Image on top: The Panasonic AG-AF100
NoFilmSchool (Click here) reported that B&H erroneously stated the AF100 was discontinued. And they also say: “We did, however, hear a bit about a new camera they were calling the 4K VariCam. While details were limited, it will definitely sport a 4K Super 35mm sensor and feature a version of the newly developed AVC Ultra 4:4:4 codec. Though this isn’t a direct replacement to the camera that just got axed, it’s in the realm of possibility that we could see a version of this camera eventually finding its way down to the price of the AF100.”
That camera could be announced in April right before the NAB show in Las Vegas.
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23 Responses
I’m more interest to know what is next after GH3 & EPL5 ?
Is there any chance of a rangefinder m4/3 camera with build in viewfinder coming in ?
Really don’t understand why it took so hard to come out such camera since Fuji & Sony already established it .
+1
What about GX2? -Bring it on!
+1 sure it is GH3’s same sensor?
How is this a MFT camera when it is supposed to have a Super 35mm sensor ?
Will operate in crop mode with m43 lenses but also has full sensor coverage with PL or adapted glass.
Wow, one comment and it isn’t even related. 🙁
Well, this sounds really interesting but I don’t see how no film school could get a hold of such a nugget of information, so I’m just not going to hold my breath on this one.
Also, would Panasonic go for a super 35mm film frame? A lot of current glass just wouldn’t fit it at all, but if it had a crop mode that would be okay. But then again, is the m4/3 mount good enough to handle a super 35mm sensor size behind it, or would it cause vignetting. I would usually say of course, but didn’t Sony just get a 35mm sensor behind a e-mount?
And 4K for 5K with 4:4:4, I don’t think so. Maybe, but it will surely be 8 bit which I don’t think 4:4:4 will be as grand as people think. What I really want them to do is take an HPX600 and put a super 35 sensor in it.
At least Yun didn’t ask if it had IBIS.
dont feed him with ideas! 😉
You know… it’s nice to finally see a blog post with the “FT#” prefix.
I can’t remember where I read it (maybe it was 43rumors?) but it said that Panasonic was looking to focus on Super 35 due to the poor sales of the m4/3 af100. I for one support this decision.
GH4 with super 35 sensor, calling it now.
GH5* ^^’
The af100 sold poorly because it wasn’t as good as we all though it was going to be. I shoot on one and a hacked GH2, and though the GH2 has better DR/SN and more resolution, I never shoot with it as my A camera because I hate the DSLSR compromises, but the AF100 certainly has its problems, Chief of which is poor DR and AVCHD among other things. The sensor size is a small part of the equation in my view. Panasonic, in typically fashion was both early to the party and half dressed with the Af100, like so many of their products. The main problem with the AF100, was there was no AF100b within 2 years with the GH2’s sensor.
I really doubt this will be a MFT varicam camera if the sensor ends up being S35. They’d have to create a whole new batch of lenses that can cover a full frame, or simply use mft to PL adapter, but it’d be weird if the basic mounting option wouldn’t be able to use a full frame option.
Either way, if it’s true, I really hope the camera will be able to use MFT lenses.
Create a whole new batch of lenses? Why? Stick a *insert your favourite mount here*-adapter + lens and you’re ready to film.
M43 sensor area windowed from a S35 4k sensor would be around 3k. Would be more than enough for me. They should also incorporate 2k window ala RED, for all the wonderful S16/16mm glass.
You folks do know that super 35 doesn’t mean full frame 35mm but rather a format slightly bigger then m43.
Panasonic showed a very early design model of its “4K Varicam” during NAB 2012 and this camera has nothing to do with a replacement for the AF100. It’s going to be a professional camcorder in a completely different league. A S35 sensor is likely, because I highly doubt Panasonic would use a MFT sensor in such a camcorder.
http://media3.film-tv-video.de/pics/B_NAB12_Pana_4K_Vari_1.jpg
This is exactly right, The varicam is going after a completely different part of the market and be priced at the Arri Alexa/Red range and not anywhere near an AF100 pricepoint. I don’t doubt we wont see an af100 replacement soon though, its way overdue.
What Panasonic needs is a module system, it would cost more but look reasonably priced and allow for more profit while being revolutionary, like P2 was. Create a MFT sensor block with all the basics: Iris, WB, Focus peaking Etc, with a high feature chip (high frame rates, high res, high DR, etc) and then create a pair (or more) recording blocks that can take it from there, So you can buy an AVCHD block with ENG or video functionality for entry level 1080p and HDMI, and a cinema block with AVC-ultra and log curve with 3G-SDI, etc. And then sell Different monitors, audio blocks, etc. Seriously, If Panasonic is smart, they will see that the people making money are the ones selling accessories, not complete solutions, They are ideally positioned since they have the hardware, and software divisions.
I could see an Af100 like setup costing ~$6000 all in, and then a cinema block for another $2000, If they invest in the sensor block and give it capability to perform well at 2k with high DR/SN then it would make sense. And then when the newest codec or sensor tech comes along, its an easier sell to sell a new sensor block or rec block as opposed to requiring a whole sale switch to the new gear. Keep the MFT mount and use a S35 sensor that crops to mft with mft lenses and uses S35 with PL or other adapters, or stick with MFT sized to keep costs down (its really not that much smaller than S35 anyway)
I second this. This was first shown a while ago, and is for a completely different market. Anything with the “Varicam” label is not going to be competing for the same market as the AF100/FS100 crowd. The folks wanting to use this are the folks renting $10k PL lenses.
If only it had 5 axis IBIS…
😛
you guys will never stop with that… if it is with micro four third lense it will not have… but we never know
No IBIS? Obviously no professional like Olympus. Everyone know Olympus is better at video and photo cuz IBIS. IBIS make all video and photo professional IBIS make lolympus camera better for video and make more professional. One day if Lumix make IBIS they STILL NOT BE BETTER AT VIDEO HAHAHAHAHAHA. Only olympus make professional video IBIS LOL.
super 35mm is a bigger sensor. If the camera is super 35mm, none of M4/3 lenses will cover the sensor.
Bad rumor.
For starters, the camcorder described was ALREADY SHOWN AT NAB in a mocck-up form. At NAB 2012 in April 2012, that is.
Also, Panasonic DOES NOT MAKE ANYTHING WITH SUPER 35 SENSORS. And Panasonic will tell you privately that they will not do so in the future, either.
Where did you say you got this rumor from?