AF-100 Wishlist/Suggestion Discussion Thread

[Kholi]

I'm actually not interested in P2 Media unless we're recording to AVC-Intra or Ultra. If there's an upgrade path there, then sure. Otherwise, for cost purposes, I'd much rather prefer to roll with SDHC Cards from Best Buy, and en-massed at that.

Having six to ten SDHC cards and not having to worry about off-loading for day-long stretches sounds much more pleasing to me. And, and, cost effective as far as building out our dream toy, here.

The size of the SD Slot keeps the camera compact (sweet) and if we get two for hot-swap recording? Yeah, sick.

If it hasn't been listed, ChipG made me think of this, but Metadata added for Lens Information (Focal distance, Focal Length, etc) when Eletronic Contact Panasonic Lenses are employed would also be great for those of us who do Visual Effects work.

Also, going back to old-school here, is there a way to work in Internal ND filters? Hahaha. The thought of it, after so long, sounds CRAZY but it could be heartily beneficial in this application. This would allow me to rock a Polarizer at all times and not have to switch NDs out so often.

From .3 to 1.5 of Stopping Power would be incredibly sweet, but you can't have everything.

 

[Isaac_Brody]

Building on that internal ND's suggestion by Kholi, if we can have user switchable ND's that'd be amazing. Instead of fixed ND's, perhaps an ND toggle. I've grown pretty accustomed to using a Fader ND and I like the ability to quickly adjust in micro increments based on look.

 

[Ron Rodenmeyer]

I agree with Isaac about the Fader. I really like the ability to adjust it in small increments, and I also like the tactile feel of adjusting "iris" by turning the Fader. However, I wish there was a way it could go to zero ND. I'll probably just keep using a Fader outside anyway on this camera, when I get it.

It seems like one of the first things I saw posted on the AF-100 included the detail that it would have standard video camera style built-in ND filters. I'm too lazy right now to go back and look.

EDIT: From the long thread here on the GH1 board about the announcement of the AF100 at NAB (straight from a press release I think):

The AF100 maximizes the potential of its high-resolution imager with built-in ND filtering and dramatically reduced video aliasing.

 

[MikeGunter]

Hi,

One more thing that might be pretty big.

It would be really nice if during the lens exchange if a flange would/could come up and protect the sensor from dust/dirt. It would also need to be "retractable" so it could be cleaned when desired. A clever way would be to do it 'on demand.'

I should think that would help keep the sensor clean in some environments.

 

[Camera Expert]

That's actually a good idea. I know when I'm outside changing my lens, I'm always very careful. It's sometimes like I'm a doctor operating on someone.

 

[averan]

hi,

one more thing that might be pretty big.

It would be really nice if during the lens exchange if a flange would/could come up and protect the sensor from dust/dirt. It would also need to be "retractable" so it could be cleaned when desired. A clever way would be to do it 'on demand.'

i should think that would help keep the sensor clean in some environments.

+1

 

[Chris Light]

have any cameras in the past had this?...
i dont know, with an active self cleaning sensor, and the option to clean on command, plus the fact that it only takes a few seconds to change a lens, i suppose it would be cool for someone.

 

[Chris Light]

there's a body cap that does that too if you need extra time to change a lens.

 

[dadoboy]

This m43 camera needs a revamped stronger 43 mount. m43 mount is too weak for anything but still lenses and zooms. If the mount is fragile and insecure, it will never be considered anyting but a prosumer camera.

 

[Luis Caffesse]

The size of the SD Slot keeps the camera compact (sweet) and if we get two for hot-swap recording? Yeah, sick.

Looking at the info out there now, they're saying it has two SD slots allowing for continuous recording up to 12 hours on 36gb cards - which means it's probably not hot swappable. Not sure. Then again, do we really need more than 12 hours of recording?

Metadata added for Lens Information (Focal distance, Focal Length, etc) when Eletronic Contact Panasonic Lenses are employed would also be great for those of us who do Visual Effects work.

It's on the list (#H7).

Also, going back to old-school here, is there a way to work in Internal ND filters? Hahaha. The thought of it, after so long, sounds CRAZY but it could be heartily beneficial in this application. This would allow me to rock a Polarizer at all times and not have to switch NDs out so often.

If I'm not mistaken, Jan already mentioned the body will include an ND filter wheel.
No details on it as of yet.

 

[Kholi]

This m43 camera needs a revamped stronger 43 mount. m43 mount is too weak for anything but still lenses and zooms. If the mount is fragile and insecure, it will never be considered anyting but a prosumer camera.

Great input here! Definitely something that's to be considered. This reminds me of, and only slightly relevant to the conversation, the HPX170 lens debacle! The fixed lens had gaps and spaces, and flexed enough to where the image moved!

This is an even greater concern now that we're dealing with frequently pulling lenses on and off of a camera. I am sure Panasonic engineers are keen to this, but any extra emphasis is imperative.

Especially for those of us who plan to have heavier PL glass live on this sucker. One of my first purchases may be an old Cooke 18-100/T3.1 just for the sake of having a cinema zoom handy at all times.

Jinkies~

 

[MikeGunter]

This m43 camera needs a revamped stronger 43 mount. m43 mount is too weak for anything but still lenses and zooms. If the mount is fragile and insecure, it will never be considered anyting but a prosumer camera.

Hi,

I doubt that the mount is weak in that sense. It should work fine enough

have any cameras in the past had this?...
i dont know, with an active self cleaning sensor, and the option to clean on command, plus the fact that it only takes a few seconds to change a lens, i suppose it would be cool for someone.

In previous lives, I've had to change lenses in horrible conditions. I don't know if that matters in many cases, but if it's something that can be engineered (or even considered for V.2), it's worth noodling in my book. It can certainly help for docs in really bad weather, news (if that market matters - and it does), or any of a number of scenarios where keeping a field cleaning a bay until a scene is done will make a difference.

 

[MikeGunter]

Great input here! Definitely something that's to be considered.

...

Especially for those of us who plan to have heavier PL glass live on this sucker. One of my first purchases may be an old Cooke 18-100/T3.1 just for the sake of having a cinema zoom handy at all times.

Jinkies~

Hi Kholi,

And I didn't mean to dismiss the flange comments...

I think the m4/3ds w/adapter_s are quite strong.

I'm willing to be wrong, but from what I've seen, they are quite rigid.

My best.

 

[dadoboy]

Yes, the constant pulling on focus gears on heavier cinema lenses will have an effect on a weak mount like m43 and may cause shifting.

I know others out there will suggest PL to m43 adapters, but they don't know how much of a weak point the m43 mount will be in that situation. It's definitely the weak link in the chain and I don't think I will buy this camera if it remains the same - maybe rent it.

I hope the Panny engineers think of a way to make the mount more secure / stronger.

Other than that I guess people will think of ways to completely replace the m43 mount with a PL, but that's going to be at a considerable cost I think.

Great input here! Definitely something that's to be considered. This reminds me of, and only slightly relevant to the conversation, the HPX170 lens debacle! The fixed lens had gaps and spaces, and flexed enough to where the image moved!

This is an even greater concern now that we're dealing with frequently pulling lenses on and off of a camera. I am sure Panasonic engineers are keen to this, but any extra emphasis is imperative.

Especially for those of us who plan to have heavier PL glass live on this sucker. One of my first purchases may be an old Cooke 18-100/T3.1 just for the sake of having a cinema zoom handy at all times.

Jinkies~

 

[Kholi]

Yes, the constant pulling on focus gears on heavier cinema lenses will have an effect on a weak mount like m43 and may cause shifting.

I know others out there will suggest PL to m43 adapters, but they don't know how much of a weak point the m43 mount will be in that situation. It's definitely the weak link in the chain and I don't think I will buy this camera if it remains the same - maybe rent it.

I hope the Panny engineers think of a way to make the mount more secure / stronger.

Other than that I guess people will think of ways to completely replace the m43 mount with a PL, but that's going to be at a considerable cost I think.

All with you on that one. Camera wear and tear is going to be a major, MAJOR deal with this lil' beast. I do have faith, because it seems obvious from an engineering point-of-view, that this will be addressed. Afterall, the camera is shown with PL glass, etc, so I think they've weighed this (no pun intended) and are making proper provisions to make sure the life of the camera isn't sacrificed just to meet street price.

The three year warranty is very tasty, as well. However, I'd rather not have to send the camera back for a mount repair more than ONCE in its lifetime.

No way in hell, however, would I bother replacing the entire mount with a PL mount. I'm sure someone will just for maximum assurance, it just won't be me! Hahaha. I'll be waiting with proper support gear (from one of three experienced manufacturers: Letus, Redrock AND Zacuto) to pick up as much of the duty as possible.

Mike -- The Micro 4/3" Mount on the GH-1 is probably a different story. I say this because it was never truly designed to hold larger, heavier lenses. I know that PL Manufacturers say that the Micro 4/3" mount on the GH-1 is absolutely inadequate for PL usage, which is why a support system is mandatory.

Again, though, we're talking the Broadcast and Video Department here. A company that does have experience with certain amounts of demands. I just hope we don't run into an HPX170 Lens Trial, again.

 

[Joe Media]

My 2 cents:
1. AB battery
2. ISO, ISO, ISO...please!!
3. P2. Would be great for most of our current workflow and stability
4. 120 fps? yes please.
5. 15mm rail system
I for one would pay extra for the above.

 

[Ben_B]

Seems like a mount is pretty easy to swap out if it's just the out most part that fails.


Second....guys....if you're doing digital cinema with big lenses with this sucker you might as well get a rail system to mount your follow focus, etc. Then you can have something supporting the lens as well, or at least your PL mount adaptor. That should take stress off the mount.

 

[Kholi]

Seems like a mount is pretty easy to swap out if it's just the out most part that fails.


Second....guys....if you're doing digital cinema with big lenses with this sucker you might as well get a rail system to mount your follow focus, etc. Then you can have something supporting the lens as well, or at least your PL mount adaptor. That should take stress off the mount.

Love the optimism! And, then, when you strap a Cooke S4 (or 5, sweet...) on your AF100 for the first time, let me know how you feel about weak mounts! Haha.

 

[Ben_B]

Love the optimism! And, then, when you strap a Cooke S4 (or 5, sweet...) on your AF100 for the first time, let me know how you feel about weak mounts! Haha.

Seems like with rails and a support under it it wouldn't be a big deal.

 

[Hunter Hampton]

Well im sure hotrod will make a pl mount for it that will have a rail/mount support built in under the body like their GH1. Shouldnt be an issue.