Will I be disappointed if I buy an AF100?

A

analog_addict

Well-known member
Hello,

I currently shoot all my projects on a 550D with a DT454 mixer. I am still amazed watching the footage on my flat screen and only use cheap M42 lenses. I run my own production company full time and I'm thinking of either getting an AF100 or FS100 to replace my ageing XHA1 and turn my 550D into a B cam.

Here in the UK prices are sky high and I can get some decent 2nd deals on an AF100 for around £3500. I can't find any 2nd hand FS100 units in the UK and brand new they are around £4500 which is out of my price range. If B&H would ship to the UK I would grab an FS100 off there.

My question is will I be disappointed if I buy an AF100? My main concerns are the smaller sensor size, 2.1x crop, bad highlights and noise. I love the footage I get from my 550D and an old 28mm Komine lens and I assume the footage cannot be worse than that? I'm just very nervous that I might get an AF100 and still prefer the images out of my 550D!

I know a good DP can get great images out of anything but this really makes me want a FS100 http://vimeo.com/26943045 (I realise the lenses are Zeiss!).

If anyone knows a US based site that will ship a $5000 FS100 to the UK let me know!
 
The camera is certainly capable of stunning imagery.

Like you said, the difference lies in the person behind it.

I have two of them and love them.
 
I have one for sale with many extras that you are most welcome to try out if you come down to Cardiff. I have a genuine reason for selling.
 
The only camera I've owned that made me more money was my old HVX200. The only camera I've owned that made a better image was the RED MX. Bottom line, the AF100 averages out to the the best camera I've owned hands down. I'll be using it for a long time, making great images, and making money. Great investment.
 
analog_addict said:
Just bought an AF101 :)

Can't wait to use it! Hope my lens adapters arrive before the camera!
Click to expand...

Did you end up buying in the UK?

I'm sure you'll enjoy it - some things will be a bit strange at first (not having all your iso's within instant selectability etc) - but you'll love the pro features (I/O & audio etc) - plus the built in ND's. You should get a similar look with your M42's (Helios 44-2/58mm amongst your set?) - I love the look of this one :)

Plus, coming from a 550D, you won't be loosing as much in the sensor crop as you'd think... if you were used to stills 35mm full frame, then it's a big jump... but you'll only see a marginal difference at the 1.3 crop.

Have fun!
 
BTW - forget to congratulate you for one of the quickest ever decisions I've seen in a while... :) so many sway between the (seemingly endless!) FS100 vs AF100 debate... and you posted... got some responses and then went ahead!
 
I bought 2nd hand from the UK. Paid £3000 which I think was a good price for the UK! The FS100 would have set me back an extra £1500 so it was an easy decision. I already have all my lenses, mattebox, shoulder rig etc from my 550D so I only need to buy a couple of lens adapters for it and I'm ready to go!

No more 'Automatically stopped recording' or 'err70' :cheesy:
 
A bit off topic, but its great to see you posting in threads like this, Jan. It shows that the Product Manager of the AF100 really cares and is passionate about their own product. How often do you see this in big corporations? I think this is testament enough of how confident and proud Jan and the Panasonic team are on this camera. Had to post this after having a terrible experience on the Sony side of things over here (Hong-Kong).
 
Hi Jan,

Thanks for the reply. To be honest I think the whole 'trying to look like film' has had its day. Both the FS100 and AF100 produce stunning images but neither produces images that look like film. It is undeniable that the FS100 footage I posted looks great. Nice lighting, extremely sharp and well framed. Could it fool me into thinking it was shot on film? No. Could it fool me into thinking it was shot on 2k or 4k digital. Yes.
 
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