Official AF-100 Wishlist & Suggestions

[Luis Caffesse]

We did this for the HPX170 and it helped out greatly to get what we wanted on that camera. With the AF-100 slated for release at the end of 2010, hopefully we can get our voices heard once more. Please remember that this is a suggestion list... not a list of demands. We have no guarantee of having these suggestions implemented, all we can do is make sure Panasonic is aware of what the members here would like see.

If you have a suggestion for what you would like to see in the AF-100, post it in the dedicated discussion thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=207588

Please be reasonable and specific - and I will do my best to keep the list updated for easy reading.

AF-100 WISHLIST & SUGGESTIONS

*updated May 1, 2010*

DOWNLOAD A DOC FILE VERSION OF THIS LIST FOR REFERENCE
DOWNLOAD A PDF FILE VERSION OF THIS LIST FOR REFERENCE

(A) PURCHASE OPTIONS:

1. Both “body only” and “kit lens” options (released simultaneously).
2. Two different levels of AF-100: a stripped down version will limited I/O and AVCCam codec, and a Pro version with P2, full I/O, AVC-Intra & DVCProHD.
3. Optional add on P2/AVC-I module that plugs into a port/mount similar to the Z7u.

(B) ERGONOMICS/BODY:

1. As much compatibility as possible with DVX/HVX/HPX170/HMC cameras (i.e. remote controls and batteries).
2. Dual tripod mounting holes, 1/4-20 and 3/8".
3. Removable top handle which attaches sturdily enough to hang camera from.
4. Allow the HPG20 to be easily tethered/attached to the rear (as in some of the larger cams).
5. Record button on top of handle
6. Dial Wheel for fast menu navigation (like Canon)
7. Place LCD forward on the body so you can shoot from the shoulder and still view it.
8. Two hot shoe mounts (for radio mics, lights, etc).
9. Various ¼-20 mount positions both top and bottom.
10. Threaded holes on the front of the camera for either 15mm or 19mm rods.
11. Any blank panels as flat as possible to make mounting of accessories via velcro easier.
12. Serious weathersealing.

(C) RECORDING MODES:

1. 120fps (maybe only at 720p).
2. 1080PN mode with variable frame rates (1-60fps).
3. AVC-I or DVCPRO-HD (or both) to the SDXC card.
4. HDV/DV codec option
5. A “Dual record mode" - record to both SDHC/XC card slots simultaneously.
6. TIMELAPSE with proper long exposure ~30"
7. Compact Flash Card option
8. Pre-record function
9. 1.2:1 aspect ratio instead of 16:9 (allows for cinema anamorphics to get true 2.40:1 imaging).
10. Metadata that records the camera settings (i.e. sharpness, gamma, master ped, fstop, etc).
11. Interval recording at 24pn.
12. PAL and NTSC switchable.
13. Speed ramping.
14. Still capture option (without compromising video capabilities).

(D) DISPLAY:

1. Same LCD & EVF that is on the HPX-300/370.
2. Latest generation LCoS LCD (900k dots).
3. False color exposure filter (as in Marshall monitors).
4. Touch screen LCD for selective focus tracking, focus pulling, drag/panning during focus assist mode.
5. Framing markers (4:3 safety zone, 14:9, 1.85:1, 2:1, 2.35:1 & 2.40:1).
6. Areas above and below the markings be tinted darker (but still transparent).
7. "Look around" Underscan option.
8. Shutter angle measurements as well as shutter speed.
9. Histogram
10. Same Waveform that is on the HPX370
11. Zebras (user assignable)
12. Marker/Spot Meter (draggable throughout the image)
13. Magnified Focus Assist with ability to move the image (instead of seeing only the center).
14. Battery time readout in minutes
15. Focus In Red with adjustable levels (peaking controls of the HPX370, but with selectable color for the peaking).
16. Electronic Grid composition
17. Horizon for leveling.
18. Varicam style menu access (button, wheel/button).
19. Pixel for Pixel focus expand fuction (w/ dedicated toggle).

(E) SENSOR & IMAGE PROCESSING:

1. 2/3" windowed mode (allowing for use of S16/16, C-mount & 2/3” lenses).
2. Film gamma and Colour tables.
3. Film gamma settings from the HVX and HPX170.
4. Totally adjustable gamma curves.
5. Ability to dial in White Balance in Kelvin.
6. ISO (not gain) in increments of 100 and 160, from 100 to say, 3200 or higher.
7. No aliasing, moire or fixed-pattern noise.
8. Center pixel-for-pixel extraction of a 1920x1080 frame. (allowing for perfect-quality mega-telephoto and the use of 1/2" or 2/3" ENG lenses).
9. Noise Reduction as in the Nikon D3S.
10. Flashband correction to fix rolling shutter artifacts from camera flashes.
11. A 16:9 native chip rather than cropping the center out of a 4:3 chip.

(F) I/O & COMMUNICATION:

1. Fully Uncompresed HD-SDI bypassing all compression (full 4:4:4 color space, 10 bit)
2. Composite monitor output port, which can also do double-duty as a timecode in/out jack as on the HMC150
3. Ability to jam-sync via LANC, infra-red remote or something
4. Bluetooth or Wireless access to camera
5. USB 3.0
6. Two SDI (HD/SD) outputs.
7. Standard analog control ports from DVX/HVX/150/300 for runstop/zoom/focus/iris.

(G) POWER:

1. A Power tap plug to power an on-camera light or Nanoflash.
2. Power supply plug not behind the battery.
3. Double battery connections (hot swappable).
4. An easy way to add Anton Bauer gold mount or IDX batteries.
5. DC-In power connection that accepts 12v (XLR-4 input if possible).

(H) LENS CONTROL:

1. Auto focus (with “one touch” function)
2. Switchable IR filter.
3. Adjustable white shading.
4. In-body stabilization.
5. Ability to use autofocus systems of the major lens mounts (at least Nikon, Canon, and M43)
6. Programmable focus points (with adjustable speed of the focus pull).
7. Lens Metadata.
8. Variable ND wheel to allow for micro increments.
9. Flange to protect sensor from dust/dirt during lens exchange.
10. Shake Dust Reduction mechanism.
11. Revamped stronger 4/3 mount (for use with long/heavy zooms).
12. Back focus adjustment on the lens mount.

(I) AUDIO:

1. Four audio inputs (mini xlr's on 3&4, or on the handle?).
2. Phantom power audio.
3. Line/mic switchable xlrs.
4. Large dials for audio levels.
5. Mic mount (as HMC150/HPX170/HVX200a).
6. Quality low noise preamps.
7. 24bit Audio recording.
8. Mic/Line/AES switchable XLR inputs.

(J) LENS WISHLIST:

1. A kit lens zoom with a decent range (18-80mm range)
2. Kit lens should be as fast as possible (f2)
3. Kit lens should have a rocker zoom, as to make the camera decent for event videography.
4. Kit lens should have the same maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.
5. A wide angle lens with aperture F2.0 or 2.8 to take advantage of big sensor (view angle equivalent to 24mm in 35mm camera)
6. A set of Micro 4/3 fast cine style primes available at launch.