The af200 thread

Barry_Green said:
They just barely released the AF100A. I would have no expectations of there being any AF200 announced this soon after the AF100A's introduction.
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I also don´t expect that anymore. Although the AF100a just seems late to the party.
I expect sth bigger/pricier from Panasonic. A big brother to the AF100a
Sth to rival FS700/C100 or F3/C300/Scarlet, (maybe even F5/55,C500, Epic league?)
I just can´t believe they will be silent another year, having no "dedicated cinema line" like the competition.
They also need revamp the name VARICAM.
And they will be interested in selling a lot of microP2, so a higher selling "mid-range" camera would be smart...
Just my 2c of course ;)
 
Barry_Green said:
They just barely released the AF100A. I would have no expectations of there being any AF200 announced this soon after the AF100A's introduction.
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Does anyone care about the AF100a? I know a lot of AF100 users and I haven't heard anyone who is interested in buying this camera.
 
Id agree with no Af200, however wouldnt be surprised if Pana drop a few other bits and pieces out at NAB with shipping just before Christmas.
 
traviswears said:
Does anyone care about the AF100a? I know a lot of AF100 users and I haven't heard anyone who is interested in buying this camera.
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Unfortunately, IMO, it came out in an odd place; for current AF100 owners there doesn't seem to be enough to justify an upgrade, and for newcomers to the party, better products have since been introduced that arguably justify their higher cost.
 
It's hard to believe the AF100 is just two years old. So much has happened in those two years! More than in the decade before, I'd almost argue!
 
That's true. It doesn't seem that long to me but I'm really happy about the AF100. I've shot 3 shorts, a web series, a couple of commercial projects, and a few others since getting it. I've built up a better kit, added some nice lenses that will work with any big sensor camera, except for the m4/3rds or course, and learned a ton about shooting and lighting, directing and editing. The AF100 has been great for me. The upgrade to 100A doesn't buy me enough. In the coming year, I'll be with the AF100 and maybe another camera. I will probably keep the AF100. Resale isn't that great and I can still use it. It depends how things shake out. I don't know if there will be an AF200 by the time I invest but if there is I would be interested. This camera is a pleasure to use and has been perfectly reliable.
 
I sure hope to see something other than a prototype camera from Panasonic at NAB but who knows what they are cooking up. They are working on a new sensor that I read about so definitely not a sleep at the wheel, but as for MFT cameras? Not feeling it.
 
Erik Naso said:
I sure hope to see something other than a prototype camera from Panasonic at NAB but who knows what they are cooking up. They are working on a new sensor that I read about so definitely not a sleep at the wheel, but as for MFT cameras? Not feeling it.
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I thought I just read a joint statement saying they are commited to the 4/3 standard
 
I dont think Panasonic is leaving MFT behind. The GH3 is amazing, but the AF-100a just getting released looks like that's it for a while. I'm just speculating with the rest of us. The multi-camera linup that Sony and Canon have with the same sensor doesn't seem like a model Panasonic is intrested in doing.
 
The AF100a was pointless, underwhelming, and too late... and I don't see why that should have an impact on the AF200 timing... though I'm sure it does. IMO, the AF200 is already late to the party and should have come out this past November. This is the wrong era for a 5 year life span on a camera.

As it is, I quite like my AF100 and the m4/3 standard with the right glass (i.e. Nokton 25mm, other fast prime lenses. The new 12-35/35-100 zooms are also pretty nice). It's portable, good ergos, great for live event and documentary work with the slightly smaller sensor (easier to keep in focus, free telephoto range). But I do think an AF200 with much better lowlight, better highlight handling, slightly bigger sensor (over-sized m4/3), 3K+ resolution (for reframing/stabilization in post), more DR, a pixel-matched 1080p built in display, ability to record to better codecs including ProRes, and higher FPS recording options to match GoPro / FS700 are very much needed.

To me, the codec support and in-built HD screen are very high priorities, as the AF100 excels as a small, portable, documentary & live event camera and adding external monitors and recorders adds a whole lot of bulk for something that today can be in-built easily given current tech. The better image quality/highlights/lowlight/resolution; 3-4K resolution, and higher FPS should all be givens.
 
Yeah - Ive said it before and I'll say it yet again - in the filmmaking world there were two viable formats since the 1950s - 35mm and 16mm (three if you add super16, four if you add Techniscope)... 35 was used for bigger budgets with sizable crews, and 16/super16 was the go-to for documentaries and low budget features. That same potential exists with MFT - the camera package is smaller and more portable, allowing faster set-ups and lighter fast lenses (a 12-120 f2.8 Lumix, similar to the trusty old Angenieux, would be a nice addition, but not likely). Not everyone needs, or wants, 4K.

With an improved sensor, modular design (for finders etc) and mini-P2 to allow for better codecs, an AF200 would fill a niche, one that was nearly filled by the AF100. It might not be a goldmine for Panasonic Broadcast, but I'd order one the minute it's announced no matter what it cost.
 
Mac said:
Yeah - Ive said it before and I'll say it yet again.

With an improved sensor, modular design (for finders etc) and mini-P2 to allow for better codecs, an AF200 would fill a niche, one that was nearly filled by the AF100. It might not be a goldmine for Panasonic Broadcast, but I'd order one the minute it's announced no matter what it cost.
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Well said. +1

It's worth repeating until a manufacturer listens.
 
Yeah, wouldn't 4K interfere with the best possible low-light potential? More pixels to push? I'd rather have better low-light.

I would like to see a 3K system though, because extra pixels past 1080p is REALLY helpful for stabilizing shots with Adobe Warp Stabilizer or Apple Smoothcam, as well as making reframe adjustments. I think this is especially important given the cameras strengths in live event coverage/documentary work, where getting bulky stabilization equipment across the world to 3rd world countries, or setting things up quickly for live events, is not feasible. A lot of that stuff I shoot needs some stabilization or minor re-framing in post, and 3K would be amazing for that to give some extra pixels to work with.
 
I have been following this thread for a while and it seems that many of the suggested features for an "AF200" should be quite doable and would be very popular. I too am among those of find comfort in the forgiving nature of MFT in fast paced situations and I feel there are many situations that are best served by it.

Many other camera maker seem to have learned from the feedback on their early models and have responded with market friendly solutions, but the conspicuous silence from Panasonic leads me to believe that they have little interest in developing a product like this - one that would build on what the AF100 got right. (Sorta like would they did with the GH3)

I understand Panasonic's interest in keeping their development plans hush-hush, but without a whisper of even an unsubstantiated rumor, what else are we to think. Just the improvements in resolution, latitude, CODEC options would be enough to get a large portion of AF100 users to upgrade. As more and more new cameras are being announced and delivered, it's getting very hard not to look elsewhere for my next acquisition. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I wanted to add my voice in hopes that someone with influence in these matters would finally take action.
 
...Without something substantially better than the AF100A ( i.e. a new sensor with better DR and better high ISO performance ) the upgrade path for me is a Canon C100.
 
dafilms said:
I just read a hint of a rumored "Pro MFT" camcorder announcement for this spring. http://www.43rumors.com/

Maybe some is actually listening. Maybe.
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If that's true, it better not be priced as low as $4k or I'm going to be mad! lol. Just bought a (barely) used AF100 for $3k. But then again, the camera will pay for itself on one upcoming job and the GH2 wouldn't have cut it. Plus if the AF200 is announced in the spring, it'll be late fall until it's out and then I think you could probably still get $2k selling the 100. So if they did price it that low, it could still be an option for me. But realistically, I think it'll be $5k at minimum. They will probably still be trying to get rid of AF100a stock, so price points can't be too close.
 
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