Panasonic AG-AF100

The introduction of the new Canon DSLR cameras has changed the filmmaking world. With these cameras, filmmakers now have the option to use a relatively inexpensive camera to shoot large format, hi-definition video. Now, Panasonic has announced their first entry into the hybrid DSLR/video camera market with the AG-AF100.

This is great news for any fan of Panasonic cameras. The AG-AF100 offers loads of new functions previous Panasonic cameras simply did not have. This new camera has dropped the P2 card technology and instead shoots to SD cards. Also, camera operators are no longer stuck using only the stock lens that comes with the camera. The AG-AF100 is also the first Panasonic video camera to adopt the Micro Four Thirds standards and the lenses are interchangeable.

The size of the image sensor itself, the standardized lens mount developed for it and the interchangeable lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras form the pith of Micro Four Thirds standards. The image sensor size is the same as that of the 4/3 type used in the Four Thirds standard. The Micro Four Thirds standards have made it possible to reduce the size and weight of cameras and lenses, and to achieve greater interchangeability of lenses together with video recording capability. The menu navigation of the AG-AF100 is similar to previous Panasonic models and the camera is equipped with 2 XLR ports so you won’t need to record audio to a separate device. These standards were established to offer an optimal solution for digital cameras, breaking loose the confines of film camera standards.

AG-AF100 Support Rigs

Of course, Zacuto has designed a series of camera support systems to outfit this new camera. Take a look at some of the options below.

Docu Baseplate Kit

Our most basic kit is the Docu Kit. It includes our Universal Baseplate and a Zacuto Zonitor lightweight kit. The baseplate provides you with the foundation of your camera support system. It’s essential for mounting a matte box or follow focus. The Zacuto Zonitor lightweight kit is a quick-release articulating arm system used for mounting a professional monitor. This starter kit gives you the basic building blocks for working with your Panasonic AG-AF100 on a tripod or a dolly.

Cine Baseplate Kit

The Cine Baseplate Kit is also designed for using the AG-AF100 on a tripod or dolly. It includes our Universal Baseplate as well as the Zacuto Doublemount and Red Plate. These accessories allow the user to mount V-mount or Anton Bauer style batteries to power a monitor. The back end also acts as a counterbalance weight to offset the weight of the camera and lens. In addition to the aforementioned accessories, the Cine Baseplate Kit includes a quick-release articulating Zamerican monitor arm and a wireless plate to hold your wireless microphone receiver, down converter or video transmitter.

Indie Kit V2

Our Indie Kit V2 is the new version of our Indie Kit. This kit is typically used for handheld shooting but as long as you have our Universal Baseplate, you have the option of mounting the rig to a tripod or dolly. The Indie V2 is uses our Zoffset to offset your camera rig and allow you to put your eye right up to your camera’s eyecup. In addition to the Zoffset, you get a set of Zgrips Beefy, a Shoulder Pad, a large Zamerican arm with a Zicromount III for mounting your monitor and Zwiss Plate with your choice of battery mount. We strongly recommend this kit or a similar rig with a counterbalance weight, handgrips and shoulder pad when shooting handheld with the AG-AF100.

As always, if these kits do not fit your needs, you can always customize your own rig by purchasing the equipment a la carte. You can also add items like our Zacuto Z-Focus or Zacuto EVF. The EVF allows you to align the AG-AF100 to the rod system and position the viewfinder on the side of the camera. This will enhance the stability of your rig and allow you to position your eye wherever it is most comfortable.

Panasonic AG-AF100 First Look Video

Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn had the opportunity to see the Panasonic AG-AF100 up close and personal when Jan Crittenden, Panasonic’s Product Line Business Manager visited Zacuto’s headquarters in Chicago.

“It was great to have Jan, Tom and Ned from Panasonic stop by so we could test out the new kid on the block. It is an amazing camera, which addresses the issues that DSLR’s have. However as a palm-style camera, it still has a limited ability to be shoulder mounted in a professional manner and to add professional accessories like matte boxes and follow focuses. As I expected, our tried and true Universal Base Plate works on this camera perfectly. In fact, with the addition of the HDMI out on the camera, we can pair our EVF with the AG-AF100 to make it a fully capable and very comfortable shoulder rig which will have that familiar feeling to the pros – as if using a Varicam,” said Jens.

Panasonic AG-AF100 Video Camera Specs include:

Four Thirds type image sensor and Micro Four Third lens mount.
Professional high quality video in PH mode with full HD variable frame rate function.
HD SDI output/ XLR input and design required for professional production work.
Internal ND filter: 1/4, 1/16,1/64 or Off (rotary switch).
Focus-assist function: edge coloration, focus bar display.
DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch): automatically reduces compression of black or blown highlights in high contrast scenes.
Thumbnail viewing, clip deletion, SD card to SD card copying and meta-data recording functions.
Pre-record and interval record functions.
Relay recording: relay recording from one SD card to another without interruption.
WFM display functions: wave form of the video being recorded is easily displayed on an LCD monitor.
Shot mark function: allows marking of clips as good, bad or other.
User buttons: three user buttons allow high-frequency functions to be performed with a single push.