At the Bench: Panasonic's AG-AF100

A couple days ago I got my hands on the latest prototype of Panasonic's AF100 camera. I was able to try out some of the features such as the ability to conveniently dial-in frame rate up to 1080/60p, built-in ND filters which preserve shallow depth-of-field when using fast lenses, and the new hi-res LCD screen with focus-in-red mode. Watch my video above to learn more and stay tuned for some upcoming test footage.
For more info on the AF100, visit our product page: www.abelcine.co...

[@AbelCine_official]

The baseplate is from Vocas (15mm Pro Support) and he PL mount is from HotRod. We will have a baseplate system from Hotrod in the future as well as many more.

[@AbelCine_official]

@imperatorMher There are no built in servo (motorized) zoom controls on the AF100- You can always add a motor and zoom controller, but this would require a baseplate with rods, and your lens would have to be geared in order to interface with the motor. When zoom is necessary, most of our clients are zooming manually via the lens barrel.

[@AbelCine_official]

@tneighbors You're correct- Currently, when you shoot off speed (variable frame rate) the audio meter will move and you will hear audio from your headphone jack. This is a known issue, and while we haven't heard from Panasonic regarding this, we anticipate this will be addressed in a future firmware update. Check or subscribe to our blog, as we will certainly post any updates we receive.

[@AbelCine_official]

@199VeightVette I believe these were 12" rods.

[@vladxx2]

Please talk more about the lenses that you have!

[@Texasmediasystems]

Check out the Kipon EOS to MFT adapter with built in aperture control on the Panasonic AG-AF100 with the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens. The adapter has no electronics so it has no auto focus.

[@joshjcarlson]

I've got the AF100 body. I also decided to go with the 14-42 lumix lens for budgetary reasons instead of the 14-140. The body kind of broke the bank. My question is, after the body, what would you guess the cinema ready gear, i.e. PL mount, matte box, rods and mounts (basically, everything BUT the body cost)...

[@hapadave]

@VILLANOVISIONS Looks like a 25mm Zeiss CP.2 with a PL mount via Hot Rod adapter.

[@greengobstopper]

Looking forward to the camera, but why didn't you upload any footage you shot?

[@MrUberTuber]

Thanks for the quick review of this camera. When do you think you'll be able to post some sample video? Wouldn't mind seeing the shallow depth of field in action. Also, how about slow motion? Have you seen any rolling shutter problems? And one last one, how about green screen, does 4:2:0 and Panasonic's tweaked AVCHD codac work for green screen?

[@MattWorkman]

Hey, That looks great all built up, thanks for posting. What baseplate and rod system is that? Is it from Hot Rods like the PL mount? Thanks, Matt

[@121dodgers]

Hey, how do I find the red focus button?

[@benmyrick]

@tneighbors I accidentally did this on a couple shots. Fortunately, we were recording to a backup flash box as well, so nothing was lost, but still REALLY annoying. I thought the way it was on the 170 and 200 was perfect. One shouldn't have to turn VFR Mode on or off. On a real film camera in the olden days, you just turned a knob to set your frame rate. Since then, this task has only become more convoluted.

[@constantian56]

Nice little out fit Guys, do you know the total weight of that unit with rail system, matte box, follow focus and short to mid Prime? regards

[@docufiction]

Where is the test footage?

[@tneighbors]

I don't have this cam yet, but I've read that if you put it in variable frame rate mode you won't be recording audio. That would be ok, but apparently, the meter still moves and you still hear audio out the headphone jack and its pretty easy to accidently switch it into this mode. so there is a chance you might get home after the shoot and find out that you have no audio. Anybody who has the cam have any thoughts on this? I'm considering getting it.

[@WadeMitchell88]

hey, great and thorough analysis of the camera, which I am really excited to hopefully purchase soon, I have a couple questions if you could answer them for me. 1. What is that lense and set up you have on there, I mean everything that is on the lense? 2. How much did the set up cost (excluding the af 100 body)? Thanks!

[@tneighbors]

does the af100 have a knee adjustment in the menu? ive heard and seen negative things about its handling of bright light.

[@spider1g5]

@AbelCineTech do you know of a good way to record external audio?

[@baataroyu989]

How to adjust the external icon does not appear on the screen

[@HJBProductionsLLC]

Am trying to figure out how you dial the WB. I switched to PRST and the VAR but what do you use to dial the value?

[@AbelCine_official]

Here is a response from one of our tech specialists: When using the AF-100 in PRST or Preset mode on white balance, you can cycle through the three modes by pressing the AWB or auto white balance button. The camera will cycle through 3200k (tungsten), 5600k (daylight), and VAR or Variable. In Variable mode, move the Function knob up or down to adjust the value. You can find more details by downloading the manual here: www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/includes/pdf/AG-AF100P_OI.pdf

[@martindeleon9863]

I just bought this camera. Could you please tell me what lens and matte box that was.

[@Scantron2000]

That was a Zeiss CP.2 25mm lens and an Arri MMB-1 matte box.

[@Kilpark448]

How to set focus assist in Red. Mine is in white

[@andreazinga9432]

hello, Great tips on the AF-100....Thank You. I just purchased one, I'm a 25 yr. shooter with over 4,000 TV aired credits This is my first card camera that takes different lenses. Wondering if there's anyone out there or a class where you can go to pick up some good advise and tips about this great camera. I'm in the Chicago area !! Thanks again !

[@Tweek5470]

where can i find the test footage?

[@Roemming]

god, i hate being the kid, watching this... Cuz all i can think of is, boy do i want that.. And then again i think of how menny dishes i have to wash before i can even touch it :O

[@milorecordproduction3514]

Wow can I buy 1from you please I like your setting

[@Skatecareerheaven]

Can you help me with this?

[@Gundrs]

now put a adapted c-mount lens on it...

[@michaelbruchas6663]

This old shooter bought a body to use mft lenses on. Normally a Sony or Canon shooter...

[@Trid3nt861]

wow that is like a $6,000 camera.

[@GeirGJohnsendto]

Has this camera wifi?

[@AbelCine_official]

+Geir G Johnsen Unfortunately, the AF-100 doesn't support Wi-Fi.

[@gotDesign]

Dear Santa...!

[@k.julian1264]

is it better than Gopro?

[@AbelCine_official]

+k. Julian Thanks for watching. A GoPro and an AF-100 are designed for different types of applications, so it's hard to compare the two. You can find more info on the GoPro here: www.abelcine.com/store/GoPro-HERO4-Black-Surf-Edition/ And here is more info on the AF-100: www.abelcine.com/store/Panasonic-AG-AF100APJ-Micro-Four-Thirds-Pro-HD-Camcorder Hope that helped!

[@ChronicCyclesCo]

CAN I HAVE THAT