Panasonic announces Micro Four-Thirds camcorder

Wholy Molly! Didn't see this coming. Would you consider a 4/3 camcorder?

from dpreview

Panasonic has announced the first professional camcorder with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Capable of recording full 1080p HD videos at various frame rates, the AG-AF100 is compatible with the company's line up of Lumix G lenses, filters, and adapters. Building on the success of the DMC-GH1 camera with videographers, the company says this higher-end model is 'targeted at the video and film production communities.'

http://www.dpreview.co​m …41203panasonica​gaf100.asp

This is going to put a hurt locker on Canon, or Panasonic is shooting itself in the foot. I'm not sure. Seems like a great way to leverage the 4/3 development to make a camcorder that people would want. Yikes!

Check out the 48v phantom power mic source.

Fotodiox makes tilt-shift adapters so you can use older manual focus lenses on 4/3 cameras. This has some real potential for creativity.

I don't see this as putting Canon in a hurt locker any time soon.

1. Its coming out late 2010, at which time the mark III will be on every ones lips
2. Its 6,000$ USD
3. Its AVCHD
4. Lenses not as diverse as Canon

Also remember that Canon has significant experience in the camcorder segment; so they can make their own model (full frame or 1.6 crop) before they are hurt significantly.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
4. Lenses not as diverse as Canon

Actually, 4/3 is the one format that can be adapted to more different mounts than the Canon EF mount. There's finally a use for all those old Canon FD lenses on ebay.

check out freshdv.com/nab for the coverage of that camera.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
I don't see this as putting Canon in a hurt locker any time soon.

1. Its coming out late 2010, at which time the mark III will be on every ones lips

Movie makers will look for options. This is a valid option for them.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
2. Its 6,000$ USD

Given the fact that movie cameras are 6 figures, I think they don't mind this price.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
3. Its AVCHD

Yes, at the highest bit rate.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
4. Lenses not as diverse as Canon

Are you kidding? it takes all panasonic, olympus, Canon FD, nikon, leica, etc. Far more options than Canon.

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
Also remember that Canon has significant experience in the camcorder segment; so they can make their own model (full frame or 1.6 crop) before they are hurt significantly.

And Panasonic doesn't?

Look at this thing, it's beautiful
http://crews.tv/files/​2010/10/AF100-039.jpg

I've pretty much decided I'm gonna buy one (started saving already).

Canon should REALLY try and make a camera like this. Pansonic have a HUGE following in the indie film world... this camera is gonna sell well

krb wrote in post #9988932
Actually, 4/3 is the one format that can be adapted to more different mounts than the Canon EF mount. There's finally a use for all those old Canon FD lenses on ebay.

Yeah, I can use my Nikon lenses on this (with an adapter) which makes it pretty rockin'

RWatkins wrote in post #9988914
I don't see this as putting Canon in a hurt locker any time soon.

1. Its coming out late 2010, at which time the mark III will be on every ones lips
2. Its 6,000$ USD
3. Its AVCHD
4. Lenses not as diverse as Canon

Also remember that Canon has significant experience in the camcorder segment; so they can make their own model (full frame or 1.6 crop) before they are hurt significantly.

1. Mark III?
2. $4,995 actually
3. Good point, the colour depth won't be as good as some other cams. BUT compared to DSLR pictures, there will be less aliasing and moire because of the sensor is conditioned for video use not still photography (they use a low pass filter that helps in those areas).
4. Very debatable point.

Panasonic are very highly regarded in the video camera area. So are Sony.

That said, I'm sure Canon will bring out a Camera like this one day too.

Stealthy Ninja wrote in post #11137291
Panasonic are very highly regarded in the video camera area.

They make very respectable security cameras too.

This is just one of many that will hit the market in next few years. Sony has already announced one as well.

jetswing wrote in post #11138345
This is just one of many that will hit the market in next few years. Sony has already announced one as well.

The Sony NEX-VG10 is OK (kinda crippled though). This Panny on the other hand (from preliminary reports) is gonna be Panasonic gold.

You're right though, many more cameras like this will come out. Sony will probably make a pro version of the VG10 and Canon won't be far behind.

Looks interesting.

Price wise, I agree it's going to run close to $5K-$6K without lens.

Weight wise(big deal to videographers) it's still going to be in that 4-6lb range with lens....same as a lot of AVCHD products out there...pro that is.

What about XLR inputs? Big deal to videographers.

I don't see anything about sound?

westernminnguy wrote in post #11140340
Looks interesting.

Price wise, I agree it's going to run close to $5K-$6K without lens.

Weight wise(big deal to videographers) it's still going to be in that 4-6lb range with lens....same as a lot of AVCHD products out there...pro that is.

What about XLR inputs? Big deal to videographers.

I don't see anything about sound?

Dude you need to do a bit more research before posting.

Panasonic announced it will be $4,995. No word on if that includes a kit lens.

Weight isn't a big deal unless you need to carry it around a lot. Unless you mean it should be heavy.

Yes it has XLR inputs and HD SDI.

http://www.dpreview.co​m …010/10101505pan​aaf100.asp

Good info on ag-af100 for those who doesn't like to read:
http://vimeo.com/15841​264