Thursday, September 30, 2010

Panasonic AG AF101: DSLR killer?

The amount of noise regarding the subject of "VDSLR is dead" has surprised me. And then I caught up with this announcement from Panasonic, made at IBC:

Panasonic AG AF101

 



What are the issues with DSLR video? Moire (because of OLP Filters made for stills), aliasing, and obvious audio limitations. This announcement foretells a future of many real video cameras, with the same or even better imagers, better quality (Panasonic is only the first) and with all the bells and whistles you have to ether add (like extra boxes for decent sound,) or have to work around on DSLRs.

Not surprised that a manufacturer has paid attention to the market and responded in this way. There will certianly be DSLRs in the future, but I wouldn't look for XLR ins/outs any time soon!


The AF-101 is officially listed at $4,995. In a year from now you can get it for a street price of $4500 or even less. This is way cheaper as the original DVX or HVX200 was. For that you get a camera with XLR, phantom power, ND-Filters, SDI, full HD HDMI out for monitoring (while recording), Zebras, viewfinder, andwhatnot.

Here's a comparison--

$1500 for a 5D body
+BeachTek DXA SLR $400
+three ND filters $300
+Black Magic HDMI to SDI converter $500
+Viewfinder/Loupe $300
+Full HD HDMI out (priceless)

Almost $3000 – and you come not close to the features of a AF-100. And if you want to add a RedRock micro rig, you can plus this up $1000-2500 depending on how many features you'd like to add. Or you can buy the AF-101 and get:

Focus in red Assist – while recording
Line/Mic selectable
Variable frame rates in 20 steps,
P2/AVCCAM Metadata
Two card slots
Professional image controls
Filmlike Cinegamma gamma curves
Color-matched with other Panasonic professional cameras, such as the VariCams
Pre-record,

Continuous recording capacity of over 12 hours in economy mode, and continuous recording of six hours in best-quality mode on a single card . . . and on and on.



Here's an interesting first look at the AF-101:
Gizmag on AG AF101


This ought to be the first of a wave of comparible video products based on video productions built around a sensor. And then there is the Red Scarlet, but that's another discussion altogether.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

DSLRs are over: Discuss

Anyone who has heard me hold forth on the subject of DSLRs making video knows that I think they are a game-changer in many ways. The size of the imager allows the shooter the ability to control depth of field in a way that a 1/3-inch chip simply can't allow. Yet in order to get the sort of form factor pro shooters expect, you have to geek these camera up with outboard equipment: grip cage, rails, focusing knobs, etc. Yet that has been no impediment to a generation of young filmmakers who have embraced the greatly lowered cost of entry and are turning out stunning work.


Some have recently written that ‘it’s over’ for VDSLRs, largely in response to recent announcements by video camera manufacturers about competitive products such as the Panasonic AGF101 recently announced at IBC.


So as you might imagine, when THIS title turned up on an email, it caught my eye. Interesting read.


DSLRs are over: discuss

Saturday, September 18, 2010

More with Jenn


Last weekend had a chance to shoot with Jenn, and one of the setups was with this wedding dress. 
Jenn downplays her ability to portray a feeling; but for the first image, I asked her to "think elegant." I think that came across admirably.

 



Here's Jenn in a more relaxed moment. Great fun. We will do this again.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Jenn Mango session



I really enjoy working with young people who are willing and determined. Jenn, a young model from the Peninsula, is such a person. She's prretty quiet, yet she works hard to build a portfolio and has done sessions with a number of area photographers. Every time out we learn something new. These are from a recent session. More later.


She has a really distinctive look, and is hard-working and willing to try things. Next post will feature some images in a wedding dress!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Huber-Bird wedding






The Huber-Bird wedding at the bandstand on Bethany Beach was a huge success last weekend! And the reception at the Royal Zephyr, featuring dining in train dining cars, was intimate and beautiful. It was a privilege and a pleasure to be there!


Humor and laughter were everywhere apparent.  The nuptials were conducted by Rev. Jacqueline Roderick of Lancaster, PA, a longtime friend of the bride and a funny and gracious lady in her own right.




A beachfront wedding for two incredible people and one blended family. These folks are all about family life and putting their children first. The children were a big part of the ceremony.



 







Thursday, September 2, 2010

La Bella in Ghent

Few things are more gratifying to me than food photography. And when you get to do it where you really enjoy the food, so much the better. La Bella in Ghent is such a place. Located on 22nd Street in the strip mall behind the Marketplace, you know you've arrived when you smell the garlic.
The tortellini, pictured above, are prepared with mushrooms and caprese and are just not to be believed. Incredible dish.


And, of course, they bake their own bread. genuine Italian bread, once almost impossible to find south of the Mason-Dixon line.


They also operate a deli section and offer an intriguing wine list.



And you mustn't forget dessert. The cannoli are made on site, from scratch. Ever since Joseph Campbell said, "Follow your bliss," from that day forward it's been cannoli, cannoli, cannoli...



From their web site:
La Bella in Ghent has an extensive wine list, large variety of Italian wines, which pair well with the menu. Everything made from scratch, the perfect place to have dinner with your family or have a nice romantic date.  Extremely attentive service, makes you feel like part of the family. Lunch offers sandwiches and scaled-down versions of select entrĂ©es. 

Fresh ingredients and careful preparations aren’t surprising, given that chef-owner Andrea DiCarlo learned from his mother, Anna Alaimo, making fresh pasta with her since he was young at the family’s La Bella Italia near the ocean front.