Saturday, September 8, 2012

How to Synchronize Timecode Between Two Panasonic AG-AC160 Cameras


I recently started learning how to utilize the multicamera editing features in Sony Vegas Pro 11. We shoot two cameras on the football field and this feature allows video clips from both cameras to be lined up on the Vegas timeline by the timecode recorded in the camera.

The first step in using this feature must be accomplished before you start multicamera recording. Both camera’s timecode must be synchronized. The method for doing this will vary from camera to camera.
Using the Panasonic AG-AC160, enter the second page of the camera menu.

1.       Connect an RCA video cable between the two cameras

2.       Select TC/UB Setup

3.       Select TCG – FREE RUN

4.       Select EXT TC LINK

5.       Set one camera as MASTER

6.       Set one camera as SLAVE

7.       Exit the menu

8.       On the side of the camera hit the TC/SET button

9.       You should get a message saying that the link is ok

10.   Both cameras should now report the same timecode.
 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Panasonic AG-AC160A Accessories

This post list some accessories for the AG-AC160A.

Shotgun Microphone

RODE NTG-2
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367747-REG/Rode_NTG_2_NTG_2_Battery_or_Phantom.html

This mic can be powered by battery or phantom power. I wondered if it was better to run the mic off batter vs using the phantom power and found the following thread at dvinfo.net:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/492331-there-big-quality-difference-battery-powered-mic-vs-phantom-powered-mic.html

I am going to use the phantom power. So far sounds great.

Hard Cases

Pictured below is a Pelican 1560. The case is ordered with foam that is pre-cutt into small cubes. The cubes can be easily removed to fit your gear.

Pelican 1560 Price $178 at BH Photo (with shipping)




Panasonic Thermodyne Shipping Case for AC-160 / 130
Mfr# SHAN-ACHPX
Price $397 at BH Photo


Soft Cases
Panasonic Soft Case for AG-AC160 / AG-AC130 / HPX250
The Soft Case from Panasonic is designed to carry and protect a Panasonic AG-AC160, AG-A130, or HPX250 handheld camcorder. (Note: If the picture is correct, this case is made by Porta Brace)
Price $240 at BH Photo

Camo Case
http://www.portabrace.com/products/cameras/compact-hd-cameras/164-traveler-camera-case


Camera BodyArmor - Panasonic Compact HD
Porta Brace - CBA-AC160
Price $295 at BH Photo
Rain Covers

Below ore some custom rain covers for the 160 / 130. However, one person suggests that these custom covers do take some time to install over the camera. So if you get caught in the rain and don't all ready have the cover on, you better have a plastic bag handy.

There are "film bags" made for just this purpose. Here is a link to one example:

Filmtools Visqueen Camera Rain Covers:
http://www.filmtools.com/small-camera-cover.html
Porta Brace Product Page Link (For sale at BH Photo)





 camRade WS HPX250/AC130/AC160 wetSuit
Price 187 at BH Photo
http://www.camrade.com/wetsuit-for-hpx250-ac130-ac160


Tripods
http://www.manfrotto.us/

Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Fluid head Monopod
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/561BHDV/_/Fluid_Video_Monopod_with_Head




Buy at BH photo $245

Stablizers

Glidecam HD-4000

Glidecam HD-4000 with X10 vest demo video



Training Materials

SD Cards
Lexar (Made in USA) 32GB

SteadyCam - Videos of SteadyCam used with Panasonic AG-AC130
Acording to the author of that video, the model used was:
http://www.glidecam.com/product-smooth-shooter.php




Glidecam HD 4000
http://www.glidecam.com/product-hd-series.php

Cinevate Atlas 30 slider
http://www.cinevate.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=109

Shotgun Microphones

RODE NTG-2
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367747-REG/Rode_NTG_2_NTG_2_Battery_or_Phantom.html

Panasonic AG-MC200G
Panasonic AG-MC200G Super-Directional Camera Mountable Shotgun Microphone

Panasonic MIC150
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/638330-REG/Panasonic_MIC150_MIC150_Shotgun_Microphone_for.html


Cinevate
Cinevate equips filmmakers and photographers with the optimal tools to achieve their creative goals
http://www.cinevate.com/blog/

Polarizer Filter 72mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/56636-REG/Tiffen_72CP_72mm_Circular_Polarizing.html

I am hoping a polarizer filter might help fix some blown out skies I am getting in the late afternoon before a football game. Below are some example screen shots from Sony Vegas.

 
 






Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Panasonic AG-AC160A Tutorials



Panasonic 160/130 Tutorial:
http://www.callboxlive.com/products/panasonic-ac130-ac160-guide


Panasonic AG-AC160A Samples

I'll update this post with sample renderings shot with the Panasonic AG-AC160A as I learn and get used to the new camera. Some of my first challeges were learning to get a proper exposure vs just looking at the viewfinder as well as remembering to white balance the camera before shooting.

CPA Lions 2012 - 41 Run
Shot under the high school lights at 1080 60p. Slow motion was created in post using Sony Vegas 11.

CPA Lions 2012 - 41 Run from HVVideo on Vimeo.

CPA Lions Football 2012 - freshman scrimmage - slow motion sample
Shot in 1080 30p VFR 60

CPA Lions Football 2012 - Freshman scrimmage - slow motion from HVVideo on Vimeo.

Flowers and Hummingbird - "Shots from the Back Yard"
This was shot in 1080 60p with the IRIS open as much as possible to create a shallow depth of field.

Flowers Hummingbird from HVVideo on Vimeo.

Football Warmup 8/4/2012 - Variable Frame Rate Sample
VFR Slow motion 01 from Holly View Video on Vimeo.

Football Warmup 8/4/2012 - Variable Frame Rate Longer Sample

Football Scrimmage Sample - VFR Slow Motion from HVVideo - Todd Fleenor on Vimeo.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Sony Vegas - Editing and Rendering 1920x1080 60p

The Panasonic AG-AC160A has the ability to record in AVCHD version 2.0 or 1920x1080 60p at 28Mbps.

I am going to update this post with lessons learned on shooting, editing, and rendering this type of footage. Evidently, this is a pretty old question.

Updated 8/8/12: I have now had a chance to use 1080 60p footage in Vegas Pro 11. Working fine for me. However Vegas 12

Older information:
This 2010 video explains how to render and author 1080p60 AVCHD discs from Sony Vegas. The software does not have a tempalte for this out of the box, so the user must customize and then save their own template.