Cameras: News and Updates

Panasonic AVCCAM Solid-State Camcorder: AG-AF100 Overview

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Jan 27, 2012, 23:38

Panasonic AVCCAM Solid-State Camcorder: AG-AF100 Overview

Panasonic AVCCAM Solid-State Camcorder: AG-AF100 Overview

Large 4/3" Sensor AVCCAM Camcorder

Overview

The AG-AF100 is a full HD 1080/720 production camera that offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media. The AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of a handheld camcorder. The AF100 is the next-generation, go-to HD camera that costs less, yet delivers so much more than other models in its class.

Panasonic AVCCAM Solid-State Camcorder: AG-AF100 Overview

The design of the AF100's 4/3-inch sensor affords depth of field and field of view similar to that of 35mm movie cameras and also affords the full range of cinematic requisites. Equipped with an interchangeable lens micro 4/3" mount, the AF100 has the ability to use virtually any professional quality lens with the addition of an easily obtainable adapter, from low-cost still camera lenses as well as film-style lenses with fixed focal lengths, prime lenses, and zoom lenses. It's equipped with the full range of controls a cinematographer relies on: exposure, adjustable zebras, pedestal and detail, a vectorscope and waveform monitor, and much more.

Panasonic AVCCAM Solid-State Camcorder: AG-AF100 Overview

The AF100 includes essential features you'd expect in a professional camera, including:

  • Built-in optical neutral density filters -- 2 stops, 4 stops and 6 stops. A tremendous time-saver, facilitating many more shots in a production day.
  • 20 Variable Frame Rates for fast-motion or slow-mo work. These are higher-resolution Variable Frame rates in1080P in 20 steps, from 12-60 frames. Variable frame rates in 24P, 30P and 25P in1080, up to 60P or 50p dependent on 60Hz or 50Hz mode.
  • Uncompressed 4:2:2, 8 Bit HD-SDI Output
  • NTSC/PAL Switchable for worldwide use
  • In-Camera microphone
  • Industry-leading 3-year limited warranty (one year plus two extra years upon registration on PASS)

In all, the AF100 offers more than 50 professional features that other models in its class do not offer.

  • Large 4/3" "Best-in-Class" MOS imager with fast image scanning and optical and low pass filters that eliminate aliasing and moiré while minimizing skew
  • Records in 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p native) and 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p native, utilizing AVCCAM's highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps)
  • HD Video and Full Audio monitoring during record and playback with high-quality audio pre-amps at the input
  • Two professional XLR audio inputs, line/mic selectable with phantom power with full manual audio level control and the ability to disable all Audio Gain
  • Uncompressed 48KHz 16 Bit audio recording capability in PH mode
  • High resolution LCD monitor and Viewfinder
  • Small size and low weight allows it to be mounted it on sliders, camera stabilizers, small dollies, as well as to fit into small places
  • Six built-in, customizable Scene Files that can be utilized for instant, easy matching between multiple cameras
  • Built-in gamma curves including HD Norm, HD Low and High, Cine-like D, Cine-like V, B.Stretch
  • Four selectable color matrices including Norm 1 and Norm 2, Fluorescent and Cinelike
  • Color Phase and Saturation, Pedestal and Detail image control
  • Two card slots that support continuous (relay) recording. Relay recording means that with two 32GB SDHC cards you can record for 6 hours with automatic clip spanning across the two cards
  • HDMI output
  • SDXC Card compatibility -- with a 64GB SDXC card, you can record for 12 hours in PH Mode, and 48 hours in HG Mode
  • Audio outputs, both line level and headphones
  • Timecode and timecode synchronizing for simple multiple-camera shoots via video out connection
  • Dynamic Range Stretch in all modes and frame rates
  • Focus assist that can be used while recording (color on peaking and focus bar)
  • Two sets of zebras settable for your style of shooting
  • Two manual black-and-white balance choices and preset White Balance at 3200 or 5600K
  • Waveform monitor and Vectorscope for more accurate monitoring of Broadcast Safe Levels
  • Spotmeter "marker" for instant feedback on key subject exposure value
  • Black and White Recording Mode
  • Syncro-scan shutter in Video Mode (1/24.0, dependent on frame rate, to 1/250; in Film Mode variable shutter angles from 1 to 360 degrees)
  • Pre-record and an intervalometer function for up to 24 hours
  • Different aspect ratio markings in the viewfinder/LCD -- 90% "safety zone" against the 16:9 for making sure your framing will be visible on all TVs, and 2.35, 1.85, 14:9, and 4:3
  • High quality AVCCAM PH mode, full production codec, I frames B frames and P frames, also has HA Mode and HE Mode (HA and HE modes are 1080i only)
  • Autofocus during record with the H-VS014140 Lumix Lenses, including face recognition technology
  • Marker ability to mark clips "good" or "no good"
  • Programmable User Buttons with options including delete last clip, Focus Assist, Rec Check, Capture, ATW Lock and Shot Mark
  • Smart Battery interface -- record times up to 4 hours with 5400mA battery
  • Metadata - assign user clip names to the clips that get shot
  • Downconverted standard definition composite output
  • Wireless infrared remote controller
  • Professional Color bars and 1000Hz tone for communicating levels to the edit suite
  • Remote iris/stop/start control interfaces, standard communication protocol as with all Panasonic professional camcorders
  • Standard accessories in the box include 5400mA Battery, AC Adapter and Charger,
  • Operations Instructions on CD and Printed Quick Start Guide Manual

 

Resources:

www.panasonic.com/broadcast