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Review of the New Sony FS100
This new camera doesn’t appear to be much of an “AF-100 Killer” after all :
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23 Replies
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I don’t know if it’s a killer, but after comparing image quality, the AF100 may want to commit suicide;>)
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Not sure what ya mean about suicide- sounds like the FS offers a marginal improvement in image quality over the AF100 for more money and horrible build quality and ergonomics. No thanks.
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Without having yet elements to comparing both cameras, just the fact that the SONY has no SDI makes me fall for the PANA.
rafael -
No internal ND’s, no HD-SDI output, no waveform/vector, funky form factor(although I think all palmcorders are funky). Resolution seems to be limited to 780 lines, but that more than an AF100, SN ratio is probably superior to an AF100. Latitude and highlight handling would be good to compare. At first glance, the $5850 body price seems a bit high, IMO.
Jeff Regan
Shooting Star Video
http://www.ssv.com -
It amazes me the amount of ire this camera is generating in the Panasonic camp. Both the Sony and the Panasonic are exciting cameras that finally offer some relief from the limitations of DSLRs, and will inject some creative energy into mainstream video production.
Frankly, I think the Sony camera is an innovative design. I especially like the viewfinder setup.
That being said, in the end image quality will carry the day. All else is mere quibble.
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Eric, up to a point image quality is the most important element. But, if your camcorder is poorly built and could break in the field, what good is image quality?
Personally speaking, I’d rather take a hit of a hundred or so lines of resolution, but use a camcorder that is not frustrating and is built to a somewhat higher standard and won’t have bits falling off it within a year or so.
Let’s face it, when was the last time anyone ever had a client complain because they could see a tad of aliasing in an image, or when did you hear a client say “the resolution looks a trifle low”? you won’t, most can’t see or don’t care; so why should we?
I just feel that lately, each time Sony bring out a camcorder, they are becoming more and more ‘flaky’.
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It’s true that, like the HVX200, the AF100 is built like a brick, which may allow it to hold up better under severe abuse. But frankly, I’ve not had an issue with other Sony prosumer cameras like my current NX5U, which seems quite similar in construction quality to the FS100. Generally the build quality of Sony products is very high, and I find the unique design of the FS100 more interesting and versitile than the AF100, which seems like a cobbled together hybrid of a GH2 and an HPX170.
This new Sony camera seems to be causing a bit of tension amongst Panny fans. Quite understandable.
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[Eric Jurgenson] “Generally the build quality of Sony products is very high, and I find the unique design of the FS100 more interesting and versitile than the AF100, which seems like a cobbled together hybrid of a GH2 and an HPX170.”
From my perspective it appears that Sony intended to build a new camera that simply looked different, with little regard to the functionality of this new design. Here are three examples:
1- Splitting the XLR audio inputs across the back and right side of the FS-100 camera. This means that you will have two XLR cables sticking out at 90 degree angles to each other, making it harder to keep the audio cables out of the way. This is terrible design.
2- Placing the LCD finder on top of the camera makes it absolutely useless when the camera is on a shoulder-mount or when the camera is placed above your shoulder height. Generally, for most general video shots you want the camera at eye-level, not at waist-level. This is terrible design.
3- Having to use a side-mounted handle to hold the camera because the rest of the camera is covered with buttons and controls, leaving no place to actually hand hold the camera. This is terrible design.
…I personally think that Sony made a BIG MISTAKE with the design of this new camera. I wish that Sony had simply started with the design of their EX-3 camera, and built a large sensor version of the EX-3 body. Sure it might have cost a little more, but I think it would have been far more functional for professional work.
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1) While the mic connector location is unusual, it seems functional. Certainly doesn’t strike me as terrible, and it’s probably better configuration-wise to have the connectors on the main camera body, rather than in a pod attached to the handle (since you may want to remove the handle).
2) Like the AF100, this is not a shoulder mount camera, and doesn’t have to be because it only weighs a couple of pounds. But you are right that high angle shots might be difficult. Suggestion: Flip the camera over for the shot, and flip the image back in post.
3) Huh? Pretty much every video camera I have ever seen uses some kind of side mounted grip, and there is an attachable top mounted handle. The FS100 is actually light enough to cradle in your hands, unlike the AF100. Much nicer if you are shooting incognito.
As far handheld shooting goes, I think Sony was going for something that is an improvement on DSLR design rather than a traditional ENG camera configuration, which frankly is becoming old school (except for heavy “brick” cameras that are impossible to hand hold for more than a minute, and must be supported on the shoulder).
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Eric, I think the good news is that there are now three large sensor video cameras to choose from, assuming one finds shooting with DSLR’s to not be their favorite work flow. For those of us used to shooting with Panasonic palmcorders, the AF100 feels like home. Personally, I don’t like any palmcorder for hand held work–be it the HPX170, AF100, EX1, or whatever(and we offer those cameras). My preference is for those “old school” cameras that fit on your shoulder that you find so uncomfortable.
So, Sony has a different form factor that appeals to some–that’s great! The FS100 is a non-starter for me because of no HD-SDI, no ND’s, form factor that I have no interest in. Of course, if clients start requesting the camera, I’ll be happy to provide it to them!
Meanwhile, we’re getting more interesting and exciting options at amazingly low price points from my perspective, but from some DSLR shooter’s perspective they’re too expensive. That’s why there’s no one camera that suits all shooters.
Jeff Regan
Shooting Star Video
http://www.ssv.com
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