Panasonic AG-AF101 Interview with Barry Green

[BuddLightbrain]

It also has size.....mmmm big and bulky compared to the Canon then!

[vfgproductions]

I'm a big fan of Panasonic but....For less than $3000 -The Canon EOS 5D Mark II features 16:9 Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps - and there's ways to make it shoot in Manual and with NIKON lens if you want. For $1899, Canon 7D is an 18-megapixel semi-pro DSLR that shoots 1080p video in 24—or 30.I dig where Panasonic's heading but for that price it should at least be 2K.

[FUFriendsUnited]

@vfgproductions This camera has XLR mounts, deals with aliasing and moire better, has built in ND filters, exposure monitors, HDMI and HDSDI output, an HD view finder, handles rolling shutter better, and comes with plenty of frame rates and features without firmware hacks and workarounds. The pricepoint on this thing is perfect for everything it offers. For 2K they could sell a larger sensor DSLR, not a camera with this much kick.

[Ballotman]

Barry, it could be said a lot of different ways, but: YOU THE MAN!!!

[PanasonicPBITS]

@BillyBoy5353

hi, barry used a ARRI compact prime in this video but aal kinds of lenses are working with the AF101. for the ARRI lenses pease have a look to their homepage...

[BillyBoy5353]

What type of lens is that and what does it retail for?

[lightmanfilms]

@BillyBoy5353 That's a Carl Zeiss Compact Prime or else CP.2. Don't know how many metric feet it is because the video its a bit dull but its market price is around $3000 to $4000 thousand dollars each. I bought 7 of them and it cost me around $25,000 but are great to invest!

[AdmirSarajevo]

3:20 , the lady clearly takes a pic of Barrys ass!

[alexjit]

Barry, what about zoom control???

[theryaner]

how about rolling shutter? From what i've seen the gh2 does a great job with aliasing and film moire.

[islandboystv]

Did you say that Panasonic is looking at offering electronic lens adapters for 3rd party lenses like Eos, Nikon, Pentax K Mount that will allow there electronic aperture to be controlled from this camera?

6:59 Who has the new lens adapter? Panasonic?

Im sure this will be a hot seller if this happens.

[WinterXL]

man i can't wait... saving up now! :P

[chatteyj]

any idea when this camcorder is out in the UK and how much it will cost ?

[kingcama]

@chatteyj : about .5800€ tax included in italy.

[ItchyHouseFilms]

Uh, so this has what? two or three different things that the HPX170 or HVX200a didn't have?

I like the interchangeable lens addition but that's the only thing that caught my ear.

[alanbstard4]

how can it be a true movie camera if you can't use it from the shoulder?

[Jscottprice]

@alanbstard4

The AF-100 is made for the crowd that has shot with camcorders but recently picked up the DSLRs as B-cams or even A-cams. To maximize a DSLR, you need a rig comprised of rails, shoulder mount, follow focus, handles, and perhaps a matte box.

The AF-100 is so small that it can fit on those rigs currently made for DSLRs. Anyone who has not used DSLRs will likely need to invest in a rails and shoulder rig setup to use the AF-100 in a steadi-cam or handheld style.

[alanbstard4]

@Jscottprice yes, but it's something ectra to be paid for on top. This 101 is not practical until you spend another $6000 on aftermarket kit and lenses

I like the ability to monitor audio, but I think the 5D's place in the market will advance, cost and video quality comparisons taken into account

maybe ex camcorder types will return, but I wouldn't count on it yet

[circleOFconfusion]

Seems that there are very interesting times ahead..

Boy oh boy!

Philip bloom (youtube search him, or try vimeo dot com, or even philipbloom dot co dot uk) has just uploaded a new video using this beast -24 oct 2010- and very nice footage it was too!

I was looking at a Canon 5d mk2... (stil am) but this is wetting my appetite..

[alanbstard4]

@circleOFconfusion I'm getting a 5d this week. However, as much as I like the features of the 101 like monitoring your audio, I believe this will cost twice the price you paid for it for it to be set up properly. It can't compete against the SLR in price, agility, and in the case of the 5D, full frame. Why didn't they put full frame in this thing?

Canon is laughing now, contrary to popular belief

Who knows? I may still get a 101. I'll wait and see

[flop5]

Some of these features can be faked in post, but nothing can be done about the avchd codec:(.

[ipublica]

Very informative and useful introduction into this fantastic new creative tool. This is the videocam I was always waiting for! And the price is reasonable enough.

[hechser]

I have heard nothing new or exciting. Tell me the sensor size - don't just tell me it shoots 1080p.

If I'm putting a lens on it I want to know what ones i can get away with, and avoid vignetting.

[malcomx52]

@hechser It is very exciting. the sensor is the 4/3 sensor size. wikipedia can show you what that is. basically this is a gh1 dslr that is pimped out to make an awesome dslr cinema camera, with many of the problems of shooting hd with a dslr fixed in this. if you don't understand whats going on here, then yeah, its not very exciting.

[dayofchaosfilms]

@hechser It uses a 4/3" sensor, which is apparently roughly the size of 35mm motion picture film. It's a little bit smaller than APS-C sensors. But produces much better video quality then any Digital SLR because it doesn't use line skipping.

[Frontigenics]

@dayofchaosfilms Line skipping doesn't produce poor quality video. It only introduces the possibility of aliasing.

[philhoyt]

I love when he talks about XLRs and ND filters like they disappeared haha I love being a DSLR shooter and I really miss these features somedays. But the lack of audio makes it easier for me to turn down events like concerts hahaha.

[MCAN]

I'm quite impressed by this. The sensor size/crop factor is a problem though.

And I guess I'll be the one to say it: Give us RAW!

[mschuelbe]

What signal comes from the SDI output – 4:2:2?

[artformeandyou]

Barry!!!!

[PeterBucknell]

Can't wait to try it out.

Hope they are making a good underwater housing too

[vicoughetto]

The idea is nice. But if take all good things from DSRL why not the 35mm sensor? And then you got pro lenses to use in full not 4/3. The best they leave out, that's a shame.

[chrisikakis]

Very intersting machine.Especiallly if i can use all my Nikon,Leica manual glasses.

But anybody knows if i can use my mid film format lenses like Pentax or Mamiya ?

[BrandedChannels]

Interesting, safe for the 2x crop factor that you'll get on your existing Canon EF glass, which I am heavily invested in. I am tempted, but I guess I will wait until Canon's video department starts talking to the stills department and come up with a camera that has a 1.6 crop like the 7D does.

[BenHughesStudios]

man, why can't canon make a camera like this.

[MovStarEntrepreneur]

@BenHughesStudios Hopefully they have one in the works. I love my 7D now, but the second Canon puts out a camera like this, I'm buying it.

[CaterXian]

So is this a photo or video camera? Because if this does photos Im not sure I would buy it.

[ImpagliazzoBR]

@CaterXian ?

[domke803]

@CaterXian It's a dedicated video camera. It's not for stills.

[DepressedSod]

wtf, it has a recommended retail price of €4,900+VAT. Yes it looks like a great camera, but it's not fair to compare it to a DSLR at that huge a price difference.

[voltawest]

Does anyone know what rails/mattebox system is being used with this camera in the video? Or what system would work with it?

[lumen6491]

Does anyone know if there are any rolling shutter issues with this camera?

[RyanWieber]

Camera looks outstanding, at a terrific price. Can't wait to own one. Enough of these DSLRs.

[jasondruss]

I was at the Entertainment Technology Expo and tested the camera. It's going to retail (body only) for $4995.

[dATaViTamiN]

Nice Vid! but how much for camera and lenses?? all these goodies packed into a square brick..sounds like it's gonna take all my money for just the body...I expect high prices for lenses but the body hopefully not be out of grasp for a DSLR user to shift to this.

[domke803]

@dATaViTamiN It'll be about $4975 when it comes out. As for lenses, you can use pretty much any brand lens with it using adapters. Even old legacy lenses.

[videoresourcesinc]

Well done Barry! Good overview on this exciting new camera system.

[ProduccionesELENTE]

I wonder if they were using a Canon DSLR to make this video!!!

[GREENPOWERSCIENCE]

4:36 LOL "IMAGING PROBLEMS" how ironic. FANTASTIC CAMERA, great explanation. I want one!

[steadiworkz]

I think it's a massive mistake to use SD cards, I have in the past had many issues with SD cards failing and just their general cheap design is prone to failing.

CF cards would have been a better choice surly ?

[ImpagliazzoBR]

@steadiworkz The problem with SD cards is that they are mass marketed. I foresee an influx of professional grade SDs soon.

[cembalaro]

This is going to be very interesting indeed!

Micro Four Thirds standard lens mount and sensor on a professional video camera..!!

All formats - NTSC / PAL switchable, any lens capability via adaptors that are already on the market, SD card recording medium, &c., &c., &c. .....

I go rather excited, here - if not totally crazy....!

Barry Green, of DVX-User fame, makes a fantastic presentation - and sparks enthusiasm like no-one else could!!

[NorskMerican]

Recommended retail price is 4900 euro. It will probably adapt to the American market at a little over 5k. I don't think that is a price point DSRL users will want to pay for a body. 5d body is less that 2500 USD, I think this camera looks awesome, but they need to get cost to about 3500 to spark my true interest.

[july142]

HOW MUCH???? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

[kiwicafe]

. . . this is awesome, all my Leica lenses, I have been such a Sony fan but now this goes where my M9 Leica goes. Amazing.

[XSVPro]

As a four thirds and micro four thirds user, i am really looking forward to this cam!, now my GH13 can be my b camera and used for those tight angles and this will be my main cam.

This will redefine the industry!

[cj691]

@XSVPro I was starting to regret spending so much on my 4/3rds stuff, them my friend pointed me to this... I SOOOO want to use it with my 8mm fisheye! <3

[prowlaman]

It's funny that they're comparing this video camera to a still camera. lol. Thanks to Canon for making the competition step their game up.

[brt5470]

Could they possible fit more amazing features in this? Seems like the ultimate.

[MrMarinegold]

The Red Scarlet is now officially dead. Way to go Panasonic!!! Red what?

[prowlaman]

@MrMarinegold You could be right. I don't even think Red will be able to manufacture enough Scarlets to keep up with the demand for them when ever it comes out. Panasonic definitely has more production muscle & money.

[MrMarinegold]

@prowlaman My neighbor has a Red Camera fully rigged out. He stays in contact with the Red company because he is an actual customer. He has told me Red is dead at the moment. They were left behind with the advance of the HD DSLR craze and I think the Panasonic camera is priced better for what you get. The Red camera was supposed to be everything for under $3,500 and now that covers the Brain only and that's over $3,500. You'll need 10grand for everything and then some. Scarlett is Dead!

[LPODDAYUNGEN]

pshh it looks so good but sry canon is drop n a 4K dslr

[yellowcorn2]

micro-4/3rds sensors are a good bit smaller than that of the 5D2s. Does this thing have a single CMOS? Not sure if the ND wheel is enough to counter that...it's easy to put variable ND on a full sized sensor, too.

Everything else about it looks more user-friendly for real-world shooting, though.

[KKCTV]

Wow this is great...but I think I'll wait for Canon to come up with something.....

[nztitirangi]

if this thing is <1500US then might be worth another look from consumers otherwise it's for production and competes with red etc.

not really fair on this new camera to compare it with the hd dslr's. How can you beat 1080p 24p body ($780) vari-nd ($100) a second hand adapted nikon 50mm 1.4 ($90) and LCDVF ($80)? Oh and zoom h1 ($10) if you need off cam sound.

Very thorough report from Barry, great stuff thanks!

[MBRatajczyk]

It is great to see this technology race unfold daily. Keep it going. I am a 5DM2 user. I re-entered industry 9-09, purchased 5D 5-10, will keep it for awhile for SURE!. LOVING IT. Yes, different than traditional camera. The size/shape creates a (needed) new image for the event videographer. Great things goin' on now-a-days, I liked Barry's enthusiasm for the industry!

FB: Maribeth Kocimski Ratajczyk

[tormaid42]

People will still be using dslrs, the smaller form factor and wight as well as the much lower cost will keep many users coming back for years. I can only see this replacing 5dmkIIs on big budget sets, for the indi filmmaker dslr is still the way to go.

[YouFirstEye]

@tormaid42 "They think I was just taking a picture."

[khachank]

just remember the 5d has a larger censor for less money .

[domke803]

@khachank larger sensors mean nothing when the camera is crippled and you have to struggle through issues that this camera won't have.

[vid828]

@domke803 - Fucking good point sir!

[khachank]

in camera ND filers have never been any good .

[jkrimer]

Who cares...it can do what the others can do. the t2i has a histogram while recording... this has better audio...but if your nor recording a second track then you don't need this camera. Rails mean it's too heavy! VERY LIGHT IS THE GOOD!

yeah but you can't take a pic!

[khachank]

@jkrimer im with you , i have a 5dmkii and i love it , and yes i use an external audio recording device . This thing is too much too late , and the price will be over 10k USD

[ikicaq]

This guy was definitely hired by panasonic to bring down DSLR's. We will see if it works in the future. Talk is cheap.

[kuunami]

have the announced what the price range on this camera might be?

[abmofa]

@kuunami under 6k in the US

[khachank]

@abmofa no chance its Just over 10 with lens

[steadiworkz]

It would be possible to get at least twice the data rate to the SD cards so why don't they ?

[eyepatchentertainmen]

Great Job Barry! Now I want to play with it :)

[phrasalsyntax]

great camera! Hope the HD-SDI will outputs10-bit color depth.

[steadiworkz]

and then they go and cripple it with a terrible bitrate ?

[TebbieBear]

@steadiworkz You've never worked with AVCCAM have you. The only way they could have gone better is to go with an I frame codec and something like P2 cards, which would have jack the price up at least 2 grand more. If high bit rate I frame codecs are what you need then grab a Ki Pro Mini or a NanoFlash and record out of the HD-SDI output.

[steadiworkz]

@TebbieBear Fanboy much ?

[TebbieBear]

@steadiworkz Actually not at all. I haven't had a Panasonic camera since the DVX100. I hate P2 as Its IMO a solution to a non existent problem. I currently own a canon camera the one before this was a Sony and before that was a JVC. TBH I would rather see Canon make a large chip camera as I think canon has a far more cinematic look than panasonic but I am willing to shoot whatever camera gets me closest to the look I need.

[DandRFilms1]

@steadiworkz

Bitrate isn't everything. We had to hack our GH1s to get rid of mud with a much higher bitrate, because the implementation of the AVCHD codec was poor. This is using the AVCCAM version which is 100X better than the GH1 or consumer version. It beats the XDCAm codec at a much higher bitrate. Look for Barrys AVCHD vs XDCam writeup at dvxuser for more info.

[steadiworkz]

@DandRFilms1 The proof is in the editing, only time will tell !

[PanasonicPBITS]

Special thanks to Andreas Tzanakos Editorial Director Publisher.