4K Chat

I would definitely take a larger dslr body than the GH4 if it internally captured 10 bit 4.2.2 and didn't have to worry about an external recorder. I'm more of a ruin and gun shooter and a lot of equipment just isn't wanted.

I'm looking at the GH4, and waiting for it to be available. In the meantime, the Sony AX100 has also caught my eye. Any thoughts on that camera?

I think 4K is not there yet. Still in the early stages. For my taste too much rolling shutter.

@stefhoffer - I think most everybody sent their AX100 back except for WHSTOCK and ODESIGNS . I think the problem was too much noise because of the small sensor.

I don't have an AX100. I have the AX1.

In fact, here is my latest batch of clips shot with my AX1. I think the results are quite acceptable.

Stef, I've been seriously going for the AX100 as an interim camera - I need something that is smaller than the FS700 (which I intend to upgrade going the Odyssey 7Q route) but for now, the AX100 would fill the void I have between the heavy/cumbersome FS700 and the pocketable limited lens RX100m2. While it is likely true that the codec will make me sad at times, and the rolling shutter will rear its ugly head when I need to shoot fast-moving objects, I am comparing this camera not to my ideal of perfection, but to a very realistic approach based on several factors:

1. No camera is perfect.
2. This camera has integrated zoom lens and required no "kit" and can be simply picked up and carried, and used, whereas another might need several lenses, and, in some cases, additional bits of gear to realize the superiority thereof, reducing the convenience factor.
3. Based on my research on specs, and actual footage downloaded, the codec /lens combo is superior, but similar to that of HDV, which, as anyone who cares knows, is pretty darn disappointing. However, for a run and gun shooter, having the ability to have a camera on hand at all times and not have to worry overmuch about hard drive space while shooting, and the fact that HDV clips still sell very well, the convenience factor is very high, and
4. The convenience and simplicity of the camera, ---when taken into account given acknowledgement of the "gotchas"--- is such that it makes it more likely that the shooter "gets the shot". Having an external recorder on a small camera such as the GH4 might be fine for premeditated shooting, but in my experience, the inconvenience of external recorders causes lost opportunities and frustration, thus negating some of the benefit of having theoretical better quality. Better quality of a missed shot is still nothing. And "better quality" is also very relative. A lot of shooters here on Pond5 do very great work and sell a lot, even at very good prices, and they are using "consumer" cameras.
5. The cost of the camera is such that it makes it likely that, despite the fact that it has limitations in 4K mode (such as excessive RS artifacts and low frame rate of 30p) it will allow for one to publish and sell 4K clips, and because of the hype factor, the amount of sales might lead to an initial wave of profitable sales numbers, allowing one to more strongly and safely consider the wider array of choices when 4K comes of age properly.
6. Based on the download of Vegas 13 and messing with AX100 footage (4K) I am satisfied, even happy with the fact that my computer easily plays and edits this, therefore at least for now, I can hold off spending another quarter's earnings on computer upgrades. Noise is not a factor at all based on what I've seen, at least until I crop into the 4K footage to pull an actual pixel 1920x1080 - and after doing that, Neat Video knocks it out easier than it took care of HDV noise. Note: The compression artifacts are very similar.
7. The camera shoots awesome HD (60P), or you can downsample your 30P 4K for very sharp HD output. Obviously too, you can pull at least three HD clips from every 4K clip, based on reframing. Your mileage will vary per shot, of course.
9. I can't count, so don't listen to a word I say.
11. Looks like profile controls for shooting flat in-camera are minimal, which is a bigger downside for me than some of the others.

Finally - I am feeling that I need to buy this camera soon, and check it out. I'll send it back if it really is crappy. I am picky, critical, and cautious, but I also have come to terms with statement #1.

The one I sent back was the Sony Z-100 due to noise and grain. Sony at NAB admitted that it is a 9am - 5pm camera ... bright daylight.

I totally forgot to talk to Sony about the AX100. Anyone else at NAB have a good look at it?

My mistake.

I think this is the link to the test footage (mostly handheld, still shots, but then, we all know we don't want to be aggressively panning this camera!) Download AX100 footage here http://s3.amazonaws.com/videos.vimeo.com/237/148/237148984.mp4?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJCX4YKY455TWB7MQ&Expires=1397359212&Signature=ZPL2%2Bfw1fQ7phEdcvzih4yrwn9E%3D&filename=Sony+FDR+AX100+4K+Video%3A+Indoors+and+Outdoors.mp4

Also, this is the kind of reading I've been poring over, besides many many various test videos, etc. Yeah, I know - I look like a Sony fanboy myself, but bang for the buck and ergonomics seem best to my mind. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-520933-p-21.html

I think it could be a stockworthy camera for a general shooter, not a pixel peeping cinematographer, of course, but hey, what do I know?

If someone could please point out why I SHOULD NOT buy this camera it will make my Wifey happier with me and my life easier, if not longer....