AF-100 Wishlist/Suggestion Discussion Thread

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Man I think this really could be a scarlet replacement, If it had P2 I just wonder what the target market for this camera really is.
:banned:

All joking aside after reading the list Luis is keeping I don't know what else you could possibly want in a camera. Short of Iphone docks and camera Snuggies I think we have a very concise dream list of features.
 
jason.adams said:
camera Snuggies
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I can see it now. :eek:




It would be very cool if the DC-in power connection could accept 12v. Of course a 12v XLR-4 input would be even better, but is likely overkill.

The ability to power the camera as part of a larger powered system; for example on a Steadicam (duh); would be a neat feature.



Any blank panels on the camera as flat as possible please (while still looking pretty); it's hard to stick stuff on with Velcro on a curved surface.



The standard analog control ports from the DVX, HVX, 150, 300 for runstop/zoom/focus/iris (where possible/applicable) would be very nice. Ability to control focus or iris on a lens electronically through the camera with existing simple standards would be a much appreciated feature.


- Mikko
 
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Panasonic may have improved on this since I had my HVX200..... but, the LCD screen needs to be much, much better. the HVX was plain awful (thankfully the EVF was better).
 
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet... but the Focus assist function needs to be available on it's own button (or as an assignable function to a user-button). This is a great feature on the GH1 but because it is automatic it only works with the m4/3rds lenses which communicate with the body. Using any other lenses means that the function is disabled completely; thus the need for a button to activate it at any time with any lens.
 
deltoidjohn said:
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet... but the Focus assist function needs to be available on it's own button (or as an assignable function to a user-button). This is a great feature on the GH1 but because it is automatic it only works with the m4/3rds lenses which communicate with the body. Using any other lenses means that the function is disabled completely; thus the need for a button to activate it at any time with any lens.
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deltoidjohn,

Are you referring to to GH1 focus assist that essentially magnifies a portion of the screen? If so, you CAN use this on other lenses, and you can assign it to one of the function buttons on the GH1. I have mine set to the left function button.
 
A pixel-for-pixel focus expand function would work across all lenses. The switch should function as momentary and toggle on / off.
 
XLR audio inputs that are Mic/Line/AES switchable.

I would like AES inputs so we can lay down scratch audio that's not scratch at all, but a digital copy of what's happening in the mixer/backup recorder.

I don't know if AVCCAM supports 4 channel audio like DVCPROHD does, but that would be a great way to squeeze 4 inputs out of the 2 xlr connectors. The sound department would have to have AES outs but the good ones all do. ;)

This feature would also not affect anyone, who didn't want to use it, negatively.

Oh, and a cartridge-based 1/8" stereo mini headphone jack would be nice. I can't tell you how many times I've rented an HVX-200 only to have to tape up some massive contraption to keep the headphone jack steady since it worked intermittently. That, or at least don't mate the headphone jack to a pcb directly. Wires people. Solder and wires (I know it takes up a lot more space than surface mount... but hey... a guy can dream right?)
 
in addition, if not mentioned already as we are at 43 pages of posts, some way of gaining electronic lens metadata. lots of metadata all around in fact. If it could be embedded all in the avccam codec, and even out through the SDI. ISO, F STOP, color temp, etc. etc.
 
Panny should take heart from this enthusiastic outpouring of desires describing our dream camera....that they have a lot of dedicated users and supporters out there who would love for their dream camera to be made by Panasonic.
The first company to put most of our needs into a single camera will earn a large and loyal following and stand to make a lot of money! :smile:
 
I could not post a link but this is from EOSHD


"With the announcement of the AF100, Panasonic have got a jump on the professional video departments of other manufacturers, notably Sony and Canon. They also have a relationship with Leica.

Today I received news that new Micro 4/3rds cine lenses similar to the Summilux C range (housing by Band Pro, optical formulas by Leica) are going to form an integral part of the AF100 package.


Lenses can really set the AF100 apart, and the current Lumix Micro 4/3rds lens line up is consumer stills orientated and rather limited in scope.

Whilst the GH1's sensor is certainly good enough for professionals (most of the AF100's improvements will come from beefier image processing hardware) the AF100 will act similarly to the consumer camera in terms of rolling shutter, noise and low light performance (at this stage of the CMOS sensor technology) - so good lenses are essential.

Additionally Panasonic and Leica would rather you spent money on their new glass, rather than adapted ones from eBay or rehoused ones, since there is a lot of profit to be had from lenses.

The rather interesting information I received from one of my sources whilst discussing exactly this, is that cinema primes from Leica are indeed in development especially for the AF100 in Micro Four Thirds mount rather than the Band Pro's PL mount format.

These lenses will be customised for the AF100's mount electronics, and the Micro 4/3rds mount - so I expect they'll also work with the GH1 and forthcoming GH2! There will also be a cine zoom with AF, similar to the consumer 14-140mm with Panasonic's electronics (silent AF, continuous iris) but Leica's optical formula (based on their Four Thirds 14-150mm) and also a cine lens based on the existing Four Thirds Summilux 25mm F1.4, which is a fantastic piece of glass - I've used it on the GH1 and it is about as sharp wide open as you can get.

The PL versions of the Summilux C lenses have already been announced and confirmed by Band Pro - these Leica lenses all feature a maximum aperture of T1.4, close focussing ability and a standard 95mm front filter thread. They're also extremely expensive! The new versions will sit between the top end Summilux C range by Band Pro and the high end consumer stills lenses for Lumix G cameras.

Band Pro revealed the PL Summilux C lineup on April 8th and Panasonic's press conference for the AF100 was just a few days later. The development paths of such lenses are interlinked in time and Panasonic are saying on the record that their relationship with Leica is continuing and is as close as ever.

If Sony can have a set of specially made Zeiss primes for their digital 'cinematic camera', released 2011 that would be a worthy competitor. This means the gauntlet has truly been thrown down to Canon now and they really must respond with a line of C lenses based on their L series for EF mount. The rumours are that Canon have an EF mount camcorder in development and so maybe now these announcements from rival companies are out in the open, they'll choose to respond and get it on record.

All this pro stuff unfolding is mana from heaven for GH1 owners by the way - the prospect of all these new professional lenses and accessories filtering down to the little consumer camera is a joy to behold, and maybe now people will begin to take it even more seriously. HDSLRs will continue to prosper - the perfect option for those who can't afford, or dislike the bulk of the professional department's gear.

UPDATE: Although I've not had any information on it, I expect a motorised zoom lens (think c-mount Sony and Fuji TV lenses!) to be made in the Micro 4/3rds format especially for the AF100, although it would add a lot of bulk to what are otherwise very compact lenses considering their performance. I really do think such a lens would be required by many potential AF100 customers, because the 14-140mm's DSLR style zoom is not very suitable for ENG / broadcast or documentary work."
 
Bucknfl said:
Whilst the GH1's sensor is certainly good enough for professionals (most of the AF100's improvements will come from beefier image processing hardware) the AF100 will act similarly to the consumer camera in terms of rolling shutter, noise and low light performance (at this stage of the CMOS sensor technology) - so good lenses are essential.

Additionally Panasonic and Leica would rather you spent money on their new glass, rather than adapted ones from eBay or rehoused ones, since there is a lot of profit to be had from lenses.
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Well, I expect Pana marketing knows what they're doing. All I can say is: define your market. Because if - as many here want - this camera is really only pitched to the pros, where "pros" means folks for whom dropping a couple extra $2K means nothing, then Pana should get ready for this to be a respectable, but rather limited market, IMHO. If however, Pana is looking to broaden the market, then the out the door sticker price can not be excessive. I mean, most people are not idiots. If all they get is the body for $6K, and to really be able to actually use it on a project you need to drop another $5K, then, they'll get wise to it pretty fast, and there goes that market.

I would hope that they think very carefully about the Sony road - where Sony is always trying to milk the customer with proprietary this and that (like the stupid memory stick) - people hate this. OUT THE DOOR price is the key. None of this "here's your fabulous inexpensive car - but the engine is a separate cost".

My point here in the *features* of this new camera: COST. That's a feature. Make it too high, and you're limiting yourself. I truly hope Pana is thinking about a broader market - and sorry, but the consumer has been conditioned to think of cost of electronics going down even as capabilities and feature sets go up. You cross that expectation at your peril. I would hope that putting down $6K is going to result in a camera where low-light capability is (ideally) better than the vdslr crowd - otherwise, many people will figure "what's the point", and they'd rather pay 3K for the vdslr. For $6K - which is a fair price - we'd better get something pretty good, and by $6K I mean OUT THE DOOR price.
 
I agree they should provide a basic 'kit' lens, but even a LOT of gh1 owners wish they could've just bought the body only.
 
Who's actually planning on getting an AF100, day one?

NOT ME! ... I'm gonna try to get it the night beFORE.
 
How about some serious weather sealing and a system similar or improved from the gh1 vibration system to remove dust from the sensor. But having a body and a couple lenses built for all sorts weather conditions would be handy. Basically the concept of weather sealing canon has for still cameras, but even more badass. But even on par would be nice. Since with an L lens and a filter in the front, you can throw a 7D out in the rain and snow and not have any worries really.
 
Bucknfl said:
The rather interesting information I received from one of my sources whilst discussing exactly this, is that cinema primes from Leica are indeed in development especially for the AF100 in Micro Four Thirds mount rather than the Band Pro's PL mount format.
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I find this a little hard to believe, considering Band Pro's PL mount versions sell for around $20,000 each.
 
I have not read this entire thread, but have some desires/requests for this camera in my workflow.

Background, I do both video & photography and own a lot of equipment on both sides.

What I would like to see is a two version release. A body only version and a fixed lens version with a servo driven wide to medium tele lens. OIS would be a nice plus on the fixed lens version.

But, I would want the fixed lens to be a high quality, minimum barrel distortion, CA lens. Often still cameras come with a mediocre lens as the kit, video camera do not.

I am the person in their target audience who sees this camera as a useful video camera with shallow DOF, not a converted still camera. I could change lenses but would prefer not to and retain very good image quality.

Panasonic, you have already got me on the price, if you can deliver on the image quality and user controls it is a slam dunk. I would be willing to pay more for a better fixed lens version as well if this pricepoint is too limiting for decent glass. A lesson learned from still photography, don't skimp on the glass!
 
Bassman2003 said:
I have not read this entire thread, but have some desires/requests for this camera in my workflow.

Background, I do both video & photography and own a lot of equipment on both sides.

What I would like to see is a two version release. A body only version and a fixed lens version with a servo driven wide to medium tele lens. OIS would be a nice plus on the fixed lens version.

But, I would want the fixed lens to be a high quality, minimum barrel distortion, CA lens. Often still cameras come with a mediocre lens as the kit, video camera do not.

I am the person in their target audience who sees this camera as a useful video camera with shallow DOF, not a converted still camera. I could change lenses but would prefer not to and retain very good image quality.

Panasonic, you have already got me on the price, if you can deliver on the image quality and user controls it is a slam dunk. I would be willing to pay more for a better fixed lens version as well if this pricepoint is too limiting for decent glass. A lesson learned from still photography, don't skimp on the glass!
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With a fixed lens how would this be distinguished from Panasonic's other cameras?

The main point they keep driving home is the interchangeable lenses and the lens compatibly. At NAB it was a in a glass case full of lenses and Jan kept saying over and over and over "I can use my Nikon glass on it isn't that great?"

Why not just offer a package with such a lens included but have it be interchangeable? Many many many cameras already do this (JVC 300, Sony EX3, Panasonic HPX-300, 500, 370, etc....) the list goes on.

Would an appropriate modification to your suggestion be that Panasonic add a larger m4/3 esque sensor (for shallower DOF and better low light performance) to an existing fixed lens model like the HPX-170?
 
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