trading my Sony EX3 for the AF100.. Hand held question.

S

surebll

Active member
Hello, I'm thinking of trading my Sony EX3 for the AF100 and just wanted some feedback on the camera. I do a lot of hand held shooting without a rig, how is the AF100 compared to the EX3 with on that level, sort of run and gun hand held shooting? And picture wise how's the AF to the EX?

Thanks
 
I don't know the EX cause I haven't used one, but the AF weighs less (at least the listed weights) than the EX. I don't like going hand held with the AF, it might be because of how the weight is distributed, but if you're used to doing it then you might be OK. As far as picture goes, for the price I don't think you can beat the AF, there are tons of vids out there showing it's capabilities.
 
It is trickier to handhold over your EX3... Your EX3 has OIS is a shoulder mounted camera, the AF100 is neither (some lenses have OIS... but most people dont seem to be using m4/3 glass with it.) I find you can do it, but would DEF get a shoulder rig, and maybe a monopod as well. It will be more work. The EX3 is better suited to handheld, it is made for that sort of work... unless you need the benefits of the larger sensor for aesthetic reasons, why are you wanting to go with the AF100?
 
Yea I would make sure the reason you're going for the AF100 is well informed before doing anything. ENG cameras are much better for what it is you're talking about. The AF100 not so much. If the EX3 works great for what you do then you have zero reason to get rid of it. Honestly if it were me I would work as the other poster said, save up for the AF100 and keep the EX3 (just what I would do). The EX would likely intercut really well with the AF100 under the right conditions and with some color matching in-camera. I just pulled out my old Canon XHA1 for the first time in over a year to shoot identical shots outside with my AF100. They intercut beautifully and while the A1 is obviously noisier, even on my 50in Plasma at proper viewing distance you could be fooled unless you have a keen eye.

Keep the EX...
 
Well, I'll offer a different take than those above, I think the ergonomics/ weight distribution of the ex1/3 are the worst for hand held. I find the af100 form factor infinitely more comfortable to hand hold over long periods. Having said that, the OIS and dealing with focus is a different subject, but in terms of pure comfort and ergonomics, i'll take the af100/hvx/dvx form over the ex cameras any day.
 
I agree, don't dump your Sony. When I bought my AF100, I made the decision to keep my Canon XLH1. Different tools for different jobs. I'll use the Canon when I must have

1) Servo zoom
2) Video/TV "feel"

I use the Panasonic when I want

1) more control over the image,
2) projects that need a cinematic feel. (No zooming!)

I use my AF100 all the time for documentary work, mostly handheld. When I'm working in film mode, I don't need autofocus (which I also NEVER use on my Canon!), don't need stabilization. There is no reason not to use the AF100 for documentaries. Comparing my Canon to the Panasonic is like video vs 16mm, depends on what you or your client wants the product to be.

All the best,

Jeff
 
Cool, thanks for the advice everyone. I found a guy that wants to trade cameras so I'm looking into it, and no one really talks about using this camera with out a rig. I don't shoot from the shoulder I shoot from the hip so it helps to see how the AF100 handles from the hip.
 
the AF with longer focal length lenses delivers pretty shaky hand-held results. You may want to consider shorter focal lengths like the 20 f1.7 lens if you do make the trade
 
surebll said:
Cool, thanks for the advice everyone. I found a guy that wants to trade cameras so I'm looking into it, and no one really talks about using this camera with out a rig. I don't shoot from the shoulder I shoot from the hip so it helps to see how the AF100 handles from the hip.
Click to expand...

I shoot from the hip, or pulled back into my shoulder, with my right hand cradled underneath the body, and my right thumb pushed up and forwards through the handgrip. it cups in the hands beautifully then.
 
The EX and the AF are two different creatures. The EX has the nifty video cam features of a well integrated, fast zoom lens with stabilization and the AF doesn't, and there really isn't a zoom lens you can hang on it to give it all those capabilities . So in many ordinary shooting situations you might actually be happier with the EX.

I have done doc style shooting with MY AF's and while it is possible, the lack of a reasonably fast stabilized zoom definitely is a negative for the AF. My advice : try before you buy to see if the camera can be adapted to your shooting style.

I'm very happy with the AF and use it most of the time, but I also have HPX 170 & 370 if I really need to run and gun in fluid circumstances.
 
I have an EX3 and an EX1R as well as a 5DmkII and of course my new favorite the AF100.

The EX3 is my best shoulder cam, the way I have it set up is very sturdy and compact:
121.jpg


The EX1R is not as easy to adapt for the shoulder because of the EVF location, but with a HoodLoop it can be pretty good:
13.jpg


The AF100 is similar to the EX1 and can also be adapted for the shoulder:
af100sbnk.jpg


But the AF100 is really a different beast, I am currently working on a handle like the EXcams and some other rail systems etc:
picture-2.jpg



picture-4.jpg


The bottom line is they are different as described above. But they can be kitted out for any purpose, if you like.

I like having choices of cameras depending on the job. The DSLR's are great for "secret shooting". With a monopod you can shoot really good video and no one knows what you are doing, you just look like a tourist.
 
i'll agree with the others, i dont really like the af100 for str8 handholding even though its listed as 5 or 6 pounds it feels heavier than my hpx170 when holding it in a run and gun situation. using some kind of support like a spider brace or monopod and its fine...wouldnt want to use it without that though for handheld.
 
The smaller the lenses the better the AF is for handholding. I shot an evening of music at Webster Hall in NYC with the Jayhawks with an AF and Schneider 75 mm cine xenar ( old old style mounted. THat was fabulous as the camera was small and the weight centered close to the grip.
A 75 mm prime or any prime for that matter won't give you the same flexibility as a zoom though. You have to employ your feet as the zoom lens.
 
Is you're an EX3 guy, have you checked out the FS100? The body is ergonomically better suited to hand-held use. Plus, the controls on it should
be very familiar to you.
 
Well I guess now I'll find out. I just traded the cameras the other day. Thanks for the advise everyone.
 
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