How long till AF100 gets down to $3000 or so?

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pomoville

Well-known member
Obviously I don't expect a concrete answer, but what would people expect based on similarly priced camcorders in the past?
 
I might say never. This used to happen in the marketplace but companies do not let their products wither on the vine anymore. They run a product for its lifespan then come out with another but do not fire sale the old one to get rid of it. The supply chains are much more effcient to avoid stockpiles of old gear.
 
after 5 years on the market, the DVX just discontinued around only $900 below initial msrp

edit:
(I was pointing out specifically the 100B and I saw it was "discontinued" on B&H)
But I just checked today after Jan's reply, and it's back on B&H :?
 
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The OP might be asking about the used market... to which I'd say, ~3 years... by which time mine will have paid for itself several times over :D
 
pomoville said:
Obviously I don't expect a concrete answer, but what would people expect based on similarly priced camcorders in the past?
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In maybe 18 months to two years you might see Panasonic include a second battery or include $200 cash back. But you'll see $3k for a new AF100 even at the end of product cycle.
 
Smith's second law of technology applies (I keep forgetting what the first law is, but it sounds more scholarly to have more than one):

"Any high-tech product you covet but cannot afford will be available for free in 20 years."

Just keep on dumpster diving and visiting those garage sales and hamfests!

- Greg
 
Kindredmachine said:
In 2012 I might put ours up for $4k for one of those slick Sony NEX-FS100 cams... depending on reviews :-)
Click to expand...

You should definitely wait for the reviews on this one as it is a little underpowered in the useability area, starting with no ND filters, moving on to others.

To the OP, doubtful. Sorry.

Best,

Jan
 
In 2012 I might put ours up for $4k for one of those slick Sony NEX-FS100 cams... depending on reviews :-)
You should definitely wait for the reviews on this one as it is a little underpowered in the useability area, starting with no ND filters, moving on to others.

To the OP, doubtful. Sorry.

Best,

Jan
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Interesting that these cams are viewed by some as competitors. (Not saying that is what Jan is saying...she's just making a comment for someone else who is making the comparison) I see the AF100 vs FS100 the same as 5d vs GH2. For me....these are two different people. The 5d guy has a photo dimension that the GH2 guy isn't really looking for. The GH2 guy is more video committed. The FS100 seems like a DSLR ***SIZE*** factor for a video guy. The AF100 is a true video camera with DOF built in. I don't see these as the same person.....****NOT SAYING THAT IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME PERSON**** But I find myself less interested in the AF100 because a small form factor is important to me. Not that this means anything about the AF100 except the forstated: it's bigger (than the FS100).

As for cost on a used AF100 at 3K. It won't be soon. (Greater than 4 years) That's my SWAG. :)
 
Well, for example. I purchased the HPX170 in Sept 2008 for $5257 with a 16GB P2 card. I paid an additional $500 to have the PAL feature added (back) to it. So, 2 1/2 years later that camera (without PAL) is selling for 3,699.00 new. So, that is about a $1500 drop. Very unlikely the AF100 will hit $3k for a very, very long time.

Although I would guess that in 2 1/2 years from now, I'll probably be looking for a lens adapter to screw my 70-200 Nikon into my iPhone which will then record 4k...


pomoville said:
Obviously I don't expect a concrete answer, but what would people expect based on similarly priced camcorders in the past?
Click to expand...
 
Jan_Crittenden said:
You should definitely wait for the reviews on this one as it is a little underpowered in the useability area, starting with no ND filters, moving on to others.

To the OP, doubtful. Sorry.

Best,

Jan
Click to expand...

Yep, no built in filters are definitely a strike against it. For now, the AF-100 is producing fantastic results for us and it's scheduled for use on our next 5 productions (one of which is back in Israel) for 2011 and 2012. I've never been a fan of Sony cameras but the smaller form factor and larger sensor is tempting. Of course specs can mean very little regarding real world results and durability.

@HHL = Small form factor tends to be important to many cinematographers and was one of the great advantages of using DSLR. It's important enough for RED to make their new EPIC camera significantly smaller than the RED ONE as a selling point. A small form factor is also beneficial for individuals such as myself that are continually traveling with it; though the AF-100 is small enough to barely fit in a bag underneath the front seat on an airplane.

 
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I have to say my peace... I used to love SONY, had all kinds of their consumer gear... then they started witch-hunting people, force-feeding people root kits, putting in Draconian EULAs... so I've been on a SONY boycott for about a decade, which is too bad because they occasionally still put out decent hardware (i.e. F3), but they can go to hell for all I care.
 
K, thanks. I suppose I was thinking mainly of the used price. It's going as low as 4500 on ebay, which is already quite good. I'm fairly happy with GH2 for now, though.
 
Jan_Crittenden said:
You should definitely wait for the reviews on this one as it is a little underpowered in the useability area, starting with no ND filters, moving on to others.

To the OP, doubtful. Sorry.

Best,

Jan
Click to expand...

I have always been wondering about the FS-100... While it has the beautiful sensor from the F3, does it have the horsepower in it to process that signal into anything like the f3 produces...? I guess time will tell, but logic would dictate to be that F3 technology with a smaller body would not equal 1/3 the price... They had to ax alot of the power of the F3 fpr the fs-100, and a camera is more than just a sensor.
 
This thread was started to ask about the future value of the AF100 - let's keep it on that topic please.
We have an FS100 forum now where the FS100 can be discussed.
 
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