First look at the Sony NEX FS100

You should all wait for Canon's announcements this on November 2nd: http://www.nextwavedv.com/canon-to-join-the-large-sensor-video-camera-game/

I use a Panasonic HDC-TM700PCK, this replaced my Canon HV30 and I also own a Canon 7D which I use for video. I have noticed that I'm using the TM700 more, the features it has are amazing and for a stock video camera it is small and feature packed, even has a 3 second pre-record feature and time lapse that comes out of the camera stitched together. The successor is the Panasonic HDC-TM900PCK, which is the same camera but offers 3D capability.

I have to agree that the TM900 if it really outputs 28 mbps for under $1k in BHphoto looks very interesting. 3 1/4.1 CMOS, small and inconspicuous makes it a good hand bag camera.

And it shoots 1080/60p and will fit in some pockets, the TM700 is a little lighter in weight.

It may be a nice camera but sony will never get another penny from me.

Maybe you can walk around with this camera (FS100) with a very small pancake lens and people might think that it is a portable TV. [-)

For stock footage using a "camcorder": I think the least expensive option and best investment right now is to purchase a Panasonic AF100/101 plus a recording unit. The reason: it is approved by BBC. BBC has not approved the FS100 yet. I know some of you are going to include de EOS 5D, but the EOS 5D is still not in the list, probably because it does not have a clean HDMI signal. If you buy an EX1, you would still need to buy a recording unit.

The Sony FS100 does not have SDI output nor ND filters nor built in microphones. The Panasonic AF100 is closer to a regular camcorder and therefore quicker to use when you need it.

I was very impressed by this video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANg_VsINOwA

This is always a fascinating topic to read about. I have a great interest in the FS100, and also the EX1R. I now use a Z5U both with and without a PIX 220, which is a solid piece of kit, but adds to the complexity and heft of my rig.

I have decided to go with the EX1R as my next camera, unless something in the same form factor becomes available to beat it, keeping the Z5U, and then later, if I become extra wealthy, go for the FS100.

The AF100 has better commonly used necessities, but also has a few shortcomings as well, not limited to image quality. (so I read in reviews comparing them)

Sonys have always been very tough cameras, putting up with all sorts of abuse. The FS100 is a little more delicate looking, but conducive to all sorts of "artistic" mayhem. Love the 60P.

Won't do DSLR, not for run and gun! Although I might not object to one for stealth mode. That TM700 sounds intriguing.

zr_media: What prompts you to scorn Sony? (Out of curiosity)

Hi,, Im using a Panasonic HDC-SDT750, I believe this to be quite similar to the TM900.

If anyone is interested in this camera I can recommend it but just be aware of two issues I have found with this cam, both concern the time-lapse.

Some users have (me included) noticed problems with compression during time-lapse, a single frame is noticeably over-compressed than others in the sequence. Note this may actually not be a compression issue, but with the pixels looking blurry and distorted they look like an over-compressed image.

Also shutter speed does not go below 1/50 in the time-lapse (or I haven't found a way to make it go lower) This is OK for clouds, sunsets etc but it limits the uses.

The 1080 - 50p is a nice feature but it is stand alone, time-lapse only works in AVCHD

Its a nice compact and light camera, well worth the money even if time-lapse is a bit limited.

It does do 3D with an attachment lens but I've yet to test this feature.

Hope someone found this of use!

Mizamook - this you see this video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBdqeYYO_Ic

The TM700 is a great camera....but I see it as a personal carry along camera. You cannot take it to a professional shoot or to a job. When you are hired you need a relative "big" camera. If you go to a "riot", "disaster" or "protest" with a TM700, the police will not take you as a "serious journalist". You will be a civilian intruder. I am saving for a camera that 1) the broadcast -USA and European- agencies will respect, 2) that I can make a positive impression if hired for a documentary or wedding, 3) that is rugged enough for field work, 4) that can be used seconds after the power switch is turned on. 5) That will make me look as a news videographer when needed. 6) That has been proven for stock footage sales. 7) And that has "acceptable" lowlight performance. There are only 2 cameras that I am looking at; the EX1 and the AF100. The EX1 is a proven rugged camera, compact but much more expensive than the AF100, it does not have 1080/60p and those SS cards are SO EXPENSIVE.

For me the Sony SF100 is for studio work and low budget film work; to be used in more control conditions. I would not take a Sony SF100 on a boat or into a forest. Not good for extreme places or on situations that you get pushed or have to run. In addition, every other Sony camera at that price range has a SDI output. All those buttons on top make it very vulnerable for water damage. I cannot imagine myself with a FS100, out in a hurricane. In windy days that LCD is like a big sail.

If I had a studio, for concert halls, music videos where the camera is going to be fixed and protected in a tripod and low light performance is very important then I would select the FS100.

Wildwatertv uses a Panny AF101: