Firmware for new zoom lenses?

Ed Kishel

Ed Kishel

Veteran
So I know that the new "X" zoom lenses are from the consumer division, and that they and the pro side aren't always in sync. That said- is there any word that the AF100 will have an update to allow zooming via a remote/controller (like the Varizoom/Libec/Foxi)? The camera does have the start stop port- that on other Panny models also allows zoom control.

I know longer servo zoom lenses are more of an event shooter's feature- and that the AF is aimed to the cinema crowd, but this would open up alot of possibilites.

These new lenses are "HD" branded meaning they are optimized for video use- seems like a micro 4/3 video optimized lens (from the same company no less) would be a no brainer. With panasonic's MO of not releasing new features with firmware updates, it would be a real kick in the balls if it was only avail on a new model.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818956-REG/Panasonic_H_PS45175K_Lumix_G_X_Vario.html

If there is any other AF user that would like to use this feature- please chime in as Jan is so good about taking feedback to her engineers :)
 
I know at this point the zoom doesn't necessarily always work. It is under study to see it it is even possible. Probably won't know for months if it is possible. But please chime in if it is important.

Thanks,

jan
 
Jan_Crittenden said:
I know at this point the zoom doesn't necessarily always work. It is under study to see it it is even possible. Probably won't know for months if it is possible. But please chime in if it is important.

Thanks,

jan
Click to expand...

Jan --

To me, it is important. I already have the Varizoom controllers that work properly with my HMC80 and partially with the AF100 (seems kind of silly to mount up the whole zoom controller to only use the start/stop button!). In situations like shooting long speeches or interviews in an event or "studio-like" setting, being able to control all the essential functions from a comfortable and unobtrusive position behind the camera and tripod allows for easier, steadier and more thoughtful results. With the currently available lenses, the AF100 is essentially a "never zoom while shooting" camera for me. I knew this going in and can live with it much of the time, but it does cause me to have to consider and sometimes choose a different camera for some shoots, even though the AF100 might produce a better quality image or be easier to use in other respects. Having a smooth servo zoom controllable from the handgrip or the back of the camera would allow it to be used in more settings for a wider variety of the shots I (and I presume others) do and therefore, ultimately, would sell more cameras of this type. Don't get me wrong -- I like the AF100 as it is, but this would add one more dimension to the types of projects it could be used on, and make it a more attractive product.

- Greg
 
Greg Smith said:
Jan --

To me, it is important. I already have the Varizoom controllers that work properly with my HMC80 and partially with the AF100 (seems kind of silly to mount up the whole zoom controller to only use the start/stop button!). In situations like shooting long speeches or interviews in an event or "studio-like" setting, being able to control all the essential functions from a comfortable and unobtrusive position behind the camera and tripod allows for easier, steadier and more thoughtful results. With the currently available lenses, the AF100 is essentially a "never zoom while shooting" camera for me. I knew this going in and can live with it much of the time, but it does cause me to have to consider and sometimes choose a different camera for some shoots, even though the AF100 might produce a better quality image or be easier to use in other respects. Having a smooth servo zoom controllable from the handgrip or the back of the camera would allow it to be used in more settings for a wider variety of the shots I (and I presume others) do and therefore, ultimately, would sell more cameras of this type. Don't get me wrong -- I like the AF100 as it is, but this would add one more dimension to the types of projects it could be used on, and make it a more attractive product.

- Greg
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. I shoot mostly skateboarding and snowboarding and servo zoom is a powerful tool in order to get proper shots for that... I hope the upcoming 2nd generation of Lumix X lenses has servo zoom (and hopefully constant f2.0 or f2.8) That would make my life so much easier. At this point, many so called "actionsports-shooters" stick to their old HVX200's because of the servo zoom.
 
Looking at the new lenses on the B&H website, i'm wondering is there a manual zoom option, or is it motorized only?
 
Curious if anyone knows if the two slow X lenses up for pre-order at various sites are different from the 2 rumored f2.0 X lenses that are supposedly coming out in 2012? I would easily pay $2k per native MFT lens for fast power zoom/push focus. I love using the Zeiss glass but constantly switching out primes is a hastle. Been eyeing RED's 17-50 as a result but at 3lbs, it's a touch heavy.

Here are the rumored lenses i'm refering to...

http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-hot-panasonic-x-12-35-and-35-100mm-fast-zooms/
 
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Yes the the announced lenses are different than the prototype lenses that are making the rounds on the rumor sites. I also don't think they will be F2.0 either. Maybe 2.8.

Bob



Kindredmachine said:
Curious if anyone knows if the two slow X lenses up for pre-order at various sites are different from the 2 rumored f2.0 X lenses that are supposedly coming out in 2012? I would easily pay $2k per native MFT lens for fast power zoom/push focus. I love using the Zeiss glass but constantly switching out primes is a hastle. Been eyeing RED's 17-50 as a result but at 2.3lbs, it's a touch heavy.

Here are the rumored lenses i'm refering to...

http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-hot-panasonic-x-12-35-and-35-100mm-fast-zooms/
Click to expand...
 
Of course this is important Jan. This is something the F3 does and I would think there are people saving for the F3 just because of this feature. This feature would allow me to use my AF100 much like an HVX, which would be better for doc work. Then once/if you get this implemented via firmware, Panasonic and/or a 3rd party company could release a new top and side handle with a built in zoom controllers.
 
The F3 is an awesome cam but I have this issue with shooting on Sony, not to mention I want to start shooting on smaller cams rather than larger ones. This is what makes the RED Scarlett and Epic-S so appealing to me! The number one problem with Panny lenses is speed and that the lenses physically extend when zooming; ruling out traditional cinema applications. Release some light power zoom and auto/push to focus fast constant f2 or f2.8 lenses with internal focusing (like a variable prime) and you can name your price. I'd ditch the follow focus in a heart beat and use the AF-100 on my next 5 productions starting this winter with our production trip to the Yonguni ruins in Japan.

Heck, even power zoom is not that important as long as it's a fast lens that's non extending with push to focus; I'm sold.
 
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Jan,

This would be really useful for my work. Actually when I read about these lenses I assumed a firmware update would forthcoming! These lenses look great for the AF100...
 
Shooter said:
I understand auto focus but...how would an "auto zoom" work?

:undecided
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Shooter, you havn't been using the auto zooms? They predict how you want to frame your shots... :cheesy:. I guess I should slow down on the typing as what I meant was power zoom.
 
Jan,
I'm a bit late to the debate, but as an HVX-200 and AF-100 user, I can certainly say I'd love to be able to control the power zoom on the new X lenses through my Varizoom - like many people we need to be able to zoom/reframe quickly and smoothly whilst we are still recording.
Please, please, if at all possible, beg, browbeat, do whatever you need to, to persuade your engineers to make this a reality.
Barry (Green) - do you have anything to add? Apart from the fact that your AF-100 Book might need a little re-write on page 223/4, what do you think?
Bruce
 
I shoot narrative films and I use zoom shots all the time. I have to zoom in post at the moment because I'm mainly on the Af102. I reckon if done right it adds a lot to certain shots - usually just a subtle push in. I'd love to capture it optically though! I'm missing the ability to do my favorite Sam Raimi style extreme crash zooms :)

I'm picking my new X zoom next week. Does anyone know how fast or slow it zooms with the built in rocker?
 
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