Sony PMW-F3 and Panasonic AF100 dedicated boards...

[Chris Hurd]

Open to suggestions with regard to how this cam should be situated
within DVi's forum order. It's part of the XDCAM family, but do you
think it should have its own board, because of how unique it is?

Edit: Above refers to the new Sony PMW-F3 but applies to the
Panasonic AF100 as well. The AF100 is part of the AVCCAM family,
but I'm thinking it probably deserves its own area.

[Dave Elston]

Perhaps just add a fourth heading to the Sony XDCAM and NXCAM Camera Systems...

"Sony XDCAM Big Sensor for Bigger Pockets" specifically for the F3.

I intended to suggest that as a joke, but realize it isn't that funny because it's true.

[Craig Seeman]

This camera's an extremely different one to categorize. It may depend on possible forum reconfiguration.

Large Sensor cameras.
Digital Cinema cameras.
Cameras for Episodic TV production.

By codec it's XDCAM EX 35mbps 4:2:0 but is that really the intended primary codec for this camera or is just a built in proxy with the primary intent to use HD-SDI out and Dual Link? Certainly all EX cameras have the codec in common but the others may chose to use EX as primary recording and this camera it would be no way (IMHO) given its target market.

Maybe it's time for a "Professional Large Sensor" forum.

[Dan Keaton]

Dear Chris,

I would recommend a separate board, or a separate sub-forum.

While this new PMW-F3 camera is widely compared to other cameras, such as the AF100/AF101, from what I have heard from knowledgeable people, is that this camera has an outstanding sensor and is a very upscale product with a low price tag.

The only thing that would put this in the category of an EX1/EX3/PMW-320/PMW-350 camera would be that it records, internally at 35 Mbps 4:2:0.

But, of course, there are external recorders to allow higher quality recordings.

Since very few have seen actual footage from this camera, I feel that it is premature to put it in the same category with under $10,000 cameras.

[Chris Hurd]

Split this thread out of the tech. discussion of the Sony F3...

I prefer to keep 'em all grouped by manufacturer, but I'm not married that idea.

While we're at it, we should probably create a home for the Sony NEX-VG10
and Panasonic TM700.

[Jason Burkhimer]

Chris, a dedicated home for the VG10 would be greatly appreciated. Also, as far as the F3 is concerned, I think giving it its own home would be a smart play. If current web rumblings are correct, it will have similiar products joining it from Sony as well, in which case, you could re-title the channel to encompass whatever products fit the somewhat unique market. "Sony Large Sensor Digital Cinema" with some sort of spin to differentiate it from the High-end CineAlta stuff. My 2 cents.

-burk

[Guy McLoughlin]

I think there should be a separate Digital Cine section for large sensor ( larger than 2/3 inch ) cameras. Neither the Panasonic AF-100 or the Sony PMW-F3 have much in common with their ENG siblings, and I imagine the style of digital cine shooting will be quite different from traditional ENG work.

[Chris Hurd]

We have that already, sort of:

HD and UHD ( 2K+ ) Digital Cinema Forum at DVinfo.net

[Jason Burkhimer]

Another idea, Chris, is that I know you said that you like to keep camera categories grouped by manufacturer, but what if you had a Digital Cinema Category (2/3 sensor and up, interchangeable lens, a set minimum codec requirement and feature set, etc) that encompassed all cameras fitting the bill, and you put that category in each manufacturer's grouping, but had it linked all to the same forum?

-burk

[Jason Burkhimer]

call it Digital Cinema 1080p...

[Glen Vandermolen]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

We have that already, sort of:

HD and UHD ( 2K+ ) Digital Cinema Forum at DVinfo.net

Right now, HD & UHD sub-category is listed under the HD Video Acquisition section.
Perhaps this category of cameras will soon be large enough to have its own section, ie: Canon, Sony, etc. Then, you can list each camera by the manufacturer. Within a year, this category of cameras may be packed with new models.
But listing the cameras under their manufacturer is good, too.

[Chris Hurd]

Sure appreciate all the great suggestions. I think what we're
going to do is keep 'em all grouped by manufacturer, and list
them from the top down in order of price. In the Sony category
we'll start with the F3 and go down to HDV & DV at the bottom.

Digital Cinema is kinda hard to pigeon-hole. My first exposure
to it was Bennett Miller's The Cruise, from 1998, shot on a
VX1000. If it's digital, it can be digital cinema.

[Chris Hurd]

The Sony F3 board is up: Sony XDCAM F3 CineAlta Forum at DVinfo.net

And one for the Sony VG10: Sony AVCHD NEX-VG10 Forum at DVinfo.net

And the Panasonic AF100: Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Forum at DV Info Net

[Erik Phairas]

I think it's fine the way it is.

[Nigel Barker]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

And the Panasonic AF100: Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Forum at DV Info Net

What happened? This now redirects to a sub-forum of DVXUser AF100 Did I miss an announcement?