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A legendary genius and innovator.
I have to say … WTF Apple?! As a long time user of Final Cut Pro (since 2005), I was extremely excited at the recent announcement of the new Final Cut Pro X. It claims to include a 64-bit architecture allowing for work on larger projects with larger frame sizes, 4K editing options, background processing for quicker playback and editing, as well as full utilization of my computer’s processor. But, you forgot to mention that this is actually just iMovie Pro. I know I am not good with change, and I keep reading that updates will be coming soon and more frequently, so I will try to be patient and adjust. I just think the Conan video below sums up how I feel best.
Philip Bloom testing the new Sony NEX-FS100
As I get more comfortable with my AF100 through everyday use, I have come to understand its benefits and downfalls. For the $4,500 price tag, I believe it to be a superb video camera. Most people will agree with me. However, it is not fairly compared to something like the F3 or such standards as ARRI or RED. And, it is hard to compare this video system to something like Canon 5D mark II. The quality of the 5D is superior due to the full-frame sensor, but the difficulty of using a HDSLR as a true video camera can turn off a typical video professional.
My overall take on the Panasonic AG-AF100 is that it is a great mid price point video camera. Give you a more shallow depth of field, allows the use of great lenses, and costs much less than the cameras it is compared to. If you are used to the 5D, this camera will probably fall short on quality of the image, but its ease of use will be a blessing. And, if you have the money to purchase a ARRI or RED … get that instead. But, for a new video production company owner, like myself, this is a great camera for online video production. This camera, with the Olympus f/2.0 lenses has allowed me to create a far superior product than my old Panasonic AG-HMC150. While I love this camera, and it works great for event videography and run and gun shooting, it does not give you any shallow depth of field or honest manual settings. Know your industry and what needs you have for your production and go from there.
Palin hopes “the lamestream media won’t twist my words by repeating them verbatim.”
The Civil War 150 Years Later
If it came to a conflict of arms, the war will last at least four years. Northern politicians will not appreciate the determination and pluck of the South, and Southern politicians do not appreciate the numbers, resources and patient perseverance of the North. Both sides forget that we are all Americans. I foresee that our country will pass through a terrible ordeal, a necessary expiation, perhaps, for our national sins.
Robert E. Lee – May 5, 1861
15" 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro
Charlie Sheen Internship
Panasonic AG-AF100
The brand spankin’ new Panasonic AG-AF100. The first generation of the new hybrid video camera. Hybrid in the sense that it is a reasonably priced video camera system that shoots similar to a HDSLR, large Micro 4/3 sensor with interchangeable lenses.
A revolution has occurred in the video industry. As you will see in many of the videos I put on my blog, a shallow depth of field and a cinema-like shot is finally being demanded by video professionals everywhere — even on a tight budget. With the artistic use of the Canon 5D Mark II video functions, a new genre of video and film production has been created. Most people do not realize the success of the Canon “add-on” video feature to their top end DSLR cameras and how it is rapidly changing the video industry. In fact, some of your favorite television shows (Season finale of House), movies and online video content come from a HDSLR and not some expensive cinema camera.
No longer are the prosumer video cameras of old good enough. The large, 35mm-like, full-frame sensor of the Canon 5D Mark II showed the digital world how the right sensor in a small, and affordable camera frame, can produce film ready material. Playing around with a Canon 5d Mark II for a weekend shoot showed me how superior the sensor really is in the image quality it produced. I love my Panasonic AG-HMC150 and have no complaints with its overall production, but it cannot compare to the shallow depth of field footage of the 5D.
The downside of using HDSLRs for video production comes when you try to use it in a full production capacity. It has a max shoot time of 12 minutes (not great for a rolling interview or event), you need to buy a number of additional supports to get a truly steady shot (an additional $5,000+ to set up a solid rig) and, if you want to capture usable audio, it is not possible using the camera’s native functions.
Panasonic's microsite for the AG-AF100
With video professionals demanding more, Panasonic responded first with the AG-AF100, which shipped early 2011. It is priced in a very modest price range when compared to competitors, like the Sony PMW-F3L ($13,000+) and RED ($25,000++), and the Panasonic camera produces an absolutely stunning image. With the ability to attach almost any DSLR/SLR lens, with the use of the necessary third party adapters, it has made this camera a perfect option for anyone who has some old Nikon lenses lying around and is working on a tight budget. Instead of buying the Canon 5D Mark II and all the equipment necessary to make it into a functional video camera, now you have the convenience of the AF100. If you like the look of a shallow depth of field (as I do) but demand the simple functionality of a video camera (i.e. XLR inputs, HDMI outputs, and the list goes on and on) buy this camera. It will not give you the same shallow depth of field as the Canon 5D Mark II but it is a great substitute for most users. I will follow up with what I find out about this camera through using it out in the field. Also, I will be posting some sample footage later tonight.
If you want to read all the tech specs and see lens compatibility check out Panasonic’s microsite on the AG-AF100.
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