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.
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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.
Cine Baseplate Kit
Indie Kit V2
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.
Check out the images of the Panasonic AG-AF100 mounted on Zacuto gear:
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Here is some footage from the pre-production AF100 via HD-SDI
http://www.eoshd.com/content/384-Panasonic-AF100-sample-footage-rock-solid
Great work on the rig and EVF Zacuto. I’d like to see a Nanoflash style recording device built into the EVF running off HD-SDI. That would ‘kill two birds with one stone’ and make for a very compact rig. I love how the viewfinder allows a better shoulder mount and avoids offsetting. Panasonic have been good to encourage this kind of modification too – the handles are removable and allow the attachment of all kinds of other rigs.
Great job Jan and Zacuto!
Thanks Andrew, this camera is cool!!!!
thenx
excellent but what is the price
excellent but what is the price
I am a proud owner of a Zacuto EVF and i have a question. Can i use the EVF on the Panasonic AF100 via HDMI and at the same Time record via HD SDI to an extternal Recorder in 24fps ?
I am a proud owner of a Zacuto EVF and i have a question. Can i use the EVF on the Panasonic AF100 via HDMI and at the same Time record via HD SDI to an extternal Recorder in 24fps ?
I am a proud owner of a Zacuto EVF and i have a question. Can i use the EVF on the Panasonic AF100 via HDMI and at the same Time record via HD SDI to an extternal Recorder in 24fps ?
Ive got some of this Zacuto kit for my AF102. But I ask myself everytime I use it… Why dont they just make a camera that works in the first place……