Our friend Dracore told us that “the design(and specs?) shown is not final and could potentially change. Panasonic will evaluate the responses they get from NAB. The rep suggested to contact Panasonic and let them know what you think about it.“.
Comment this post to suggest your improovements on the AG-AF100 MicroFourThirds camcorder. In few days I will create a POLL with your ideas and 43rumors reader will be able to choose the most important features! I am sure Panasonic is listening you 🙂
41 Responses
Features I’m hoping for are very large range of white balance options, various aspect ratios including square, film modes/art filters that can be fully customised @colour grading of movie could all be done in camera eg where art thou’s yellow/warm tint by Coen brothers and using with various aperture/shutter settings* customisable gradient maps and live spot colour would be awesome*.
as per previous post
Here is what we want
1080p with 60p with auto-focus
lol… yes, i’m sure panasonic is listening to a bunch of freaks…
Great idea!
The most important for me :
– The ability to record RAW video. This way, filmmakers will have a lot of possibilities of control over their image enhanced!
– Full manuel video mode
– High iso settings
=> With these three options, only your creativity will restrict you 😉
Full manuAl sorry 😉
and don´t forget the global shutter sensor.
– More external controls for quick access
– 4/3 lens comparability
– Weather sealed
– Back lit buttons.
– Touch screen
– Remote view/store/control via USB or WiFi
– Quick scene cut button near record button
– Mechanical black out function
– Still image capture
– RAW
– Ability to allow scripting of functions via remote and upload to XD card
– Stop motion mode via image capture.
– Audio only recording
– External high powered IR/Daylight light for night mode.with soft refuser filter.
Yea I know thats a lot but this is the camera I want and will pay for.
– Make compact prosumer model with m4/3 interchangeable lens mt
– Make affordable preferrably 1 model <$2000
– Make available camera only w/o lens
– Retain m4/3 mount and other features to extent possible in more compact format
– Retain ability to still capture 12 mp stills
I think they said at the launch the camera has the GH1 sensor.
Clearly, by the time it comes out, it’ll have the new sensor destined for the GH2, so that’s one change.
They might do something about the shaping of the handle, if there’s time to change the body moulds.
Zoom control buttons like the 1/3″ camcorders, Canon XL1s, XLH1s, Sony HVR-Z7, etc..
I think the released information already indicates a new sensor but similar to that in GH1 but designed for the full 16:9 native format. In the pictures from the show it is 16:9 shape so will be full 12 mp at that aspect ratio while other aspect ratios might involve cropping or slight loss in resolution? Would not be surprised to see same sensor used in GH2 as that is optimized for video. Maybe picture was not of actual sensor only to represent 16:9 size as oversized sensor larger than that used in GH1 may be required to enable other added features and capabilities?
Just get it out soon at a price of 2k..
All I ask for is 1080p 60. That’s the ONLY reservation I have about buying the camera. The RED alternative may be 2/3rds, but it does 4k for probably around $1,000 less. 1080p 60 and I am 100 percent sold.
RAW video would be amazing too, but I don’t expect it’ll make it into this camera.
All I would want is 2k @ 24p, switchable to 1080p at 30-15FPS, and 720p at 60-15FPS. An in camera adjustable ND filter would be awesome too. The XLR inputs are cool but generally I record audio with a separate device and compile it later. I love the SDXC compatibility with dual slots. Now stick Firewire 800 on it and I’m good. The viewfinder from the GH1 or the E-P2 would be great, with a nice 640×480 flip out screen. The Raw video is awesome in theory, but I’d be happy with the ability to choose between 2 or 3 codecs in camera. Price that around 6k and I’ll be right there in line for one, screw red.
-RAW
-Full Manual
-You are using SDXC so please use USB 3.0. Otherwise the bus will be pointless at high capacities (and we will all need to purchase additional USB 3.0 SDXC readers)
Please use USB 3.0 if you are going to use SDXC. Okay, last time I say it 🙂
1920x1080p60 So we can create Decent slow motion in 1080p
-RAW
-Full Manual
-USB 3.0
-Raw video recording is not needed if it has HDMI and HD-SDI out. Record RAW into an external recorder.
-It says it will do external timecode, does this mean it will external genlock too? Genlock was my main complaint with GH1.
-Manual focus assist (like manual focus in EP1) – maybe selectable zoom area for focus assist via touchscreen on the LCD?
-I do like the idea of selectable aspect ratio (like GH1).
-Slow frame rate/varicam
It seems like a lot of the things people are asking for would be better served by being features in the GH2 (or whatever replaces GH1) – Art filters, etc. Most of the time this is done in post, but would be nice for more consumer oriented model than pro/prosumer. Either that, work on a ~$5k pro model first, for those who cannot use GH1 due to limitations like genlock/timecode. Then come out with a prosumer version under $2k later.
2k resolution is not really a gamechanger over 1080p. If it means creating a new sensor and charging a higher price, stick with 1080p. 4k would be a gamechanger.
I don’t really care about raw or 2k (practically 1920×1080 anyway). A 4:2:2 codec option like AVC Intra would be nice, but if it raises the price then I can live with just the HD-SDI output and some other device to capture the 4:2:2 when I really need it.
What really counts is a fix for the rolling shutter (not necessarily a global shutter because you loose some sensitivity), and a really great high resolution viewfinder/LCD. Also, control over the gama curve, and a reasonably wide latitude.
Might be cool to have slots for 15mm rod support?
(the body looks a bit plump to me also, maybe Panasonic could put it on a diet)
Also, a sharp constant aperture fully manual (no servo rings) 10x zoom lens that doesn’t extend the way photo zooms do, would be the perfect companion! Would also be great for the GH1/GH2!!
-RAW
-Full Manual
-USB 3.0
Their’s already a lot of features that I was looking for but for sure 1080 60p will have to be in the poll.
Built in optical stabilizer is another most likely feature,
Last but not least, A powered zoom lens. I’ve sort of gotten used to using the 10x lens on the GH1 but still.
Ability to record 1080, 50/60p, record in 4K format, servo-control (if possible with M4/3 lenses), true 16:9 sensor with effective native resolution of 2K or 4K (not 12MP) and settings for cine-mode, and supports 21:9 aspect ratio for movie recording, no rolling shutter effect as of DSLR. The body can be longer in length, but shorter in height for better ergonomics. RAW video is also a good idea.
More lenses with different price ranges designed for casual production works, serious videographers, and cine lenses for film movie making.
Some other features should be common with other professional video camcorder designed for business and film movie uses.
Priced at around US$4k kit set should be good start for schools and causal producers. Please remember you (Panasonic) can earn from your lenses and accessories later (just like your M4/3 mirrorless digital camera).
Support of 1080, 50/60p, with servo control (if possible with M4/3 lenses). The sensor shall be native 16:9 with effective resolution of 2k or 4k only (not 12MP). Settings like cine-mode color, 21:9 aspect ratio for movie. No rolling shutter effect can be accepted. The body design shall be longer in length and shorter in height for better ergonomics. RAW video support is good if available. Other features shall be similar to professional video cameras.
A wide range of lenses with different price range shall be available for casual production works, serious business production, as well as cine-lenses specially designed for film movie making. Fast primes are also a key success to the complete M4/3 system.
Shall be priced at about US$4k kit set for good start of schools and casual producers, remember you (Panasonic) can earn from your M4/3 lenses and accessories later just as your mirrorless interchangeable lens digital camera.
@ Att/At
Interesting comment re 21:9. I was think about that a few hours earlier and realised that a µFT sensor tailored to 4k could be extended to 5k (64:27 aspect ratio) and fit within the image circle of APS-C (assuming that the µFT mount wouldn’t interfer with the light path, of course). That way the majority of users (HD/2k/4k) would be able to use standard FT/µFT lenses (or legacy lenses if they wanted to), but those people who wanted to do 5k would be able to use the same camera. And the 5k people would probably be the sort of users who would be doing manual focus, etc. anyway, so the use of adapted lenses would probably be less of an issue.
This is what it would look like:
http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd330/Ajax9000/mFT/5k_mFT.png
At $6,000 I think 1080/60p is a must, and 1080/120p would have me sold. 4K would give RED’s S35 Scarlet a serious challenger. Otherwise, this needs to be priced well below the $7,000 S35 body, because that ting will do 120 fps at 4k.
That is assuming the skew/jello problem has been resolved. I would sure hope so!
Down scaling rather than pixel binning (solves aliasing, moire).
No jello.
crop sensor mode, for 2/3″ / s16mm lenses (1:1 pixels, no down scaling).
1080 60p.
720 120p.
Strong, gradable codec…. something like redcode/cineform raw would be ideal, but not a deal breaker.
Timelapse.
All the pro features found in the hvx range.
For me it almost doesn’t matter what it does for the rumored price of $6000 (US). I love the idea but at that price point I would be more inclined to spend ~$3000 on 2 of the GH1 replacements. The difference in results won’t be worth the extra money – not compared to the results people are getting with the GH1, Canon 5D MkII, 7D, etc.
Others touched upon core specs, so I’ll cover my interest in a Panasonic-designed line of accessories to be released alongside the cam:
1) Focus/zoom pulls, with either mechanical or electronic controls.
2) Interface app for full camera control on external device, like a laptop or touchpad.
Some features not yet covered above:
3) Full manual exposure control *during* the shoot.
4) Variable frame rates 1-120 (or higher at lower resolution).
5) External power supply allows cam operation and battery charging simultaneously.
Funny suggestions
http://www.freshdv.com/2010/04/freshdv-nab-2010-panasonic-af100-3d-and-hpx-370.html
check the video out and have an idea what itll be
a lot of it wont change like avchd and this wont be a still camera
this is produced by panasonic broadcast so dont expect consumers as target market
I’m not sure why everyone is asking for RAW, besides RED offering it, do people asking for it, really know what it entails from a video standpoint? I’m guessing most of us (me included) come from a photo background, and RAW is very important, and the tools to view and edit them are numerous and very mature. But as far as I know, editing RAW video is a whole nother ball game, not to mention you’re dealing with much much larger files for storage and computing.
Is there a RAW standard (besides the one RED uses?). Will FCP/Premiere/Avid take RAW video natively? These are questions I have no answer for myself. I always treated video like a jpg, since the editing tools seemed to respect that better. Just nail your initial setups right, especially white balance, and you’ll be fine. Especially with the uncompressed outputs on the AF100, you get great quality non-RAW.
As for suggestions, since Panasonic really seem to be marketing the use of non-video optimized lens’, I would love to see an “open” servo or motor that has a fairly simple mounting mechanism attached to a analog rocker switch on the body. To me, I could imagine panasonic or better yet third party companies like RedRock, to design simple adapters for the mounting that could use the servo/motor to control “dumb” lens’ for things such as zoom, or even focus.
This would let a single shooter the ability to pull focus or zoom while having much better hold of the camera. To me that would be innovative.
Given there is no integrated microphones on the body (as of yet), internal noise shouldn’t be a problem at all, which makes it easier.
Heck, maybe they could include a couple of these rocker/motor combos for real flexibility. The front mount area seems HUGE, so they could probably do so with the current body size. Third parties would make modular mounts that could offer support for a range of lens ring sizes, etc…
What do ya all think?
This is what I wrote to Panasonic:
I am a Panasonic user and appreciate your efforts in bringing sensible, affordable video cameras to market. The micro four thirds is a great innovation. However it fails for two reason:
Micro four thirds is flourishing as a DSLR because it is much smaller than its competitors, but just as good. Small is the operative word and the video camera needs to follow suit.
A key requirement is 4:2:2 colour. It is probably as important as interchangeable lenses. Surely it is possible to record 50Mb/sec h264 with 4:2:2 colour on the new SDXC cards. Otherwise users will need to buy an additional recorder such as the Cinedeck.
If these two issues can be addressed, The AG-AF100 will be a game changing winner.
Regards, Kent Fry
Sydney
Australia
@joesiv
I have to agree that most people here use the DSLR concept to apply to the video and filming industry. What I really think about RAW video is not a must, even movies shot on film are not so sharp, but with a special cine-tone only. The point is whether we need something uncompressed. If so, tape-based workflow is definitely the best. However, if people still love file-based workflow, no one in the real world will waste all the time to perform RAW file transcoding before editing. Remember the huge storage required for uncompressed RAW video and the limited transfer rate that are required for uncompressed video. If you need better quality, it is always true to pay more, but people are greedy.
I still suggest that if you are only shooting for fun, GH2 is always a better option, but if you are making money and doing business, you will never use RAW in the real world, because time is money, and sometimes the users will not be able to differentiate the quality difference in video with different compression codec. The creativity of content is always more important than the picture quality of a single frame. I think this is very true to both photography and videography.
Good points at, that’s pretty much what I was getting at regarding RAW video support.
And in terms of quality, what gain in quality is there really, when you can get an 10bit 4-2-2 uncompressed feed straight out of the AG-AF100 via either the HDMI out, or even the SDI out (which can be connected to external storage or directly to a computer). There really isn’t much gain in quality that I could forsee by getting RAW video format, besides just ticking that little box 🙂
But I’ve never edited/transcoded RAW video, maybe it’s worth it!
Regarding RAW…. most editing software can bring in a DNG sequence, you set up the first frame like you would a RAW file in Photoshop and it applies it to the rest of the sequence… they could also license a cineform raw codec
Please, no AVCHD! It doesn’t need to be RAW, but it does need to be 50 mbps or above. Anything less, and I’ll keep my money, thank you.
in body stabilization!!
PRERECORD
2 X USB3.0 OR LIGHT-PEAK FOR CAPTURING RAW ON SSD’S
2 X SDXC (4TB)
GPS
WIFI N FOR SURROUND REMOTE WITH IPHONE OR IPOD
NO SKIPPING LINES ON THE SENSOR
WIRELESS TIME CODE SYNC
SURROUND SOUND RECORDING 5 CHANNELS
TOUCH SCREEN WITH MULTI FACE FOCUS
SCOPE & TOUCH SCREEN WHITE BALANCE
4:2:2 – 4:4:4 – 1080P50/60 HDMI 1.4
NOISE & COLOR OPTIMALISATION
3 SENSORS
LENS & SENSOR & SOFTWARE STABILISATION
PAL/NTSC
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So far it seems like a game changing groundbreaking camera. I’m definitely going for it!…
However, and although I can understand not recording to P2 in order to keep the price in the current predicted range… I strongly believe a better codec is mandatory. This camera needs to have 4:2:2 color and 50 mbps data rate. AVCIntra? DVCPro?
Other wise the camera will have a hardtime taking market from cameras like Canon XF305, which don’t even have interchangeable lens.
Just a thought… But please 4:2:2 color and 50 mbps!.. Even if price needs to go up some $500 or $1000 (hopefully, being a codec issue, it won’t raise the price that much).