Is the Panasonic AG-AF100 the future of video (and the death of VDSLR)?
Panasonic AF-100 Hi-RES Extended RE-Cut evaluation by CREWS.TV from Yves Simard on Vimeo.
With the release of the Nikon D90
Panasonic is about to release the very first professional (bye bye Sony NEX-VG10
A message to our european readers: BHphoto is the only worldwide store accepting preorder. Click here to add the camera to your basket and select your country. They have an online calculator that tells you how much taxes you have to pay for your country and they will manage all the burocratic stuff!
One more video: http://vimeo.com/15107117
Via Frank Glencairn
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Recent comments
Comment from Catastrophile: [[[“1. You would never use it for taki...- Comment from Catastrophile: the name of this camera is too complicat...
Comment from Alan B: Don't forget to add that you'll be able ...
Comment from Steve H: I agree that the delays with Scarlet are...
Mattias
2 years ago |Thank you for this site, you are doing a great job!
I have one question: is it possible to make a less heavy first page? Perhaps just the headline, a short tex and then a link to read more? This site is very tough on my smartphone
KJS
2 years ago |the mobile version works great on my android device
pro5
2 years ago |Wow, how about we all just revert to 1998 level internet to suit you? GTF!
Short Sighted
2 years ago |Because when I’m walking around with my video enabled DSLR around my neck, what I really want is an ENG style broadcast cam hanging there instead. Point taken that the AF100 will be the new standard for production VDSLR work, but I think there is a time and a place for each.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |I don’t think that anyone is claiming that video will die out on DSLRs/system cameras. What they’re saying is that professional filmmakers have been shoehorning VDSLRs into their video production despite the quirks and drawbacks of the products, because there has simply been no decent alternative for them so far.
With the imminent arrival of professional/high end video recorders based on DSLR/system camera sensors and lens mounts, there will finally be a tailor made solution for professional videographers with the IQ, bitrate, format compatibility and lens lineup/compatibility they desire. No more faffing with 5DMkIIs and their 7 minute shooting time limitation, Red Lantern hacks, etc.
Most hobbyists will still be using VDSLRs for their private use, because things like the AG-AF100 and NEX-VG10 are too big, too expensive and (unless you shoot only video) too specific in function to replace an APS-C or u43 camera.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |*Magic Lantern, not Red. Sorry, got some wires crossed upstairs :p.
Zonkie
2 years ago |Personally I think it’s a good thing that they start producing dedicated cameras (with big sensors) for video. Having together video enthusiasts who don’t care about (still) photography and photography enthusiasts that don’t care about video has been a pain these last two years. Now DSLRs will again be photography cameras for photographers (having video there is just a plus) and those who care about video mostly or only will have their own devices. No more forum fights
KJS
2 years ago |+6!
Steve H
2 years ago |This camera will fall by the wayside once Scarlet comes out at the same price point.
Time
2 years ago |You mean like when the Scarlet came out last fall, or this spring, or this fall? At this point I’ll believe it when I see it with a price tag on it.
Jneither
2 years ago |Why do you say that Steve H? Scarlet is delayed once again, and will likely come in at a higher price point and without pro audio?
Logan
2 years ago |Haha, $6000.00 base price for a 2/3″sensor and fixed lens. No batteries or media.
Steve H
2 years ago |I agree that the delays with Scarlet are insanely frustrating, but Scarlet will be out sometime in the next year, I’d suspect, and, as I said, the AF100 is going to be badly outclassed as soon as Scarlet comes out. If prices stay the same (another big if, I admit), the fixed lens scarlet package will come in at just under $6,000, and it does come with batteries AND a very very nice zoom lens. You don’t get a lens with the AF100 for just under $4,800, and unless you spend several grand on an extra module, you don’t even get the full quality image out of the sensor for recording.
And, the AF100 looks ridiculous!
I suspect that once Scarlet comes out, the price of a fully functional setup for either the AF100 or the Scarlet will be relatively close, with Scarlet being more expensive, but also being 3K and recording in RAW.
Alan B
2 years ago |Don’t forget to add that you’ll be able to do beautiful slow motion (120 fps) with the Scarlet. Frustrated with the wait but it’ll be worth it.
… And don’t forget the incredible dynamic range.
Angry Olympus Owner
2 years ago |m43 mount can take many more lenses and the adapters are readily available all ready. I think many will go with this just for that.
Plus in this new large sensor camera world… the fastest, sharpest, and most affordable optics (when compared to high end video optics)
Are the SHG from oly mainly 14-35 & 35-100 at f2
Mark
2 years ago |Haha yeah the Scarlet. Someday a real camera will come and wash all the scum of the streets. Scarlet is a scam compared to this. The current price will go up even more and it will be delayed once again. You can count on it.
at
2 years ago |It is true that people are expecting different things between a video-capable DSLR and professional camcorder. I am not a professional video producer, so the obvious choice will be VDSLR (or consumer camcorder if I take a lot of home video).
Nick D
2 years ago |It’s a good first step, but simply not a VDSLR killer…
I think of it rather a supplement to an existing DSLR setup for $2995 or less …
Consider the following:
1. You would never use it for taking a photo, it’s capped at 1080p
2. It does not natively encode to a RAW or 10bit format or 50mbps
3. It does not come with a bright zoom lens, even at $4995
3. It is too large to use for stealth applications
4. It does not allow timelapse photography above 1080p resolution
Of course, if you have a DSLR already, then this will complement it nicely as it will fix some of the known shortcomings
I expect the competition (and Panasonic) to be releasing prosumer camcorders with similar performance minus the additional pro connections for $2995 or less in the next 2 years… change is good, just be patient
Tobias W.
2 years ago |“1. You would never use it for taking a photo, it’s capped at 1080p”
Why would you buy a dedicated VIDEO camera and expect to take stills with it?
“2. It does not natively encode to a RAW or 10bit format or 50mbps”
Why would that be necessary when taking VIDEOS?
“3. It does not come with a bright zoom lens, even at $4995″
It’s a system camera. There are a lot of lenses available for MFT already, considering the option to adapt legacy lenses there hardly is ANY format with more lenses available.
3. It is too large to use for stealth applications
And a 5DMkII is NOT too large for ‘stealth’ applications? What’s a ‘stealth application’ anyway? You standing in a dark corner with a 5DMkII on a tripod?
“4. It does not allow timelapse photography above 1080p resolution”
Again, it’s a VIDEO camera, not a photo camera.
I am not into videos really, but if I was to shoot a video for commercial purposes, I’d rather invest into the Panasonic than deal with the pain of a DSLR.
Tobias W.
2 years ago |Actually, after dealing with Panasonic’s service for a few times, I’d not invest into ANYTHING from Panasonic for the time being, but that’s a different topic.
Nick D
2 years ago |Hi Tobias,
I am not disagreeing with you, just trying to clarify several points about DSLR advantages like price and HDR that seem to completely OVERLOOKED whenever this topic is raised, if a TRUE REPLACEMENT is to be found (one ultra-flexible camera for most shoots)…
A “stealth application” means not getting a location permit and causing attention to yourself in guerilla filmmaking as defined on Wiki “Guerrilla filmmaking refers to a form of independent filmmaking characterized by low budgets, skeleton crews, and simple props using whatever is available. Often scenes are shot quickly in real locations without any warning, and without obtaining permission from the owners of the locations.
Guerrilla filmmaking is usually done by independent filmmakers because they don’t have the budget to get permits, rent out locations, or build expansive sets.”
Practically speaking, you could buy THREE Panasonic GH2 with bright lenses for the price of a single AF100 body. CONSIDER the huge difference in flexibility and time/cost savings on a shoot…
Catastrophile
2 years ago |[[[“1. You would never use it for taking a photo, it’s capped at 1080p”
Why would you buy a dedicated VIDEO camera and expect to take stills with it?]]]
—because most if not all new cameras does both and that’s both video & still camera nowadays has sensor and lenses as their most important components, so it is a pity if a camera can only do one.
[[[“2. It does not natively encode to a RAW or 10bit format or 50mbps”
Why would that be necessary when taking VIDEOS?]]]
—for the same reasons it is for stills, eg your exposure or WB was a bit off and you want to be able to adjust that in PP with the best quality possible. RED does that, all frames captured in RAW then PP later.
[[[“3. It does not come with a bright zoom lens, even at $4995″
It’s a system camera. There are a lot of lenses available for MFT already, considering the option to adapt legacy lenses there hardly is ANY format with more lenses available.]]]
—Right.
[[[3. It is too large to use for stealth applications
And a 5DMkII is NOT too large for ‘stealth’ applications? What’s a ‘stealth application’ anyway? You standing in a dark corner with a 5DMkII on a tripod?]]]
—i agree again.
[[[“4. It does not allow timelapse photography above 1080p resolution”
Again, it’s a VIDEO camera, not a photo camera.]]]
—the still frames taken in time-lapse photography are usually meant to be made into a movie, so it is 100% a video feature. if someone was complaining that a still camera doesnt do time-lapse, it would be more appropriate then to say that the camera in question is just a still camera not a camcorder.
DonTom
2 years ago |I’m sure this video camera will be very welcome to many professionals, but it intimidates the c$%p out of me! That said, it is obvious that the “VDSLR thing” has helped spur the manufacturers to jump to the tune of the public for once. And hey, we get to dream of Zeiss lenses in m43 mount now too!
But it ain’t never coming on no friggin holiday with me…….
Robbie
2 years ago |Come on, this AF 100 is aimed at professional users totally different from DSLR users. I think Mr. Admin used a rather alarming title for this post. Depending on your budget, you choose what you want and at this price, with all the specs, the AF 100 is indeed very competitive for professional users. If it sells well, I am sure it will benefit m43 users too, I am looking forward to some high quality primes in particular (hopefully LOL)
admin
2 years ago |I am talking about those DSLR useres that do need a DSLR mainly for video! Woudl you buy the 5D or the AG-AF100? As I work in that market i can garantee you that 90% of the filmmaker will preferr the Panaosnic videocamera. Of course the 5D has still some advantages but I know many people that used the 5D and are not happy with it (from a usability point of view).
misu
2 years ago |I think vdslr makers will upgrade their products to the newer standard. I also work as a documentary filmmaker and I know that the lighter the gear the further I go. nobody can walk all day long with some professional camera hanging on the shoulder. I can always carry a lighter camera and capture unpredictable shots. so I think there will be a demand for vdslr in the future as people already changed their approach to film making.
even now I accept vdslr footage to be low quality. I rent pro cameras each time I have a commercial project but still take my vdslr with me. I don’t shoot documentaries for high quality images but for content.
Catastrophile
2 years ago |the name of this camera is too complicated without being easily recognizable. it creates lots of communication/type-writing/google-searching problems.