Panasonic AF100: camcorder or DSLR?
Camera producers are trying to enrich the niche market as much as they can through a trick. They either use common components for more cameras, or combine more elements which apparently seem different.
Panasonic decided to use this idea and came up with a professional camera that is based on a Micro Four Thirds sensor. The result was named Panasonic AF100 and can be seen in the photo presented below.
What is Micro Four Thirds?
In order to be able to better understand the new product we must remind you that Micro Four Thirds is a standard created by Panasonic and Olympus in 2008’s summer for taking compact cameras one step further. Producers that choose this standard use the same design like for compact cameras, and the same image sensor, but the performance of these cameras is close to the one you will find at DSLR cameras. One of the reasons this standard was created is obviously reducing production costs while providing similar specs to the top notch devices.
Not your typical camcorder
Technical specs
In the case of the Panasonic AF100 you can fix Micro Four Thirds compatible lenses in front of the classical image sensor. You will have to buy them separately as they are not included in the package. I must say that this is rather unpleasant. This means you will pay even more compared to the original price Panasonic will ask you for the camera, which, as we will see is not small at all.
In its promoting campaigns for this product Panasonic insists on the new gadgets capability of HD video recording. Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) video recording is possible at 60 or 50 frames per second while the HD 720p (1280×720 pixels) video recordings can be done with 30, 25 or 24 frames per second. Compression type is AVCHD. In addition to this the Japanese say that the battery can last up to 12 recording hours. This means the camera can also be used at events that last a long time.
Accessories for Panasonic AF100
Panasonic AF100 is compatible with Lumix G lenses, filters and adaptors of the Japanese company in order to use 35mm lenses. To this features you can add the presence of HD SDI and XLR ports.
Such a camera requires a high storage capacity. This is why the Panasonic AF100 is compatible with the newest SD formats: SDHC and SDXC.
Availability and price
Unfortunately for those who want a Micro Four Thirds standard high performance camera from Panasonic they now have two obstacles. The first one is that the product will only be found in shops starting December. The second is price related. The AF100 will be priced at no less than 6.000 dollars on Amazon.com. This is why few of us will be able to afford one. Let us just hope Santa will be generous this year.
Panasonic AF100 hands on presentation:
Ionut is Chief Editor. He has a degree in Computer Science BA and worked in IT since 2002. Ionut is now managing several tech sites, including GadgetRoad. Find me on Twitter
It seems like everybody wants to have all in one devices, but I think single purpose devices tend to be better (even if you do have more stuff to carry around). I may have (and love) an iPad, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a Kindle – it’s better for reading. Similarly, I have a DSLR and I want a video camera, and I want them to be two separate pieces of equipment!