Panasonic Avccam AG-AF100A Series User manual

A Professional HD Camera Recorder
Compliant with Micro Four Thirds Standards
AG-AF100ASeries
Memory Card Camera Recorder
AVCCAM 3-Year Warranty Repair Program*
*AG-AF100A Series users qualify for a 3-year warranty on repairs.
Visit the website for details: <www.panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e>

* This photo is intended only to show the general image of the product. Panasonic does not guarantee the compatibility or performance of all lenses that are mountable on the AG-AF100A Series.
Use a support system when mounting a lens weighing more than 1 kg (2.2 lb).

A New Story Is About to Unfold...
The Professional HD camera recorder
with a Micro Four Thirds mount*
unleashes creativity in motion picture production.
The imaging area of the camera recorder is almost the same as that of
35mm cinema film and enables an exquisite film-like shallow depth of
field. The short flange back distance of the Micro Four Thirds Mount
allows the use of a wide range of lenses, including cinema lenses. In the
AG-AF100A Series, Panasonic has brought shallow depth of field
control to a professional AVCCAM camera recorder. The AG-AF100A
Series offers high image quality, including 1080/60p and 1080/50p,
with extended recording time, a variable frame rate function, and
an operating system and system interfaces designed natively for
video production. This lets the AG-AF100A Series record high-
quality images with greater operating ease than even a digital SLR
camera can offer. Let the AG-AF100A Series unleash your creativity.
AG-AF100A series
Micro Four Thirds Mount Professional HD Video Camera Recorder
* Panasonic does not guarantee the compatibility or performance of all lenses that are mountable on the AG-AF100A Series.

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Samples Recorded with the AG-AF100A Series
Beautiful Shallow Depth of Field and CINE-LIKE Gamma
Samples Recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.Samples Recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.
A single frame captured from an HD video file (1920 x 1080) recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.

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Superb Image Quality Free of Aliasing Noise
A single frame captured from an HD video file (1920 x 1080) recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.
An example of an image with aliasing noise (from a DSLR camera). An image without aliasing noise recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.

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The Micro Four Thirds System Provides Rich Expression
with a Wealth of Interchangeable Lenses.
The 4/3-type image sensor has about the same imaging area as that of 35mm cinema film and
achieves stunning, film-like images. The short flange back distance enables the use of a wealth
of interchangeable lenses, including cinema lenses.*
In addition, the AG-AF100A Series features high-performance image processing and correction
functions designed exclusively for HD motion images.
PL Mount 24mm
Samples Recorded with the AG-AF100A Series.
PL Mount 10mm
* Panasonic does not guarantee the
compatibility or performance of all lenses
that are mountable on the AG-AF100A Series.

Adopt Micro Four Thirds
The AG-AF100A Series
adopts 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.
4/3-type MOS Image Sensor
The 4/3-type MOS image sensor in the
AG-AF100A 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-AF100A 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-AF100A 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-AF100A 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-AF100A 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
The Camera Section Features a Four Thirds Image Sensor and Design Especially for Video Use, Approaching 35mm Cinematic Expression.
FOUR THIRDS MICRO
FOUR THIRDS
FOURTHIRDSFlangeBack
MICROFOURTHIRDSFlangeBack
LensMount LensMount ImageSensor
35mm Cinema Film
22 mm (7/8 inches)
16 mm (5/8 inches)
17.3 mm (11/16 inches)
13 mm (1/2 inches)
9.6 mm (3/8 inches)
5.4 mm (3/16 inches)
4/3-type Image Sensor 2/3-type Image Sensor
* Numerical values shown are approximate.
Receptor ratio 35%
Receptor Circuit
New Drive
Receptor ratio 50%
Two signal leads Two signal leadsThree signal leads
Pixel
Pixel
Pixel
Receptor
Circuit
Receptor ratio 50%
Receptor Transfer
MOS sensor of AG-AF100A series
CMOS sensor
CCD sensor
Current Drive
Comparison of Image Sensor Standards

The Camera Section Features a Four Thirds Image Sensor and Design Especially for Video Use, Approaching 35mm Cinematic Expression.
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-AF100A 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-AF100A 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.
AG-AF100A Series Gamma Modes
HD NORM: Suitable for HD recording.
LOW: Works to flatten out a high
contrast scene.
SD NORM: Normal setting for SD (this was
available in the DVX100 series).
HIGH: Expands the tone of dark parts
and makes a brighter image.
The contrast softens.
B.PRESS: Makes the contrast sharper
than LOW
CINE-LIKE D: The Cine-Like mode shifted to
prioritize dynamic range.
CINE-LIKE V: The Cine-Like mode shifted
to prioritize contrast.
Advanced Image Adjustments
• Color setting with matrix table: Norm
1, Norm 2, Fluo and Cine-Like.
• Adjustable H detail level, V detail
level, detail coring and skin detail.
• Adjustable chroma level, chroma
phase and master pedestal.
• Adjustable color temp: 2400K to 9900K
(preset 3200K/5600K).
• Knee point settings: Auto, Low, Mid and
High.
• Adjustable auto-iris level.
ND Filter
Image with DRS OFF Image with DRS ON
An example of an image with aliasing noise
(from a DSLR camera).
An image without aliasing noise recorded
with the AG-AF100A Series.
Image with VIDEO GAMMA Image with CINE-LIKE GAMMA

AVCHD PS Mode for 1080/60p or 50p
Progressive Recording
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 AG-AC100A Series also complies
with the AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (AVCHD
Progressive) standard in its new PS mode
(maximum bit rate: 28 Mbps) for recording,
playing and outputting (via HDMI only)
Full-HD progressive (1080/59.94p,
1080/50p) images.
High-Quality, Multi-Format
Professional AVCHD PH Mode
The AVCHD PH mode was developed
exclusively for professional AVCCAM video
production. The PH mode records 1920 x
1080 Full-HD images and supports multiple
HD formats, such as 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i,
1080/29.97p, 1080/25p, 1080/23.98p,
720/59.94p and 720/50p. (See the right-
hand chart.)
59.94Hz/50Hz Switchable
The AG-AF100A Series lets you select 59.94
Hz or 50 Hz to support HD systems used
around the world.
Uncompressed LPCM 2-Channel
Recording for High-Quality Sound
The PS/PH modes support 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.
1080/24p, 1080/30p
Variable Frame Rate Recording
The AG-AF100A 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-AF100A 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.
* The VFR function can be selected at PH mode only.
It doesn’t support 1080/60p, 1080/50p playback and
720p mode. Class 6 or higher SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory
Card is required.
SDXC Memory Card
Supported
The AG-AF100A Series
supports the SDXC 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.
The AG-AF100A 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-AF100A
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-AF100A Series can
record up to approx. 12 hours in PH mode or
approx. 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.)
Full-HD (1080p) Variable Frame Rate Recording. An AVCHD Recording for Creative, High-Quality Image Production.
Frame rate and effect (59.94Hz)
Frame
Rate
Speed Effect
in 24p base
Speed Effect
in 30p base
12p 200% Quick 250% Quick
15p 160% Quick 200% Quick
18p 133% Quick 167% Quick
20p 120% Quick 150% Quick
21p 114% Quick 143% Quick
22p 109% Quick 136% Quick
24p 100%
(Standard) 125% Quick
25p 96% Slow 120% Quick
26p 92% Slow 115% Quick
27p 89% Slow 111% Quick
28p 86% Slow 107% Quick
30p 80% Slow 100%
(Standard)
32p 75% Slow 94% Slow
34p 71% Slow 88% Slow
36p 67% Slow 83% Slow
40p 60% Slow 75% Slow
44p 55% Slow 68% Slow
48p 50% Slow 63% Slow
54p 44% Slow 56% Slow
60p 40% Slow 50% Slow
(50Hz)
Frame
Rate
Speed Effect
in 30p base
12p 208% Quick
15p 167% Quick
18p 139% Quick
20p 125% Quick
21p 119% Quick
22p 114% Quick
23p 109% Quick
24p 104% Quick
25p 100%
(Standard)
26p 96% Slow
27p 93% Slow
28p 89% Slow
30p 83% Slow
32p 78% Slow
34p 74% Slow
37p 68% Slow
42p 60% Slow
45p 56% Slow
48p 52% Slow
50p 50% Slow
Normal cinematic shooting (at 24 fps) refers to the same rate as used in film cameras. The AG-AF100A
Series can also record 25 fps and 30 fps which are the standard frame rates used in the production of
TV commercials, music clips and video software.
Higher-speed shooting (at over 25 fps*) produces slow-motion effects. This is especially effective for
high-action scenes like car chases or crashes, or to create a dramatic impact in a scene.
* When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50 Hz mode, anything over 26 fps will
be overcranked.
Lower-speed shooting (at under 22 fps*) lets you attain a fast-motion effect. This technique can be
combined with a warp-speed effect to give special emphasis to flowing water, fast-moving clouds, etc.
* When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50 Hz mode, anything under 24 fps
will be undercranked.

Full-HD (1080p) Variable Frame Rate Recording. An AVCHD Recording for Creative, High-Quality Image Production.
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.
Diverse Recording Functions
•Clipthumbnaildisplay:You can preview a
clip and also quickly delete a clip from the
thumbnail list displayed on the LCD
monitor.
•IntervalRec:Records one frame at a time
in set intervals (1 sec, 10 sec, 30 sec,
1 min, 2 min). Only in 1080/24p and 25p
mode. Audio recording not possible.
•Pre-rec:While in standby mode, you can
continuously store, and subsequently
record, up to approx. 3 seconds. This
helps to ensure that you always get the
shot you want.
•Shotmark:Allows convenient OK or NG
marking, and can be added to each clip
during or after recording.
•Index:Scenes can be marked with up to
100 index flags per clip.
•Reccheck:You can check the end of the
most recently recorded clip with one-touch
ease.
•Lastclipdelete:Only the most recently
recorded clip is deleted with this one-touch
function, adding practical convenience to
everyday operation. It can be assigned as
a User button function if desired.
Image Format 59.94 Hz 50 Hz
PS Mode 1080/59.94p 1080/50p
PH Mode
1080/59.94i
1080/29.97p
1080/23.98p
720/59.94p
720/29.97p
720/23.98p
1080/50i
1080/25p
720/50p
720/25p
HA Mode 1080/59.94i 1080/50i
HE Mode 1080/59.94i 1080/50i
HD image format of AG-AF100A Series
* When two 64 GB SDXC Memory Cards are used. The maximum continuous recording time is 12 hours regardless of the recording mode.
Recording
Mode Bit Rate Image Size Audio
Max. Recording Time
(64GB SDXC Memory Card x 2)
PS Mode Approx. 25 Mbps (Average),
Max 28 Mbps 1920 x 1080 LPCM 2 ch Dolby Digital 2 ch
Approx.
10 hours 40 minutes*
PH Mode Approx. 21 Mbps (Average),
Max 24 Mbps
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
LPCM 2 ch
Dolby Digital 2 ch Approx. 12 hours*
HA Mode Approx. 17 Mbps (Average) 1920 x 1080 Dolby Digital 2 ch Approx. 16 hours*
HE Mode Approx. 6 Mbps (Average) 1440 x 1080 Dolby Digital 2 ch Approx. 48 hours*
AVCHD Recording Mode of AG-AF100A Series
HDV AVCHD
Pixel (H x V) 1440 × 1080 1920 × 1080
Compression Method MPEG-2 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Comparison of HD Recording Formats Samplecomparison:Whenaflashcauseslarge
contrast differences and reduces depth
perception, HDV shows considerable block
noise, while AVCHD in PH mode minimizes
break-up.