Panasonic AG-AF100 NEWBIE GUIDE and FAQ

[LuckyStudio 13]

1) What is the Codec specification for the AF100?

AVCHD Codec at 4:2:0 8-bit 24mbps. 8-bit lets the codec renders out 256 shades of gray and 10-bit codec renders up to 1,024 shades. The ISO range for this camera is 200 - 3200 with 1/3 increment.

HD-SDI output is uncompressed 4:2:2 in 8 bit. This camera also is a "world camera" in that it can record in both 50 and 60 hz.


2) Can I use an external recorder like the Ki-Pro, Ninja ...etc to capture 10 bit 4:2:2 from the camera ?

No, because this camera HD-SDI output is 8 bit only. Therefore you are not getting the full 10 bit advantage out of your external recorder.

So why bother with external recorders ? Acquiring 10 bit footage from the camera can help you save time in Post by not having to transcode the camera's 8 bit AVCHD codec to an intermediary editing codec. Post work with 10 bit is also going to give you more range and better precision.

If you dont deal with a lot of time sensitive material you can just transcode your 8bit AVCHD footage to 10 bit intermediary codec in post.

Lastly, depending on the codec that the recorder use, you are able to get a cleaner key from an 4:2:2 Intra-frame codec viad HDI vs the native 4:2:0 LONG GOP AVCHD codec used by the camera as well as getting higher bit rate that might improve the image that you are capturing.

3) How long can I record on this camera? Does the camera have the same 12 min limitation of HDSLR ?

In PH mode (Highest Quality) 1920 x 1080 / 1280 x 72021Mbps (average), 24Mbps (max) Using 2x 64GB SDXC Cards will give you approx. 720 mins or recording time.

This camera would not limit your recording time due to overheating sensor like those of HDSLR still cams.

4) Can I use my DVX 100, HVX 200, HPX 170 batteries on the new AF-100 camera ?

No, you can only use Panasonic AVCCAM batteries, like those for the HMC40, HMC80, and HMC150.

[LuckyStudio 13]

5) Is this camera compatible with my editing system ?

You are more likely to have to transcode the AVCHD codec into an intermediary codec for editing. The bottom of this page http://www.panasonic.com/business/pr...avchd-home.asp
has a lot of information pertaining to post AVCHD workflow with all major NLE systems in the market today.

They also have a free transcoding software (PC only) that will transcode your AVCHD footage into the industry standard DVCPRO HD.

6) Will this camera still exhibits Rolling Shutter and Jello footage?

Yes since the MOS sensor is not a global shutter camera and it still uses rolling shutter technology to capture its image. Since this camera is made specifically for pro video acquisition, the result might be better vs HDSLR cameras that are made specifically for still photographers.

7) Which Lenses can be used with the AF-100 ?

Any type of lenses that have a micro 4/3 adapter. If you have Canon lenses with electronic aperture control you might be able to purchase Birger mount for your lenses in the near future. Check out the mount here http://blip.tv/file/1941398?utm_source=player_embedded

Preferably, choose manual focus lenses with long focus throw and manual aperture ring. If you want zoom lenses, make sure that they are internal barrel focusing type. This would give you the greatest flexibility in terms of having a near universal set of lenses that can be used with different cams. You can also get specialized focus gear for your FF that will give out that extra focus throw distance as well as correct the directional rotation turn to mimic the industry standard cine lenses rotation direction.

8) Is there on camera servo Zoom, OIS and Autofocus ?

There will be no servo zoom control for the camera. Except for few specific Panasonic Lumix 14-140 lens, there is no other lenses that has been certified to be able to do autofocus HD video recording. However that lens is a f4-5.8 variable aperture lens. There will also be no OIS on the camera body. If you want OIS, you must purchase lenses that have OIS built into them.

[LuckyStudio 13]

9) If I use my Nikon SLR 35mm lenses on the AF-100 what is the ZOOM FACTOR ?
Please go here to the free Field of View Comparator for a very interactive and detailed explanation.

10) Video Presentation by Barry Green, Jan Crittenden and first user footage by Joe Lawry and another one by Jan at IBC2010

[LuckyStudio 13]

Camera User Manual http://www.panasonic.com/business/pr...20Advanced.pdf

[mcgeedigital]

Good stuff.

[Jaime Valles]

I think it's a little misleading to say the following:

2) Can I use an external recorder like the Ki-Pro, Ninja ...etc to capture 10 bit 4:2:2 from the camera ?

No, because the HD-SDI (According to Jan) output is 8 bit only. Therefore you are not getting the full 10 bit advantage out of your external recorder.

I know you explain later on that you get the benefits of 4:2:2 even though it's only 8bit, but the initial wording in the answer makes it seem like you can't use it at all, or that you don't gain anything by using the Ki Pro, Ninja, NanoFlash.

It's probably best to say something like "Yes, and just like other cameras in its price range, you get 4:2:2 8bit output" and then go into explaining the differences between 8bit and 10bit.

Just a thought. Otherwise looks good.

[Michael Olsen]

"Yes, and just like the EX1 and XLH1, you get 4:2:2 8bit output"

But the question was whether you can use it to capture 10-bit 4:2:2. Which you can't.

So maybe break it up into:

"Can I capture 10-bit? - No, the camera only outputs 8-bit 4:2:2. But you can..."

"Can I capture 4:2:2? - Yes, the camera outputs 8-bit 4:2:2. This can also be recorded on a 10-bit recorder, but the benefits..."

Or even better:

"What format does the camera output over HD-SDI? - 8-bit 4:2:2. This can be recorded on a 10-bit recorder, granting the benefits..."

[Jaime Valles]

But the question was whether you can use it to capture 10-bit 4:2:2. Which you can't.

True, but none of the cameras in this price range have ever output in 10bit, so the question doesn't really make sense to me in the first place.

So maybe break it up into:

"Can I capture 10-bit? - No, the camera only outputs 8-bit 4:2:2. But you can..."

"Can I capture 4:2:2? - Yes, the camera outputs 8-bit 4:2:2. This can also be recorded on a 10-bit recorder, but the benefits..."

Or even better:

"What format does the camera output over HD-SDI? - 8-bit 4:2:2. This can be recorded on a 10-bit recorder, granting the benefits..."

Agreed 100%.

[alaskacameradude]

I think it's a little misleading to say the following:



I know you explain later on that you get the benefits of 4:2:2 even though it's only 8bit, but the initial wording in the answer makes it seem like you can't use it at all, or that you don't gain anything by using the Ki Pro, Ninja, NanoFlash.

It's probably best to say something like "Yes, and just like the EX1 and XLH1, you get 4:2:2 8bit output" and then go into explaining the differences between 8bit and 10bit.

Just a thought. Otherwise looks good.

Well, except for the part about the EX-1 where you are wrong, because you DO get
4:2:2 10bit output with the EX-1....so if you are using the Ki Pro which can record
10 bit, you will actually be able to record 10bit.....so in other words, NO the AF 100 is
NOT just like the EX-1 because it does NOT output true 10bit.

[Multi-Media]

When I ordered my AF this week, we've been going back and forth about batteries, cards, adapters etc... They say its "body only", but I have to think that there would be at least one battery, a charger, an A/C adapter, a remote control, (like the DVX had), and hopefully a card or two, but storage may be too much to expect... but not too much to hope for.
Can anyone find out just what "goodies" will be shipping with the "ready to shoot out of the box" package? Jan, are you out there?