I'd go for a raid array of HD's with a dedicated raid card, you"ll need plenty of space for certain 4k codecs and with several HD's chained together read and write speeds won't be a bottleneck + you"ll get much more space for the same money compared to ssd.

i'll take your raid and raise you a tape drive!

oh wait, that would be silly...

I still have a serviceable raid10, been reliable as a rock, Going the raid route just introduces a few more points of potential failure and you really need to carefully select your components, SSDs have gotten cheap enough that i'm moving scratch/projects to SSDs with regular HD backups. and for my uses works a treat. then again, to your point Noa, if i had actually kept the BMC4k, i'd have upgraded and be primarily using the raid. can't beat the price to gigabyte ratio of disks

bit off topic,

I have had my AX1 since November now and edit mainly with Edius Pro7. Like AVCHD the load is on the processor not hard drive and although I can get Edius to play just about realtime on my system it is not always consistent. Vegas will not play unless preview resolution is down in the half draft mode. I will be looking at the 8 core processors when they come out later in the year or even save up for a dual Xeon system.

I have a simple 500G WD Black boot, a 500G WD Black for temp files and then storage drives. System is i7 3770K, 16G RAM WIN7. The system will run 4 AVCHD streams multicam from a single 7200 2T WD black and also the AX1 files are on this drive too. Data rates for AVCHD or XAVC-S are not a problem and are a fraction of the hard drives transfer rate capabilities. The transfer rate of a normal 7200rpm drive is 10 times that of a 30P XAVC-S file. If you are limited in drives then multiple accesses can slow down. I still prefer having multiple drives

Backup storage is another issue though. I shoot my AX1 at 60P 150Mbps so files are large. Normally a show with 4 AVCHD cameras is about 80G max. If I substitute the AX1 for the CX700 and XR500 I remove about 40G and add in over 150G !!!! So close to 200G for a 2 hour show with 2 AVCHD cameras and the AX1.

The reason for the AX1 is to learn how to crop and pan a 1920x1080 image so that I can gradually reduce the number of cameras I use. As I get older I do not want to stand up for 2 hours either and would be nice to get to the point where I use just one 4K camera and do all the effective multicam in ediitng. For some time I have used LTO3 tape backup and this is still fine but am thinking of upgrading to LTO5 to maintain LTO3 compatibility and lower cost and increase tape size.

Certainly all the family video is tape backed up as well as on my Synology NAS. Some finished projects are also on the NAS too for quick access.

Ron Evans

Recent AX-100 Shots with camera in NYC

Sony FDR AX100 New York City 4 10 2014 On Auto random Clips... Brian Culberton City Light - YouTube

Do be aware that SSD's and the majority of solid state media will degrade over time. Charge leakage from the memory cells will eventually cause data corruption if the data isn't refreshed periodically.

The Camera Store has a review that may be of interest. Sony AX100 Hands-On Field Test - YouTube.

Ron Evans

^ Except for their really poor white balanced shots taken with the AX100. Pink snow and purple skies are not indicative of the image quality of the camera.

It's funny, for a site that does some nice in-depth reviews, they have some of the poorest shot videos you'll see. This is not just the AX100, but I've seen it with other cameras they've reviewed.

He touched on something that drives me nuts about my AX100....the location of the "focus expansion" button.

We rarely talk about it here. The button could not possibly be in a worse place. If I'm holding the AX100 in my right hand, I literally need to reach around with left hand and press it.

How that button was placed in the design blue prints, survived Sony management meetings, made it's way through all the field testing processes and survived final Sony approval....is mind blowing. WTF?

Sony,..please give us a firmware update like you did with the NX70 and allow us to assign the "photo" button to operate the focus expansion function. You have done this before, please do it again.

I would love to start some kind of online petition.

Does anybody else feel the same way?

AX100 fans unite!! ;-)

CT

Yes Cliff, couldn't agree more. I can only assume that the Sony engineers are blessed with 3 hands. One for holding the camera in their right hand, another for steadying it and dialing in settings on the left side and a third for that focus assist button.

Three hands will work every time.

Three hands will work every time.

Or a tripod. Shooting closeups in 4K is very critical of focus especially when the subject is close. Hand holding with manual focus may not be the best choice. Add to that a frame rate of 24P and the video may not be so good to watch !!!!

I thought the review was quite good. The thing that was obvious was how much sharper the AX100 clips were compared to the camera shooting as the main camera !!! On my Dell 24" I didn't see much of a problem with the WB of the AX100 clips.

Ron Evans

Ron, I'm using the Dell 4K 24" and the WB was horrible. I checked on an Ipad and it was pretty much the same. Skies had a decided purplish hue and the snow was tinged pink.

It looked to me like both his exposure & WB were off. I don't think they do a great job with their video samples at all. The GH4 was another one that could have looked better. I like their reviews, but their samples...not so much.

I have two 24" Dells and a Viewsonic VT2300LED and looked fine on all of them for the AX100 clips and main camera was overexposed a lot of the time though. I think the camera was operated by a substitute for the shoot though. I spotted 2 very short pieces with warmer colour for the snow but still white/cream , actually much like it is here depending on time of day, but sky on my monitors is solid blue with white clouds.

Ron Evans

That is odd Ron. Each 4K Dell comes with its own factory calibration, so I know it can't be too far off. I've watched it on 2 different monitors and the rendition is similar. The contrast between the camera that shot the review and the AX100, in terms of color is pretty stark. Obviously I'm not talking about the stark difference in detail and sharpness which is to be expected. Snow on the camera doing the review is white and some of the AX100 scenes have a pinkish cast in spots.

The sky color is also distinctly different between the two cameras. I know with my AX100 I never get those kinds of purple skies or tinted whites on the snow.

Anyone else seeing this?

My Dell's are not 4K Dells just normal 1920x1200. I have even watched the clips on my other computer with a 15" Phillips monitor same response. Yes there is a little colour shift for the snow but not bad enough for me to worry about on a Youtube playback and living in Canada does depend on the time of day and where the sun is as to how snow looks. Sky though is blue on all of them with definitely white clouds. Difference between the cameras is clear and supports the view of shooting 4K for 2K. Playback was at 1080 for the Dells and for the 15"monitor 720.

Ron Evans

FDR-AX100 Manual (56 pages).
There's also a User Guide, which I was not able to upload. (204 pages). Both available at the link:

Sony eSupport - FDR-AX100 - Support (http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=FDRAX100&template_id=1&region_id=1&tab=manuals#/manualsTab)

Just watched Camera store vid on 2013 Nexus 7 which has a very accurate screen and definitely noticed some purple skies etc. But overall it didn't bother me too much. Decent video considering they were using a sub. Pretty impressed with the ax100 footage, will keep an eye on this one.

Mike, there are many examples of AX100 footage that are far superior to what was shown in that review.

Don't be bothered by the purple skies in the review's sample footage, something was rally whacky with their WB setting.

Is the person in that review not a salesperson for a camerastore in the first place? I don't mean no disrespect but he probably is better at selling camera"s, I noticed something off as well in their sony rx10 review which I didn't experience with my camera, they have the luxury of testing about anything that comes into their store and eventough they seem to know what they are talking about I would not take their videos as a actual reference on how a camera performs, for general info ok but there are more uservideos out there that better show the capabilities of this camera.

Here is a video with plenty of sky on a partly cloudy day. It was not post-processed. If you see purple skies, do not get the camera:

Sony FDR AX100 Video: Baseball in 4K on Vimeo

I do not sell cameras for a living.

The fine tree branches in the distance can be made to go a little purple by just a small tint difference on the monitor. Is that what you are all seeing ? Like Noa and am more interested in what they say about operation or features than the video for any of their reviews. Don't always agree of course !!! Personally I would discount Youtube videos and rely more on downloaded original files from Vimeo. So many issues get introduced in editing and encoding which may be the case with the tree branches affecting the look of the ski around them. I have just gone through the video again and see colour smearing around those branches that I am sure was not there in the original 4K files !!! This could be the cause of the purple look.

Ron Evans

The fellas at the camera store put together some pretty good videos, but they are indeed from a store, so it's unlikely they'll really get into the really unsellable parts of the camera. they do at least point out some things they don't like.

And it's always possible those poor looking shots they had it in full auto. i know, not an excuse, but it would make sense seeing as with the default settings, i found the thing tends to meter overexposed

The AX100 definitely overexposes in auto mode in daylight. I use AE shift to control it, when I do not use full manual, and it is always at least -.5 ev.

The AX100 definitely overexposes in auto mode in daylight. I use AE shift to control it, when I do not use full manual, and it is always at least -.5 ev.

That's true of all the Sony cameras I have !!

Ron Evans

+1

Yup, the AX100 does tend to over expose just a hair. AE -..5 EV does the trick.

What shoe adapter have I to buy if I like to use a third party (non Sony)?
I have written to Sony and they have just answered there is not any adtapter shoe.
For esxample if I need to use a light (non Sony) what have I to buy precisely?
Thanks

What shoe adapter have I to buy if I like to use a third party (non Sony)?
I have written to Sony and they have just answered there is not any adtapter shoe.
For esxample if I need to use a light (non Sony) what have I to buy precisely?
Thanks

This is from Wikipedia on the new Sony MIS on the AX100:

"In September 2012, Sony announced a new ISO-based 21+3 pin Multi Interface Shoe for use with their future digital cameras and camcorders of the Alpha, NEX, Handycam, NXCAM and Cyber-shot series. *This quick-lock hotshoe is mechanically and electrically compatible with a standard 2-pin ISO-518 hotshoe,* but electrically compatible with the previous Auto-lock Accessory Shoe with extensions, so that passive adapters ADP-AMA and ADP-MAA allow to use digital-ready iISO flashes on new cameras and some new Multi Interface Shoe equipment on older cameras, while providing compatibility with standard ISO-based equipment as well."

Why do you think you need an adapter?

On Alpha cameras, (or new Cybershot like an RX10) you can simply connect anything with a standard shoe mount. No problems.

On the AX100 and other Handycams now, Sony "sunk" the shoe into the body. They then added and left and right "notch" into the shoe blades. This blocks the direct use of a standard show connector. (like a Rode mic or any non- Sony LED light) Unless you want to cut "notches" into your mic shoe connector.

Sony products all if a "gap" in the middle of the left and right shoe blades allowing Sony products to "drop-in" and lock to the AX100 sunken shoe mount.

Yes, it's evil. Yes, you need an adapter to rise the shoe up an inch so you can plug a standard ISO device.

Yeah,...it's shady and sketchy on Sony's part. But I guess Sony accessories are a big business for them and they want to protect it.

CT

What shoe adapter have I to buy if I like to use a third party (non Sony)?
I have written to Sony and they have just answered there is not any adtapter shoe.
For esxample if I need to use a light (non Sony) what have I to buy precisely?
Thanks

Here you go! I just purchased one off Ebay last week as I needed it for this weekend.

Sony ADP-MAC Multi-Interface Shoe Adapter ADPMAC B&H Photo Video

I have this light and I will need to use it with AX100:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312AS-Bi-Color-Changing-Dimmable-LED-Video-DSLR-Camera-Light-Panel-3200k-5600k-/181363943544?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item2a3a222878

Here you go! I just purchased one off Ebay last week as I needed it for this weekend.

Sony ADP-MAC Multi-Interface Shoe Adapter ADPMAC B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/913242-REG/sony_adpmac_shoe_adapter.html)

OK, I will buy it. Thanks!!

PS: out of curiosity: is it the same shoe adapter?
http://www.ebay.it/itm/ADP-MAC-SONY-MULTI-INTERFACE-SHOE-ADAPTER-for-active-interface-accessories-/231087504565?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35cde37cb5
Can I buy it too?

Is it possible to add a shoulder strap on AX100 with some trick?

I read strange writings on NP-FV100 batteries.
On some sites I see 3700 mAh and on others 3900 mAh. I attach some links but they could be many discordant links:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NP-FV100-Rechar...s=Sony+NP-FV100 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NP-FV100-Rechargeable-Battery-Packaging/dp/B00336G7FA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1398236470&sr=1-1&keywords=Sony+NP-FV100)
http://www.ebay.it/itm/Genuine-Sony-NP-FV1...=item1c399e8acb (http://www.ebay.it/itm/Genuine-Sony-NP-FV100-V100-High-Capacity-Long-Life-Battery-For-HandyCam-DEV-/121225775819?pt=UK_Camera_Batteries&hash=item1c399e8acb)
www.sony.it/electronics/batterie-videocamere/np-fv100 (http://www.sony.it/electronics/batterie-videocamere/np-fv100)
Is a genuine Sony NP-FV100 3700 mAh or 3900 mAh?

That's the same one!

"Is it possible to add a shoulder strap on AX100 with some trick?"

It would be really, really good if you read the manual (given the number of questions you are asking), the link to which has been posted many times. If you did do that, you would see that there is a metal shoulder strap loop in the back of the hand loop.

And I mentioned using a lanyard with a clip to attach to just such a metal ring... used that for several generations of Handycams now.... though I suspect the AX100 is a bit heavier than earlier models.

Has anyone compared the 1080P video shot with the CX900 with that shot with the AX100?
Denny

Can the ax100 shoot 1/33.3, 1/50, 1/100 at 24p?
Thanks

And I mentioned using a lanyard with a clip to attach to just such a metal ring... used that for several generations of Handycams now.... though I suspect the AX100 is a bit heavier than earlier models.

I have yet to see an AX100, but the local Best Buy had a CX100 on display. So, close enough for size comparison.
These cameras are HUGE next to their video camera brethren. Twice as big, twice the weight. Definitely feels hefty on your hands. Small compared to pro level cameras, of course, but they certainly set the new standard for consumer cams.
So, the question is - the AX100 or GH4?

Glen, both! I've got a GH4 coming next week and I'm really looking forward to comparing my AX100 to the GH4.

I'm going with the AX100. It might just replace 2-3 of my other cameras. Something I'm curious to see is how the low light performance compares to the XF305. Bigger sensor, better low-light, right? That's what I've been hearing for years, so now watch, this camera will be the exception. I should be able to test for myself soon enough. Fingers crossed.

Mark

Have anyone did a size comparison between the HC1 and the AX100 and took a photo of it?

Bigger sensor, better low-light, right?

Not necessarily, my Sony cx730 @ 21db is about equal @ 8000 iso on the rx10 and the cx730 has a bit cleaner image at that iso.

I'm going with the AX100. It might just replace 2-3 of my other cameras. Something I'm curious to see is how the low light performance compares to the XF305. Bigger sensor, better low-light, right? That's what I've been hearing for years, so now watch, this camera will be the exception. I should be able to test for myself soon enough. Fingers crossed.

Mark

Mark, the AX100 is quite good in low light. If you're at all familiar with the RX10, the AX100 is a bit better than that.

Glen, both! I've got a GH4 coming next week and I'm really looking forward to comparing my AX100 to the GH4.

Great, please post the result.

Thanks Ken,
Not familiar with the RX10, but I'll take it as a considerable improvement over my current gear. So this one definitely could tick a few boxes for me; 4K, low-light, IR, smaller form-factor, ND filters.

Mark

I have yet to see an AX100, but the local Best Buy had a CX100 on display. So, close enough for size comparison.
These cameras are HUGE next to their video camera brethren. Twice as big, twice the weight. Definitely feels hefty on your hands. Small compared to pro level cameras, of course, but they certainly set the new standard for consumer cams.
So, the question is - the AX100 or GH4?

I've seen a AX100E and it is even bigger than my old Optura 20!

My preference is the GH4 due to the fact the firmware in the AX100 has to correct for the lens, which has a bad case of barrel distortion.

Great, please post the result.

Watch the video review. At about 2:12 he discusses low light and the fact that he was surprised that it was a bit better than the RX10. Prior to selling my RX10, I found the same thing in comparing the two for low light.

I'm not a big fan of their video samples since I think they're often not shot particularly well, but in general, their reviews are pretty decent.

Sony AX100 Hands-On Field Test - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5e-GphXgkk#t=277)

My preference is the GH4 due to the fact the firmware in the AX100 has to correct for the lens, which has a bad case of barrel distortion.

That kind of thing doesn't bother me as long as it's corrected one way or the other. It's the final picture that counts in my book.

Has this thread moved?

Unfortunately not yet, I think!

I think it has just got too big and unwieldly no-one is bothering with it anymore!

Vaughan

I shot some super action stuff last weekend and noticed some new quirks. If you shoot rapidly as in record start stop , start stop type of shooting it will lag really bad. I was getting 4-5 seconds delay sometimes from hitting start to when it would record. Maybe it was the video writing to the card?

1080 60p and 720 120p RC cars
Losi 5ives at Irvine Lake RC - YouTube

4K RC Cars, The youtube stream looks super horrible even in 4K. On my computer it looks smooth.
Irvine Lake RC - Losi 5ive T in 4K - YouTube

Joey,

Thanks for posting that cat-less video. I'm still waiting on my camera to arrive. I'm encouraged about the high-speed mode; not as worried about the rolling shutter anymore. May not even be an issue at the 720p resolution. In 120fps, is there a record time limitation, or does the memory card keep up?

Mark