AF-100 Wishlist/Suggestion Discussion Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
I vote for the option to buy with a kit lens or body-only. Also, since it's a "video camera" (still not sure what terminology we should use to replace that relic of a term), the kit should be a zoom with a decent range (18-80mm range...of course longer would be even better) that is fast. Preferably f2 or faster. I know kit zooms on DSLRs are always molasses slow, but --again-- this is a "video camera".

Oh, and I wholly support Barry's idea of making the camera green, both in color and energy efficiency!
 
I would like to put in votes in for ISO instead of gain, and markers for different aspect ratios. 2.39:1, 2:1 and 4:3 would be the ones I would like to see.

I would also like to see some type of easy way to add Anton Bauer gold mount or IDX batteries. That is one of the very few things I miss about my JVC HD-110.
 
I would be VERY happy with the same flip out LCD that is on the HPX-300/370.

I LOVE that thing.

I second the Anton Bauer battery mount as an option too.

10-Bit HD-SDI out like the Varicams to allow for recording using the Nanoflash

A Marshall monitor-like implementation of the "predator-vision" false color exposure scale:

falseCol_table.gif


falseCol_images.jpg
 
Okay, how about this -- if we can't get P2 for whatever reason, can you just record AVC-I or DVCPRO-HD (or both) to the SDXC card?

I'd rather have P2 for the reliability and the consistent workflow, but if I can't have it, I'd take AVC-I on the SDXC card!
 
Starshine Video said:
I would also like to see some type of easy way to add Anton Bauer gold mount or IDX batteries. That is one of the very few things I miss about my JVC HD-110.
Click to expand...
That would be like a great dane trying to impregnate a chihuahua. If I'm seeing the perspective properly, an A/B battery is way bigger than the camera body.
 
nah, the Dionic 90 setting right beside me looks as though it would fit just perfectly under the viewfinder for hight and about the same for width.

Its only 3.25 x 5 and less than 2 inches deep.

abbatt.jpg


The body looks, to me anyway, much larger in height and width than the aforementioned HD-110. It does appear to be much shorter but that is neither here nor there in this discussion.

AG-AF100_2-670x480.jpg
 
Barry_Green said:
11) Can we please get a composite monitor output port, which can also do double-duty as a timecode in/out jack as on the HMC150? The HMC150 has LTC timecode in/out, and in digi-cine you do frequently use things like timecode slates and separate audio recorders, and since the technology already exists in the HMC150, can it please be imported to the AF100?
Click to expand...

I can see this camera being popular with higher end wedding/event videographers, so that sync timecode function of my HMC150 would be ridiculously handy.
 
Barry_Green said:
Okay, how about this -- if we can't get P2 for whatever reason, can you just record AVC-I or DVCPRO-HD (or both) to the SDXC card?

I'd rather have P2 for the reliability and the consistent workflow, but if I can't have it, I'd take AVC-I on the SDXC card!
Click to expand...

I agree but can a SDXC card handle the bit rate needed? If Not give use a P2 option!
The F100 should not be a upgrade to the GH1 but a camera that can inter cut with all the other P2 cameras.
 
I posted this in another thread but might as well chime in.

Luis's suggestion for dialing the kelvin numbers is A MUST. Its something I trully love on the DSLR's and really helped a lot in situations were you want to just change your White balance a bit from the standard, or give a scene a specific look

Focus assist with focous in red or blue similar to what you get on the Panasonic LCD's. DOF will be much more of a chalenge with this cam, so how about implementing the HPX500 or BTH80 focus assist functionality to the in camera LCD EVF?

I must insist on adding DVCPRO HD in both 720p and 1080p forms. AVCIntra is probably not gonna happen- a big mistake, I believe, because everyone working with this camera will probably go to 3rd party competitor codecs when capturing through either HDMI or SDI- but I would love to keep the fast and reliable workflow with the excelent color rendition of the 4:2:2 DVCPRO HD codec even though I get a small hit in resolution.

Another important thing with this camera is that we get Image stabilization ON THE LENS. I've been really, really impressed with the OIS in Canon lenses since I started shooting with their DSLR's. I believe this is much better than in camera stabilization.

I believe one of the most expensive parts of this camera will be the lens. I dream that this lens can do a range from 28mm to 200mm with minimum 1.8 aperture to 2.8 on maximum zoom. (Yes, one can dream :)

Also would really like you guys to take a look at Nikon and their D3S with their fantastic noise reduction technique in camera (See Zacuto camera shootout 2). If half of this performance could be achieved with this camera, that would be a trully Revolutionary, essential tool for EVERY film production. It shouldn't be that expensive to do since Nikon did it in a 3000 USD body!

EDIT- as for the information people are requesting, about the degrees vs shutter, gain vs ISO, I would believe there could be a switch in the menu to change these. I would also vote for ISO, even though I learned shooting in the videocamera world- with gain. I prefer, however, the measure shutter speed to the degrees information.
 
My short list:


1. 1-60 fps in 1080
2. More guide markers; 16x9, 14x9, 4x3, 1.85:1, 2:1, 2.40:1, etc.
3. High res large as possible LCD with all sorts of focus assists ;)
 
SPZ said:
Another important thing with this camera is that we get Image stabilization ON THE LENS. I've been really, really impressed with the OIS in Canon lenses since I started shooting with their DSLR's. I believe this is much better than in camera stabilization.
Click to expand...

I am not sure the OIS on a Canon or Nikon dslr lens will work on a Panasonic body. One could try it on a GH1 and find out, I could be wrong (won't be the 1st time) but I thought they used info fro the camera to fully work in the OIS mode.
 
1) high-res LCD!!!
2) color-peaking focus assist
3) custom kelvin white balance
4) keep everything the hmc150 has (including mic mount)
5) bigger dials for the audio levels (big enough for adult fingers to adjust easily!)


to everybody else, let's keep this focused on just your wishlist, not your comments and discussions about everyone else's list. take that into another thread please.
 
I didn't know about the "official" wishlist thread so I want to reiterate and expand here . . .

DC said:
Well, I must say that I am very happy that Panasonic is creating what I (and many others) have been predicting: the DSLR-VideoCam hybrid! While overall I am grateful that the technology is on the horizon, I suppose I can nitpick a few seemingly missing features that I would like. I was informed (through a friend on the NAB show floor who spoke to a Panny rep) that the AF100 feature set has not been finalized yet. So, I'm going to put together a quick wishlist that I find reasonable (though others might not).

 1. I was a bit disappointed to learn that the camera shoots AVCHD. I would have much preferred AVC-I (or at least DVCProHD). I was also disappointed to learn that there is no P2 support and only SD Cards for recording. I really like the bulletproof P2 cards that I've come to rely on and trust to "get the shot." Plus I've invested in them. :) That being said, I am seriously looking into investing in a Panasonic AG-HPG20 to record AVC-I master-quality footage on to my P2 cards. Please design the rear of AF100 to allow for easy tethering of the HPG20 (like how some of the bigger Panny cams allow it to be attached). This would save me from trying to figure out a way to fasten the HPG20 to rails, etc.

2. If the AF100 ships with a lens, please let it be a simple zoom lens with a rocker of some sort, as to make the camera a decent choice for event videography.

Ummm, that's all I can think of at the moment. Thank, Panasonic! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I also want to echo these ideas:

Barry_Green said:
. . . I want them to do two models, like the HMC150/HPX170. That way those who want cheap media can have it, and those who demand ultimate reliability and P2 can have that...
Click to expand...

Yak said:
Why not have the choice by having both in the same camera like the HVX did with dv tape & two P2 slots or at least have a P2 AVC-Intra adaptor which could be fit on the back. I want to up grade my hvx to an AF100 that records AVC-Intra on to my 64G P2 cards!
Click to expand...

Are the variable frame rates still locked to 720PN? Would really like a hypothetical 1080PN mode with VFR's.

And finally, if there were two models created (say, the AF100 & the "AF200"), it would be nice if the "AF200" had all the higher-end features like built-in P2/AVC-I recording, dual HD-SDI output for 2k/4k recording (not sure if it is possible/feasible to offer it internally/externally to P2 cards?).

That last request about 2k/4k capabilities is because of the major shift I've felt with many productions demanding 4k RED cams. Even though many of these productions would do well with "lesser" cams, they're still demanding RED (4k). I've lost a fair amount of jobs because potential clients decided to go with cinematographers that already come with their own RED package. I would like to be able to compete with that more, and especially at a lower price point than investing a ton of cash into RED. I believe Panasonic will someday (hopefully sooner rather than later) provide the ideal solution. :)
 
modular aux controls

modular aux controls

Here's something innovate (I think):

Since the AF100 seems to be marketed to using adapted lens' most/all of which will have no electrical communication with the camera, why not extend this mindset with modular auxiliary controls?

In other words, have a simple mounting mechanism for 1st party and 3rd party focus ring/zoom ring (maybe aperture too) universal clamps. The body would also need 1 or two motors that mate with the mount and are controlled by a rocker or dial on the body.

If you think about it, with a compatible mount/clamp, you could setup this motor to drive a zoom ring or focus ring, and have the control nicely accessible for the camera operator for smooth operation.

Even more advanced would be to tie one of those controls into the AF mechanism... though that'd be truly epic lol... and would probably require some more custom settings for direction/bounds in the firmware.

What do you guys think? Probably not gonna happen, but it'd be neat. The front mounting surface seems large enough to support some extra doodads.

Go Panasonic!
 
1) ISO rather than gain - this camera seems to be marketed more for a filmmaker, rather than a videographer
2) Highest resolution LCD viewfinder possible - a la EX3
3) 1080 60p
3) 120fps (maybe only at 720p) - a formidable feature -- imagine the market share you'd be stealing from RED
4) Record button on top of handle - a la HMC150
5) The most important thing is making the CMOS sensor excellent. Everything else won't matter if the sensor can't compete with the likes of the Canon HDSLRs
 
Fewer features.

What can be done in post (coloring, gamma, etc.) leave off the camera. I would rather have a simpler camera. Some of those old mechanical cameras are works of art.

Such "features" tie up the people making the camera, raise the price, clutter the camera, distract the shooter, bury important controls, and are often re-done in post anyway.

In the field:

1. I must get only this exactly right: focus.

2. I must get these pretty close: framing, exposure, and frame rate.

3. I don't even want to fiddle with this: color correction.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top