New Panasonic Camcorder w/DoF

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2010/04/11/new-panasonic-m43-camcorder-announced-ag-af100/

Unless Canon comes out with something by then, this will be my new camcorder for long-format recording.

Me too...
I'm really surprised canon didn't come out with something first. But who knows what they have up their sleeve.

"The AF100 incorporates a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager. The camcorder records 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps). Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable.



The AF100 maximizes the potential of its high-resolution imager with built-in ND filtering and dramatically reduced video aliasing. Standard professional interfaces include HD-SDI out, HDMI, time code recording, built-in stereo microphone and USB 2.0. The AF100 features two XLR inputs with +48V Phantom Power capability, 48-kHz/16-bit two-channel digital audio recording and supports LPCM/Dolby-AC3.



This newest Panasonic AVCCAM camcorder is the first to enjoy the benefits of advanced SDXC media card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support. (SDXC is the newest SD memory card specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB up to 2TB). With two SD slots, the AF100 can record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode."

I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but to me that is an ugly looking camcorder!

That looks like an artists rendering, not sure if that is what it really looks like.
But the dissapointing thing is records at 24mbit/sec, and is supposed to be about $6,000
I'll stick with my 5D

Here is some video of the camera.

http://poetzerofilm.com/2010/04/up-close-look-at-panasonic-ag-3da1-and-ag-af100/

This is a Frankenstein camera merging the new GH2 and the HMC 150. If the rumors are true, that the GH2 will offer 1080/60p @ 24mbs and an uncompressed realtime DMI port out; this camera is going to have a tough time. But we have to wait, because all GH2 rumors may be wishful thinking. Panasonic said that the GH2 which was suppose to be out by now will be release maybe in September because they where waiting for their new plant to be finished. I think it is a marketing strategy in order to offer the AF100 for sale first. I also think the the AF100, since it is a movie version of the GH2, that its price should be the same or just below the NX5u depending on the lens they put on the basic unit.

This one from Sony has better looks:

http://vimeo.com/10882451

Now that is cool.
Who knows what will be released next year. I think the fight is on between Canon, Panasonic and Sony
Nikon, well we'll see what they will put out.