Please Note:With 64 GB SDXC card close |
| Audio Compression | Dolby Digital (2-channel) |
| Microphone |
2-channel stereo (with zoom function) 1x 3.5 mm external mic-in jack |
| Speaker | 1 round speaker, dynamic type |
| LANC | No |
| Outputs |
HDMI USB 2.0 Component connector video output level: Y; 1.0 Vp-p, 75 h/Pb; 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h/Pr; 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h AV connector video output level: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 h, NTSC system AV connector audio output level (Line): 316 mV, 600 h, 2 ch Headphone: 77mV, 32 h (stereo mini jack) |
| Power Requirements |
9.3 V DC (when using AC adapter) 7.2 V DC (when using battery) |
| Power Consumption | 5.0W (recording) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 8.5 x 8.9 x 17.1" (216 x 224 x 432mm) |
| Weight | Main body only: Approx. 3.97 lb (1.8 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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First off, remember that this is a [$] (list) camera. If you are expecting too much just because it is a Panasonic AG series AVCHD, then you will be very disappointed. ...Read complete review
First off, remember that this is a [$] (list) camera. If you are expecting too much just because it is a Panasonic AG series AVCHD, then you will be very disappointed. So I'm going to say that it is a good camera FOR THE MONEY. I bought it to try out as a "Camera 2" to my big 'ol P2 camera. So far it looks like I'm going to keep it, as it will serve this purpose. I would not use this as a primary camera because of it's limitations.Marketed as a prosumer model, it is much more "sumer" than "pro". The first thing I noticed was how light it is. Upon un-boxing I thought, "Did I just buy a toy?"I shot a test with it, and it looked pretty good. However, low-light was really grainy, but I don't do low-light, so this isn't an issue for me. I also got some lines while swaying side-to-side very swiftly, but this wasn't a deal-breaker for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of the built in stereo mic. However, I didn't expect much. It still isn't going to give me the sound quality that I need. I will rarely, if ever, use audio from this camera (except for syncing purposes). There is a mini mic input, but I am doubtful about the quality of the audio section.It spits out MTS files, so they require third party conversion for me to edit in FCP. The manual controls are there, but configured in a way that might annoy a pro who is accustomed to finding controls in the usual places. You have to use a touch screen to adjust many of the settings. It is designed to be more user-friendly in full-manual mode. I must say that the intelligent auto-functions are a step or two above what you will find in a full-on consumer targeted camcorder. So this thing is really basic. It gives you a decent picture with no frills, limited connectivity, and basic operation. While I would not suggest this to someone wanting to start out as a wedding videographer, or serious hobbyist, it might be a good first camera for a student. Or, if you are like me, and you need a camera 2 that doesn't have to record audio or timecode, this might be a good buy. Of course, if you are going to be super-nit-picky about image quality, you are looking in the wrong price range. I usually put "B Roll" style effects on my camera 2 stuff, so my camera 2 doesn't have to be perfect.I think it begs the question, "Why not just go out and get a DSLR rig?"It still costs less than a good DSLR, handles like a video camera, and doesn't present you with typical DSLR issues like the "wavy" effect when moving, down-conversion problems, etc. You also get a video-camera style interface without dropping another 2-3 grand on mounts, handles, monitors, eyepieces, etc. For me, the image also matches my Camera 1 a lot better than a DSRL can.If I were NOT rating this camera in the context of it's price range, I would probably give it 2 stars. But for the money, and considering my specific applications, I'll go with 4.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Early Reviews are Good
I just received my AG-AC7 last week and I have had limited time to work with it, but the little bit that I have used it, I have been very impressed with it.
I just received my AG-AC7 last week and I have had limited time to work with it, but the little bit that I have used it, I have been very impressed with it.
The picture quality has been great and the ease of use is fantastic. There are some things that I wished it had, but for the price it is a reall good camera.
I wish that it had better audio control and a higher quality input, ie XLR. I knew when I purchased it that it did not, so that is fine.
One thing that I do not like is the way that the AC plug on the camera is pushed back into the battery compartment. You have to turn the camera on it's side and use a flashlight just to plug it in.
Again, I have not had a chance to use it extensively to this point, but next week I am using it on a shoot, so I will have a better idea of it's capabilities.
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
Easy to use, great focus, the macro focus is amazing. very light. profesional look. the image stabilization is great. I love this camera. The only thing I didn´t like is the integrated microphone. but you can get an external one for just 100$ or less.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
I just received my AG-AC7 last week and I have had limited time to work with it, but the little bit that I have used it, I have been very impressed with it.
The picture quality has been great and the ease of use is fantastic. There are some things that I wished it had, but for the price it is a reall good camera.
I wish that it had better audio control and a higher quality input, ie XLR. I knew when I purchased it that it did not, so that is fine.
One thing that I do not like is the way that the AC plug on the camera is pushed back into the battery compartment. You have to turn the camera on it's side and use a flashlight just to plug it in.
Again, I have not had a chance to use it extensively to this point, but next week I am using it on a shoot, so I will have a better idea of it's capabilities.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
I use this camcorder for filming interviews and nature videos. The camera looks like it would be heavy but is super light. Great resolution and easy to learn controls and menu.
Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
I bought this for our high school tv studio. The image quality looks good, but when I switched it ot 4:3 aspect ratio, the camera frames the image with a black box and there's no way to get rid of it.
I run the morning announcements live through a Tricaster and couldn't get the image to not get squished.
I'm hoping this isn't a problem with all HD cameras when trying to broadcast in the 4:3 aspect ratio.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
The weight of this camera enables you to take shots at any angle. The quality is great for the price!
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is absolutely amazing. I recieved it within 3 days, and couldn't be happier. The features on it are exactly what I need to make the videos I want to create. The design is idea for an up to date style. The shoulder mount is very comfortiable, giving you room to move around and shoot videos to perfection. I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants to record Full HD quality video. The Panasonic Ag-AC7 is the best choice for me, and I will create amazing work with this professional camcorder.
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This camera is so much lighter than I thought it would be which is a big plus for me. I was wanting to purchase a Canon XH A1 and worked very hard to save my money. Well I am so glad I saved around $2700 buying this one instead. I cannot see the difference after testing each camera...so I think the XH A1 is completely over-priced and overrated. This camera is great in all conditions and it is easy to set up. Crystal clear picture and sound...just as good as the XH A1 without any question. Buy this camera if you are a videographer...your wedding ceremonies and receptions will look fantastic and your clients will be very happy with your work. The XH A1 was so hard to move around with the LCD screen. OMG that can lead to a total disaster and I do not need that.
I try to move down and my big fingers would set the Auto Focus to manual....over and over and over again. That was the deal breaker along with the price and I am NOT buy some used Canon, either. God only knows what the prior owner did to it. If I am attempting to put in some transition on the XH A1...it would go into Auto Exposure and change it to manual. Man if that happened to me during a ceremony...I would get sued. Trust me...go with this camera...it is awesome...even in dark conditions and the menu works so much better than the Canon. I tried the Sony NEX too and liked it more than the XH A1...just an FYI.
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I am going to buy a second one. This is from a videographer that has been in business full time since 1990.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
I used a Panasonic professional camera in the days of SVHS. This is very similar to the look and feel but weighs less. I was very pleased with the quality and ease of use.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
the very good the only thing I think small, the others efedts very good
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
Everything is great about this Panasonic Camcorder. Great picture, stability control, great sound, easy to use. easy to transfer my videos to iMovie. Saves me alot of money on mini-dv's. I would recomend this product to any of my friends. I've used this camcorder on two weddings already and haven't found any cons.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
Great picture quality, easy learning curve. External mic quality is not great, but it is commensurate with a camera of this price range. Incredibly light. Had some trouble with Mac OSX Lion recognition. Excellent picture, acceptable audio, Definitely a good buy.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is a perfect tool for new videographers. Easy to use and perfect for weddings, short films and documentaries.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
We have used the camcorder a couple time now... once inside and once outside and so far it has exceeded my expectations. The quality of the image has been excellent, and the audio has really impressed me! Great addition to our ministry that will only enhance what we are doing.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
Easy to operated, good quality, the visor is uncorfortable and no option for left eye persons. I like the auto white balance, is ergonomic and the external mic option.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
It is an excellent camera for its price, it is easy to use and has good image quality.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
These items have surpassed what I expected of this product. It's excellent.
Very, very user friendly and light weight. Simply conrols, but with that professional touch.
You wouldn't even know that these is a reasonably priced camcorder. You'd think this is a $10,000 camcorder. The quality and performance of this camcorder is excellent.
Thank you guys for a very great deal. This camcorder will be well taken care of and cherished. Thanks again.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
It is practical, light and efficient.
The only flaw is the iris control
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
very light easy to use....shooting some weddings,and variety shows at the present time...also the zoom is a little slugish,....otherwise, a great H. D. cam.
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Comments about Panasonic AG-AC7 Shoulder-Mount AVCHD Camcorder:
For semi-professional use it is great. Easy to handle. Easy functionality. Definitely fits the type of camera I was looking for. Only shoulder mount found in this price range. The light weight of the camera at first feels a bit "toy" like, yet the quality of the camera is professional. It looked good on my video shoot.
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