Panasonic AG-AF101 Micro Four Third HD Camcorder

The AF101 is designed to allow production industry professionals to achieve a cinema-like HD results much more easily than would be possible using other equipment.

The AF101 is the world* first professional HD camcorder to come equipped with a four-thirds MOS image sensor. Optimised for high-definition video recording, the large image sensor on the AF101 enables users to achieve cinema-like results with full artistic control over depth of field. This cost effective camera delivers the look and feel of 35mm, without all the compromises and headaches that come from shooting on DSLRs.

The AF101 utilises Micro Four Thirds lenses or, with the correct conversion adaptor, can accept prime or photographic lenses.

The camera can record video in full HD (1080i/p)/720p formats including 1080/24p native mode with Full HD Variable Frame Rate (VFR) function.

Video can be recorded onto the new larger capacity SDXC memory cards in professional high quality PH mode (up to 24Mbps). Two SD card slots allow relay recording from one SD (SD / SDHC / SDXC) card to another to give recording capacity of up to 12 hours in PH mode or 48 hours in HE mode. The camera is also equipped with HD SDI output and XLR audio 2ch (48 V phantom power source compatible) inputs. Time code recording feature is also available.

*1: As of November 2010 (based on a Panasonic survey)

Barry Green's The AF100 DVD

The complete video guide to Panasonic's large-sensor AVCCAM camcorders! The AF100 DVD is the most thorough, comprehensive instructional video available for the AF100 series of cameras.

For full information on Barry Greens Complete Guide to the AF100 DVD, please click here

Interview with Barry Green:

World's First* to Adopt Micro Four Thirds
The AG-AF100 series is the first professional HD camera recorder to adopt the Micro Four Thirds standards. These standards were announced in 2008 as an extension of the Four Thirds standards for DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. Panasonic and some other manufactures have already released a number of digital cameras and interchangeable lenses based on the Micro Fourth Thirds standards.

The "Four Thirds" name is derived from the 4/3-type (approx. 17.3 mm x 13 mm/ approx. 0.68 inches x 0.51 inches) image sensor. The size of the image sensor, the standardized lens mount developed for it, and interchangeable lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras form the core of the Four Thirds standards. These standards were established to offer an optimal solution for digital cameras, breaking loose the confines of film camera standards. In establishing the Micro Four Thirds standards, the flange back distance (the distance from the lens mount surface to the image sensor) was reduced by about half and the mount diameter was made about 6 mm (0.24 inches) smaller than that of the Four Thirds mount. The image sensor size is the same as that of the 4/3 type used in the Four Thirds standard. The Micro Four Thirds standards have made it possible to reduce the size and weight of cameras and lenses, and to achieve greater interchangeability of lenses together with video recording capability.

* As of November 2010 (based on a Panasonic survey)

4/3-type MOS Image Sensor
The 4/3-type MOS image sensor in the AG-AF100 series has about the same imaging area* as that of 35mm cinema film. The depth of field and the focal range are also close to those of film cameras. With the AG-AF100 series, you can record beautiful, shallow depth of field, film-like images.The MOS sensor has two control lines as compared to the three lines required by a conventional CMOS sensor, thus providing a larger light receiving area. This has achieved a high level of sensitivity rivaling that of a CCD sensor. Extensive noise reduction measures are also employed, such as embedded photodiodes isolated from noise sources and low-voltage operation. By guiding more light to the pixels, the AG-AF100 series achieves a wide dynamic range and detailed gradation with minimal blocked shadows or blown highlights in high-contrast scenes, for true-to-life textures and rich colors.

* The effective imaging area is trimmed to a 16:9 aspect ratio.

A Low-Pass Filter for High-Quality HD Motion Images The AG-AF100 series' optical low-pass filter is optimized for HD motion images and reduces the aliasing noise that often occurs in motion images captured by an image sensor with a high pixel density. In addition, the MOS image sensor is scanned at a high speed in order to minimize skew distortion.

High-Performance 18-bit DSP The AG-AF100 series is equipped with a high-performance 18-bit digital signal processor (DSP) for image processing. Optimized for HD video recording, the DSP handles various image rendering processes, such as dynamic range stretch (DRS), gamma, 12-axis independent color correction* and detail enhancement, as well as conversion to HD/SD video formats - all with exceptional precision and high image quality.

* 12-axis independent color correction can’t be controlled manually by a customer. Internal Optical ND Filter
The AG-AF100 series has an internal neutral density (ND) filter that is essential for video recording. The dedicated dial on the camera body lets you adjust the setting in three steps (1/4ND, 1/16ND, and 1/64ND) with any type of lenses.

Dynamic Range Stretch Function
DRS recognizes the average brightness of highlight and shadow areas and then automatically adjusts the aperture and uses knee control to suppress blocking in the shadow areas. In scenes with mixed dark and light areas, DRS automatically provides a wider dynamic range with minimal blown highlights and blocked shadows.

7-Mode Gamma for Richer Gradation
Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has equipped the AG-AF100 series with advanced gamma functions that address seven different shooting scenarios and enhance your creative abilities. This includes the cinelike gamma, which produces the characteristic warm tone of film recordings.

AVCHD PH Mode for the High Image Quality Required by Professional Applications
The AG-AF100 series uses the AVCHD recording format and also supports the high-image-quality PH mode. AVCHD complies with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 High Profile, the latest motion picture compression technology. Boasting a compression efficiency that is more than twice that of the MPEG-2 system (such as HDV), this advanced video file format delivers superb image quality and low data rates. The PH mode was developed for AVCCAM by Panasonic exclusively for high-quality professional video production. This mode boasts a maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24 Mbps (average: 21 Mbps) and records 1920 x 1080 full-HD images.

Uncompressed LPCM 2-Channel Recording for High-Quality Sound
The PH mode supports uncompressed 16-bit LPCM 2-channel digital audio recording for high-quality sound in addition to Dolby Digital 2-channel audio. The HA/HE mode employs Dolby Digital 2-channel audio recording only.

Multi HD Format Compatibility
The AVCHD PH mode is compatible with multiple HD formats, such as 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p and 720/60p. Additionally, the AG-AF100 series lets you select 60 Hz or 50 Hz to support HD systems used around the world.

* Actual recording is at 60 Hz = 59.94 Hz, 30 Hz = 29.97 Hz, and 24 Hz = 23.98 Hz, respectively.

1080p Variable Frame Rate Recording
The AG-AF100 series has inherited and further advanced the acclaimed functions of the VariCam that is widely used in producing movies, TV programs and TV commercials. The new Variable Frame Rate (VFR) function* supports full-HD (1920 x 1080) progressive mode. Armed with a 20-step undercrank (lower frame rate)/overcrank (higher frame rate) function, the AG-AF100 series is capable of producing cinematic images such as a 1/2.5x slow-motion effect and 2x fast-motion effect when played in 24p mode.

* Cannot be played in 1080/60p mode. 720p VFR not supported. Class 6 or higher SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card is required for VFR recording.

SDXC Memory Card Supported
The AG-AF100 series supports the new SDXC Memory Card. The SDXC Memory Card is a next-generation large-capacity data storage device with upgraded versions of the file system (FAT) and physical specifications of the SDHC Memory Card. Thanks to a large storage capacity, which exceeds the 32 GB limit of the SDHC Memory Card, the SDXC Memory Card can handle large data volumes of 48 GB or 64 GB. It also boasts a high maximum data transfer speed of 22 MB/s* and a wide operating temperature range of -25° to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F). The AG-AF100 series can also use the SDHC and SD Memory Cards.

* The data transfer speed varies depending on the operating system of the SD-compatible devices. The indicated rate was measured at a maximum specification point specified by Panasonic.

Two Card Slots for Relay Recording
The AG-AF100 series has two memory card slots. The active slot for recording can be switched, and the internal relay recording function enables continuous recording by automatically changing the recording card media. By using two SDXC Memory Cards, the AG-AF100 series can record up to 12 hours in PH mode or 48 hours in HE mode*. Video clips can be copied between cards mounted in the two slots.

*When two 64-GB SDXC Memory Cards are used. The maximum continuous recording time is 12 hours regardless of the recording mode. A Class 4 or higher SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card is required for recording in PH or HA mode. For other recording modes, use a Class 2 or higher SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card. (The use of a Panasonic SDXC Memory Card is recommended.)

SMPTE Time-Code Recording and Synchro Function
The built-in SMPTE time-code generator lets you select the Drop Frame/Non-Drop Frame and Free Run/Rec Run modes and preset. User bits are also provided.Connecting two cameras with a TC preset in/out (video out) connector allows the slave camera, to synchronize with the master camera*.
*After synchronization, each camera’s time-code runs separately and not be guaranteed to match precisely.

Still Image Capture (Still Picture)
A frame can be captured from HD video as a still image equivalent to two megapixels (1920 x 1080).

* Still images cannot be captured during motion image recording or in Pre-rec mode.

Camera Metadata Recording
Camera settings for recording operation can be saved as metadata in a clip file. By loading a clip file, the saved settings can be immediately applied.

SDI (24Psf) Output and Auto Rec
The HD/SD SDI output terminal can output HD signals, including 1080/24Psf, or down-converted SD video signals (selectable from the menu). The terminal also supports Auto Rec to enable backup recording in link with Rec Start/Stop when a Panasonic recorder equipped with the same function, such as the AG-HPG20, is used. Embedded audio is also supported.

*The 24PsF output recording is only possible on the AJ-HPM200 or other third party recorders which support 24PsF input.

HDMI Digital HD Output Terminal
The AG-AF100 series is equipped with a next-generation HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output terminal for digital transferring of high-quality HD video and audio signals.

* A separately purchased cable may be required for connecting the AG-AF100 series to a professional monitor via HDMI.

XLR Input for Pro-Quality Audio
In addition to the internal high-performance stereo microphone, the AG-AF100 series comes equipped with two-channel XLR audio input terminals with a 48 V phantom power supply. Each channel can be selected from the internal microphone, external microphone or line input. Large, easy-to-use level dials are also provided.

Down-Converted SD Video Output
The AG-AF100 series has an internal down-converter so that it can output SD (480/576) signals from SDI, HDMI or VIDEO OUT. The 16:9/4:3 aspect conversion mode can be selected from three types (side crop, letterbox, squeeze).

AVCCAM Viewer
Viewing Software for AVCHD files (download free (1))

AVCCAM Viewer for Windows® PC/Mac (2) makes it easy to preview AVCCAM files. Files can be played from an SD Memory Card, Blu-ray Disc, or hard disk, and saved to a PC (hard disk) from an SD Memory Card or Blu-ray Disc. Files can also be copied to an SD Memory Card or Blu-ray Disc (2) or deleted and meta data can be displayed and input.

AVCCAM Viewer System Requirements

• Windows PC
  CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo (2.4 GHz or faster)
  OS: Microsoft® Windows7 (32bit), Windows Vista® (32bit), Windows XP SP3 (32bit)
  RAM: 1GB or more (2GB or more recommended)
• Mac
  CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo 2.6 GHz or faster
  OS: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.4 (Tiger)
  RAM: 1 GB or more (2 GB or more recommended)

(1): AVCCAM Viewer software can be downloaded for free from the following Panasonic website. PASS registration is required. For details, please visit the following website and click on “Support and Downloading Information.”
(2): Copying and playing data on Blu-ray Discs (BD-RE Ver 3.0) are not supported by Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). Do not insert a disc [DVD (AVCHD)] produced with the provided HD Writer 2.5E software into a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. If it is inserted into such a device, the disc may not eject. Also, do not play the disc with a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

AVCCAM Restorers
HD Content File Restore Software (supplied with CD-ROM* (1))

AVCCAM Restorer software can also be used to restore files that were damaged, for example, by a power interruption during recording.

AVCCAM Restorer System Requirements

• Windows PC
  Intel® Core™2 Duo 2.4 GHz or higher CPU is recommended
  OS: Microsoft Windows7 (32bit), Windows Vista (32bit), Windows XP SP3 (32bit)
  RAM: 1GB or more (2GB or more recommended)
• Mac
  CPU: Intel® Core™ Duo 2.0 GHz or faster (including compatible CPU)
  OS: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.4 (Tiger)
  RAM: 1 GB or more (2 GB or more recommended)

(1): AVCCAM Restorer is included in the supplied CD-ROM. This software can also be downloaded free. For details, please visit the following website and click on “Support and Downloading Information.”

AVCCAM SD Card File Recovery
File Recovery Software (download free (1))

This application recovers accidentally deleted video data on an SD Memory Card recorded by an AVCCAM camera recorder.

AVCCAM SD Card File Recovery System Requirement

• Windows PC
  Intel® Pentium III 1.0 GHz or higher CPU ( PC/AT PC) is recommended
  OS: Microsoft Windows7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3
  RAM: 1GB or more (2GB or more recommended)
• Mac
  CPU: Intel® Core™ Duo 2.0 GHz or faster (including compatible CPU)
  OS: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.4 (Tiger)
  RAM: 1 GB or more (2 GB or more recommended)

(1): AVCCAM SD Card File Recovery can be downloaded for free from the following Panasonic website. https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/desk/e/download.htm