NAB 2011 and the AF100

Thanks, Barry, for the report! And also the rest of you guys! Unfortunately, I missed NAB again this year. :crybaby:
 
Barry_Green said:
Well, if things are to be categorized like that, I think there's a lot more than just two categories (digicine and large-sensor video). For example, the F3 would have to be considered a "large sensor video camera" too. And then the SLRs, they're still cameras, not video cameras and not digicine cameras. And then the Weisscam and the Phantom aren't really strictly cinema cameras moreso than they are specialty high-speed cameras (meaning -- I don't really know anyone who hires the Phantom to shoot 24fps stuff... they can, of course, and it can do very well, but most people opt for a different tool for that job, and normally bring out the Weisscam or Phantom for ultrahighspeed stuff). So if you wanted to break them down into categories, there's probably really four categories that you'd have to specify.
Click to expand...

Probably you can't slam all of the cameras tested into these two categories but I see Red, Alexa and the F3 as cameras aimed as a replacement for a 35mm film camera to do commercials and features. They all share the ability to capture the highest possible images with 10-bit and 4:4:4, they all have a high, cinemalike, latitude. Looking at the AF it's basically a video camera like the AC160 but with a large sensor and interchangeable lenses. It doesn't allow for the highest possible capture and it's doesn't reach the latitude of the other cameras. But that's just how I look upon it.
 
electricpig said:
and to add, we're also doing some 2k effects work on an upcoming Cinema summer release (2k is still the norm from film in post), and we are being pixel-f*cked so much by the supervisors, it's depressing. So much so, we are so far over the budget we are basically paying them for the honor of working on this film.
There is no way in hell I would want to be doing this work at 4k, 5k or whatever hi-K you want to throw at me. The work involved would be exponentially more, and it makes me wonder where all this resolution talk is going - is it a fad? On several levels it's just not practical.
Click to expand...

Don't you know that 1080 is the new vhs? Get with it man!
 
i hope for a p2 avcintra version of af100 next year with better sensor and features.
it probably wont outperform f3 but it should perform better than the af100...
 
dcloud said:
i hope for a p2 avcintra version of af100 next year with better sensor and features.
it probably wont outperform f3 but it should perform better than the af100...
Click to expand...

It just wont happen.. .so maybe you will need to buy a camera that already has these specs... if thats what you need.
 
The thing that I took away from the SCCE comparison at NAB ( and yes I went to the theater presentation) was that what separated the F3 from the AF was 1 stop of DR and a few lines of resolution.
Yes the F3 with upgrades and can do 4.4.4 and is ten bit and that is a real plus. From where I was sitting in the theater the differences on screen were pretty minor between the AF and F3.
Clearly the Alexa, F35 and Red MX were the top of the scale with each showing different strengths. The DSLR's were, as I have termed them "vistavison web cams", because their lack of resolution really stood out on the big screen.
The Mid ground was inhabited by the F3, AF, weisscam and Phantom.

Whether Panasonic chooses to make a grown up version of the AF remains to be seen. If you want to wait for the camera with the perfect specs, just think of all the money you will save by sitting on the side lines till that camera shows up. As for me, I have work to do so I can't sit on the sidelines waiting for the camera with the perfect specs and price point. I don't really care to have a camera that can shoot at 3200 or 6400 ISO because you know what, I'm about lighting even if it is 'found light' . There might be a time when having that 33200 or 6400 ISO capability might come in handy but honestly I don't care and don't structure my thinking around those situations.
 
Shooter said:
It just wont happen.. .so maybe you will need to buy a camera that already has these specs... if thats what you need.
Click to expand...

I dont see why they arent thinking of making one. it will probably be much expensive... announcment at next NAB with a late 2012/early 2013 release?

so far im very happy with my af100 and if more money comes in, id be looking at upgrading to that. although it has occured to me that when a year from now, there will then be an oversaturated market in the big sensor camera and buying something much expensive while doing the same purpose. but i hope by then I would have gotten a good footing and not worry about that :)
 
Very happy to have picked up a Vocas shoulder rig for my AF102. There sure were a few to compare which was my main incentive to go to NAB.
Went with the Vocas since it's an offset rig with easy access to the EVF. Awesome build quality as well.
Was all set to part with more cash for some floor stock - specifically sliders - but I guess I didn't get in quick enough.
Agree that the recorder options were a standout.
I too was hoping for a practical cinezoom.

Every time I went past the Panny booth there were too many people quizzing Jan and co.
Love the camera. Looking forward to either the AVCHD FCP plugin or FCPX. Whichever comes first.

Cheers,
Tex
Sydney
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top