i love my AF101 but what next

F

funkytwig

Active member
Hi, I have been using my AF101 for a bit and love a lot about it but have jobs coming up where I need sharper image and probably 4k (although I will still be shooting most stuff in 1080p). I would also like something with decent autofocus as I sometimes need to use it. Thought it was worth asking here what may be a good next camcorder.

The Sony NEX-FS700E seems appealing as I can get up and ruining (all be it with a not very fast lens) for around £5000 (used). The c300 is also another very appealing option but not sure if there is anything like the 14-140 (which has proved to be a good outside general purpose run and gun lens). I also think it will end up costing me quite a lot more.

From a glass point of you I am thinking that maybe crouped sensor/MFT is a better option than super35 as it keeps the lens because saleable (is this the correct term, or is it full frame 35mm I mean).

Was wondering what people think? Really want something with decent ergonomics (for documentary) and dont want to have to use a rig. Basically I want a AF200 :).

Ben
 
Patience, my son...

(or in a less cryptic way, there may be something announced at NAB this year, or failing that, the JVC LS300 may offer what you're seeking... there are a number of 18-200 to 18-300 stills lenses for APS-sized cameras that would be adapted... or as a stopgap, the GH4 is about as close as a DSLM/R could be to a video camera, if you can get by without internal NDs and XLR audio inputs)
 
I recently escaped from DSLR hell, not planing on going back there. There is simply too much to go wrong and the ergonomics for documentey are a nightmare.

JVC LS300 looks interesting but no decent info on low light performance, JVC dont even list ISO/Db ranges. Also not sure how well autofocus works, will it work well with my Linux lenses or are there other lenses it will work well with.

Ben
 
JVC is the budget tool, Panny may have an AF 102 (??! at NAB ??) the FS7 is the current king of the bargain hill. C100 is sweet used maybe. The FS700 has a pretty weak codec. No way worth £5g. C300 Id only buy (used) once the upgraders realise that the harsh realities of the used market - IMO its worth about £2.5g

S
 
Just been reading up on the C100, cost is an issue for me. Also could go to C300 in future and not have to change lenses again.

Ben
 
The C300 is a really nice camera. I'd wait for NAB if you can take the subsequent wait for whatever is announced to be realized. I'm sure there's a few shots left in that AF101 ;)
 
I dont think I will be able to afford to buy new so dont think waiting for new releases is a good option. Maybe the sharpness issue with the AF101 is not an issue, clients probably will not even notice. It just seems very soft compared to my old GH3. Its just that I am just about to do a first corporate for a client that has potentially got a lot of work for me and I want it to look as good as possible. Will hieing a ninja actualy make mutch of a difference?
 
Yes to the Ninja. You will avoid the codec firstly, though you won't gain bit depth or DR.

But the ability to poke your camera without fear into shadowy and midtone areas without getting macro blocking from the codec and compression is a breath of fresh air,
which is then more gradeable etc.
 
morgan_moore said:
JVC is the budget tool, Panny may have an AF 102 (??! at NAB ??) the FS7 is the current king of the bargain hill. C100 is sweet used maybe. The FS700 has a pretty weak codec. No way worth £5g. C300 Id only buy (used) once the upgraders realise that the harsh realities of the used market - IMO its worth about £2.5g

S
Click to expand...

One thing I would point out....the C100 (which you say is sweet) has the exact same 'weak'
codec as the FS700.....without the ability to record a higher bit rate 10 bit codec to external
recorder like the FS700 has. The FS700 gives fantastic image when paired with the odyssey 7q.
However, then it is bulky and not good for doc shooting. The FS7 is closest to what the OP
wants but more money. No great solution yet, but NAB may bring some further options.
 
funkytwig said:
I dont think I will be able to afford to buy new so dont think waiting for new releases is a good option. Maybe the sharpness issue with the AF101 is not an issue, clients probably will not even notice. It just seems very soft compared to my old GH3. Its just that I am just about to do a first corporate for a client that has potentially got a lot of work for me and I want it to look as good as possible. Will hieing a ninja actualy make mutch of a difference?
Click to expand...

Well, I think the idea is, an announced new C300 Mark II release at NAB, would cause
used prices on the C300 to drop as everyone attempts to sell them off. That may be
to your benefit.
 
The JVC is apparently not great in low light. Also, some are reporting seeing artifacts in the images that are similar to the AF100 (chroma clipping for example). I pre-ordered one a month ago for exactly the reason stated here, but may cancel it now because it doesn't look as promising as I'd hoped.

My interim solution has been two Pocket Cameras. I have them set up, one for tripod, one for handholding, so that I can shoot docs, which is all I do. The image is better than anything out there for under 10 grand, and has me very spoiled. Terrible in low light unfortunately (ISO 1600 is max, and it's not great). I use Z-Finder EVFs, a pre-amp for audio and Xume adapters for NDs, so they're almost like real cameras. Lots of batteries to deal with though.

Still hope Panasonic surprises me at NAB.

BTW: I also have a C100, which I like. But 10 bit ProRes out of the Pocket blows it's doors off, and it even does raw.
 
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For whatever it's worth, I've been using the AF100 for corporate work for years now, without complaints. Sure, it's not as sharp as my GH4, but is often so much easier to work with that it just makes more sense (as you know). The trick to using it is lighting effectively... it eats light as well as any other camera out there, but doesn't really shine in natural-light-only interior scenarios. That statement could probably apply wider... before you upgrade your camera, upgrade your lighting skills and package. I contend it has a much, much greater impact nowadays than camera (even though 'these cameras don't need lights').

As to modest stopgap upgrades on the AF100, you'll want the Samurai (not the Ninja) since the AF doesn't send stop/start triggers over HDMI. You can use the Ninja if you also use the Atomos S2H converter, but that's an extra ~$300 part and extra wiring. Less expensive recorders like the Blackmagic Hyperdeck and Atomos Ninja Star are also options, but don't include the nice monitor. Pairing the Speedbooster with good fast primes (or zooms like the Sigma 18-35) completely alleviated my desire to "upgrade" to S35 anything.

I've got another corp job with a new large client tomorrow. I'll be taking the AF100.
 
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That's really good advice. Light well, because the perception of sharpness is more often a function of contrast as opposed to resolution. I shoot a lot of interview stuff with my AF100 with really good results and because I light them they are always appreciated by my clients as sharp.
 
The C100mkii or the upgraded C100 with the dual pixel autofocus might be the way to go if autofocus is important to you. But I'd wait and see what Panasonic announces.
 
alaskacameradude said:
Well, I think the idea is, an announced new C300 Mark II release at NAB, would cause
used prices on the C300 to drop as everyone attempts to sell them off. That may be
to your benefit.
Click to expand...

Indeed but only if the C300 mkII is enough of a step up to make people want to upgrade on mass. We will see.
 
I moved from the AF100 to the FS700 to the FS7. Looking back, I think the FS700 is the sweet spot for the amount it costs now. I really didn't see any weakness in the internal codec for my purposes, which is straight to DVD or Blu Ray. And being able to use cheap SD cards as backups to footage stored on not so reliable hard drives is great.

4K is overrated. I will be shooting the next feature with it, but the purpose is for re framing flexibility.
 
You are completly right! i have 2 wonderfull FS100 (50P 4 years ago!) 1 FS700, i tried C300, A7s and FS7 and the winner is ? FS700!
 
I recommend renting or trying to borrow some cameras. After going from af100 I tried several different cameras and ultimately landed on the c100. Personally I love the ergonomics of it and have never felt crippled by the codec. Though for larger projects I'll toss a Ninja Star on for the 4:2:2 benefit in post.

Sadly with asking thousands of people you'll get thousands of answers. I can see why you would want to upgrade, but right now with so many good options its finding what works best for you and want you can justify paying for. Don't go broke just for a new camera.
 
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