Panasonic AG-AF100 Camcorder

Panasonic's AG-AF100 is the first professional 4/3" chip camera optimized for high-definition production. The imaging area of this new breed of cameras is similar to 35mm film and delivers an exquisite film-like shallow depth of field. The AF100 also provides a new level of HD production with extended recording times, and variable frame rates, as well as an operating system and interface designed specifically for video production. Combined, these features let the AF100 users record high-quality 1080 HD images with greater operating ease than any DSLR camera.

The improved 4/3-type MOS sensor has only two control lines (compared to 3 lines required by conventional CMOS sensors) which provides a larger imaging area with a high-level of sensitivity rivaling that of CCD sensors. By guiding more light to the pixels, the AF100 delivers a wide dynamic range and detailed gradation with minimal blocked shadows, or blown-out highlights in high-contrast scenes, for true-to-life textures and rich colors.

MLD AF100's come standard with the Lumix G Vario HD lens (14-140mm f/4.0-5.8). This lens' amazing focal range coupled with silent focus and electronic aperture adjustments, make it perfect for all photo and video applications.

Using the Micro 4/3rd's standard, the lens offers zoom range equivalent to a 28mm to 280mm lens on a full frame camera. To minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, the lens uses four aspherical and two ED elements to achieve dramatic downsizing despite its powerful 10x optical zoom. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses blurring commonly caused during handheld operation, making it easy to shoot clear images at telephoto range, or on dimly lit sets without using a tripod.

In addition to MLD's standard lens, the short flange back of the Micro 4/3rd's mount is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including cinema lenses. With the included Nikon and Canon lens adapter the AF100 can use an array of widely-available still camera, prime, zoom, or film-style lenses. 

Other AF100 features include:

• AVCHD Recording - This advanced video file format delivers superb image quality and low data rates with compression efficiency more than twice that of HDV MPEG-2
   
• Professional Audio Recording - The AF100 supports 2-channel uncompressed 16-bit LPCM digital audio recording using professional XLR connectors
   
• SDXC Memory Cards - SDXC memory cards can handle large data volumes of 48 GB, or 64 GB with maximum data transfer speeds of 22 MB/s
   
• Dual Card Slots - The AF100 has two memory card slots for continuous uninterrupted recording up to 12 hours in PH mode, or 48 hours in HE mode
   
• FILM CAM Mode - To make operation easier for all users, the AF100 can be operated in FILM CAM, or VIDEO CAM mode. In FILM CAM mode, variable frame rate is available. Also, synchro scan and shutter settings can be set and indicated with the opening angle, instead of seconds, while sensitivity can be indicated and set in ISO, instead of dB
   
• Focus Assist - The AF100 HD focus assist indicates level and area to help focus quickly and smoothly. Face detection, as well as area auto focus and area auto iris are also available
   
• Wide ISO Sensitivity - In FILM CAM mode sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 and 3200, while gain can be adjusted between 18 dB and -6 dB in VIDEO CAM mode. The 3-position gain switch can be user-assigned with three desired settings for quick switching. The negative gain (-3 dB, -6 dB) is effective for reducing sensitivity and noise
   
• Slow/Synchro/High-speed Shutter - Shutter speed can be set from a slow 1/2 sec to a fast 1/2000 sec in VIDEO CAM mode. The AG-AF100 series is also equipped with "Synchro Scan" that enables settings from 10° to 360° in 0.5° steps (including 172.8°) in FILM CAM mode. When combined with variable frame rate, this function enables detailed settings for blurred, or time-lapse effects
   
• Simplified Waveform/Vectorscope Display - With a single touch of the WFM button, waveform and vectors of the video signal are displayed on the LCD monitor
   
• User Buttons - Three user buttons are provided for one-touch operation of frequently used functions. Two buttons are located on the control panel, and one button is placed at the upper part of the grip handle. Each button can be assigned with any of 14 built-in functions