thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
for the 2TB cards that will become available; Ill let you do the math, but I suspect if you have two 2TB (thats 2000GB in total) SD/XC cards in the AG-AF101 you will be able to lock your camcorder off on a tripod, point it at a suitable subject, then hit the record button and hop on a plane to Bayreuth to enjoy Wagners Ring Cycle, fly back and still have time to spare to read Gone With The Wind out of the 94 hours recording time that you would have. For all you wedding videographers, you need never worry about those boring best man speeches running over 60 minutes of tape again.RECORDING FORMATS:Here is the low-down on the recording formats that the AG-AF101 supports: 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p, 720/50p, 720/25p, 720/60p, 720/30p, 720//24p AVCHD recording options: PH (21 Mbps - Max. 24Mbps), HA (17Mbps), HE (6Mbps), HA, HE only for 1080/60i and 1080/50iBe aware that you an only shoot one format on any one card. If you switch between say 50 and 59.97 Htz, you will need to use one card for 50 and another card for 59.97.SUMMING UP:The Panasonic AG-AF101 is quite simply revolutionary. It is unequivocally and without a doubt the new and first kid on the block with such incredible capabilities at such an incredibly low price. It is the HD camcorder that independent filmmakers, as well as every other video producer and lighting cameraman has been waiting on for 20 odd years or so. At 4,295 plus vat, what is there not to like. The AG-AF101 takes all goodness of DSLRs i.e. depth-of-field and light sensitivity, but gets rid of all the bad stuff such as aliasing, rainbow moire and other workflow issues, and all encapsulated in a perfectly formed professional video camcorder.There is nothing like the Panaasonic AG-AF101; it is a brand new concept. Those who have got used to shooting HD video on DSLRs and having to piece together clumsy workarounds, been forced to use a Zacuto Z-finder because DSLRs dont have a viewfinder need not worry anymore as the AG-AF101 has a HD viewfinder built in, as well as a fold-out HD LCD screen. Or if you had to use a separate sound recorder because you could not get good audio from your EOS 5D MK2, worry no more as the AG-AF101 has two built in professional balanced XLR inputs with uncompressed Linear PCM 16-bit audio.The Panasonic AG-AF101 is the most promising camcorder to arrive in over twenty years. It is very exciting times for cinema shooters and independent filmmakers.In a nutshell the Panasonic AG-AF101 is a professional HD video camcorder just like many others such as Panasonics own HPX171 or Sonys EX1R, but the AG-AF101 now gives us that last missing piece of the jigsaw; total depth-of-field control combined with interchangeable lenses, with that cinematic look that we have all been waiting for.With the price in mind I simply have to give the AG-AF101 a massive recommendation with 5 out of 5 stars.2010 Nigel Cooper
Watch live video from www.mastertv.biz on pt-br.justin.tv Back on 10th November 2009 Sony Professional UK invited me over to their HQ to see their new prototype of the first NXCAM branded solid-state camcorder. They allowed me to take the only prototype in the UK away with me so I could evaluate it and try it out for a few days.Since then Ive spent a few more weeks with the HXR-NX5E NXCAM camcorder. Actually Ive been in the USA for 3 months so Sony were kind enough to FedEx an NX5 over to me in Hays, Kansas, where I have been shooting with the camera. After spending more time using the NX5, Im now in the position to give you a more comprehensive review in full; so here goes.WHAT IS NXCAM?NXCAM is brand new so Im going to give you a brief low-down on what it is. NXCAM is Sonys all-new product name for their entirely new Sony digital video production system. Its not DV or HDV, its not XDCAM EX, its something else entirely. NXCAM is Sonys AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) camcorder system, but theres a difference: this is Sonys Professional AVCHD camcorder system. Until now Sony havent had any serious-level AVCHD products; quite surprising considering Sony jointly invented the AVCHD codec with Panasonic. But all that is about to change with their first professional hand-held AVCHD camcorder; the HXR-NX5E, under the all-new NXCAM brand.WHAT IS AVCHD?If youre not familiar with the new AVCHD codec Ive outlined some of its technologies with some direct comparisons to the HDV codec.Announced in 2006 by Sony and Panasonic, this new industry-standard format is now supported by more than 30 companies and implemented in numerous camcorders, NLE systems, and consumer HD playback devices. The AVCHD codec is considerably more modern than the older HDV codec. It uses a variety of techniques to achieve greater efficiency than MPEG-2, especially at low bitrates and when dealing with difficult material. AVCHD should be capable of delivering really amazing results but well get into real world performance later on.Whats beyond debate is that HDV has a resolution of 1440x1080 and uses the MPEG-2 compression codec, while NXCAM on the other hand uses full 1920x1080 HD with the more modern MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec (H.264 is what Blu-ray and Sky HD broadcasts use). And of course AVCHDs efficiency makes it ideal for tapeless operation: it uses SD (Secure Digital) and SD/HC (High Capacity) cards, Sony Memory Sticks and other solid-state flash drives such as Sonys dedicated HXR-FMU128 128GB flash drive.AVCHD has twice the compression efficiency and considerably improved video performance, especially at lower bitrates, over the older MPEG-2 compression algorithm used in the HDV codec. HDV uses a constant bit rate of 25 Mb/s whereas AVCHD camcorders such as the NX5 use a more efficient variable bit rate, with a maximum quality setting of 24 Mb/s.In contrast with MPEG-2 (HDV), in which inter-frame compression based on the correlation between adjacent frames uses fixed blocks of 16x16 pixels, AVCHD divides the blocks into multi-sizes as small as 4x4 pixels along with
4x8, 8x8 and 8x16 also, and every variation in-between using these block structures. With this method, it is able to use large blocks to process images that show only slight changes on the screen, and smaller blocks to process images that have considerable change. This raises the accuracy of motion compensation, which in turn, boosts the quality of fast-motion images while increasing compression efficiency.The recording capacity using the Sony HXR-NX5E onto a single 32GB Memory Stick or SD/HC card is as follows:HD/FX (24Mbps) 1920x1080 HD = 170 minutes.HD/FH (17Mbps) 1920x1080 HD = 255 minutes.HD/HQ (9Mbps) 1920x1080 HD = 385 minutes.HD/LP (5Mbps) 1920x1080 HD = 605 minutes.WHO IS NXCAM FOR?So who is NXCAM aimed at and where will it fit into the current marketplace? Having got up to speed with NXCAM and the new NX5 camcorder I would say that it is aimed at a somewhat varied marketplace including those who are currently using cameras such as Sonys own Z5 or Canons XH G1s for example, but who want to move over from tape to an affordable solid-state system, DVCAM users looking to move over to HD, those stepping up from consumer camcorders, event and wedding videographers, corporate video producers, SIV (Special Interest Videos) producers, independent low-budget filmmakers, and even TV ENG work and various documentary productions. With regard to image quality, the new NX5 has a very high quality Sony G-lens, superb Exmor ClearVid CMOS sensors, and of course the more advanced AVCHD codec, this trio of factors adds up to a very impressive image at this price range; more on this later.HXR-NX5E CAMCORDER:In a nutshell the NX5 is basically a Z5, but solid-state only. The cost is similar too; the NX5 cost 3,450 inc. There are three key differences. The body is slightly shorter and stockier at the back end due to the fact that the NX5 has no tape-drive mechanism. On the back of the NX5 there are two card slots for Memory Stick cards (these slots also accept SD/HC cards too: nice). Also, on the side of the NX5 there is an area that accepts the bolt-on HXR-FMU128 flash drive. The FMU28 is a solid-state flash drive with a capacity of 128GB. This drive is an optional extra. Without it, the camcorder simply comes with a heavy-duty plastic cover that locks securely into place neatly covering the socketry from the elements.Other differences include an HD/SDI output and a GPS (Global Positioning System). From what I can gather, all the little buttons and dials are slightly larger and less fiddly than on the tape-based Z5. I suspect this is because there is no tape mechanism so there is more room on the body for a neater and more logical layout of switches. Im glad to see that Sony has used slightly larger switches and buttons on the NX5. Low-light shooters will be glad to know that the NX5 is approximately 1.5 stops better (minimum illumination 1.5-lux) than the older tape-based Z1. Even though the physical form-factor of the NX5 is only slightly different from the Z5, overall, the lines of
the NX5 just look sexier with sleeker lines and nicer curves; shes a modern girl; oh baby!The NX5 is the very latest in camcorder technology; its bang up to date with some superb state-of-the-art technologies and features.Depending on who you speak to, different people have different views on what makes a decent image. Some will say its all about the bit-rate, others say its all in the glass, while some might even tell you its all in the sensors. Well, they are all wrong. Its actually an amalgamation of all three - and other things. Sony recognises this fact and this is why the NX5 is so darn good; especially at this price range. It has a brand new lens, Sonys own in-house designed G-lens. This lens first hit the market with the Z5. Then it has the very latest Exmor CMOS Sensors with ClearVid technology. Then finally the very latest AVCHD MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec, which has the job of processing the images taken from the G-lens and onto the Exmor sensors. Add to this Sonys fastidious circuitry and it all adds up to a great image that is simply untouchable by the competition at this price level.Just to clear up the confusion with the two models on the Sony web site. There is an NX5E and an NX5M; the latter need not concern you as it is not available in the UK or USA. The only difference is that the NX5M has no GPS system built in. The reason is simple, in certain countries like Syria and North Korea any device with GPS built in is banned; after all it is used in the military; think about it!BUILD QUALITY:The HXR-NX5 is ok with regard to build quality. Overall it feels lightweight possibly because it doesnt have the bulk factor of a tape transport mechanism - and a bit on the plastic side. Ive always said if Im spending 3,500 on a camcorder I expect it to feel a bit more substantial than this. I feel that JVC are slightly ahead of Sony in build quality with their more budget priced camcorders. However, I feel that the NX5 is marginally tougher than the EX series; even though it is actually cheaper. But dont worry; Im just a fussy bugger when it comes to build quality. The NX5 wont fall apart anytime soon and the plastics it is made out of are the tough polycarbonate type, which is designed to flex as apposed to crack when it takes a knock. It is in fact slightly better built than the Z1 and its replacement, the Z5; in my opinion. If you are used to using a Z1/Z5 you wont be disappointed. As a comparison, the NX5 is far superior in build quality over Panasonics HMC151. Just to inspire confidence, I personally would buy an NX5 tomorrow and have no serious concerns with its build quality. Oh, the NX5 is Made in Japan; so expect reliability to be of the highest order.THE SENSORS:The NX5 features the very latest 1/3rd inch Exmor CMOS sensors with ClearVid
technology. What is ClearVid I hear you ask? The ClearVid system optimises both resolution and low light sensitivity versus more traditional pixel-shift CCDs. It does this by interpolating additional resolution from diagonally-set pixels, on each individual R, G and B sensor, rather than interpolating horizontally and vertically across the three sensors. This ensures maximum resolution, in a smaller sensor, whilst the larger rotated pixels give you that all-important sensitivity. The NX5 also utilises the revolutionary Exmor noise reduction processing, which is a highly advanced noise reduction system that gives a much cleaner image.THE LENS:The new NX5 has the same Sony G-lens 20x Zoom, offering an amazing wide angle of view from 29.5mm (great for filming in tight spots) right through to a whopping 590mm (great for wildlife filming). The 20x zoom G-lens is a recently developed piece of glass coming from the Sony-acquired Minolta lens division; so it is developed and built in the house of Sony; and what a cracking lens it is too. The optics are super sharp with amazing colour reproduction. This new G-lens boasts not only a focus and zoom ring, but an aperture ring too. However, all three are of the servo type, which have no end stops. They feel a bit vague when focusing and zooming. I found it easier to focus by hitting the PUSH AUTO focus button. This lets the camera automatically focus as long as you hold the button down (though the camera is rather slow to do this), then when you release it, it retains that focus spot. The servo aperture ring is slightly more accurate in its feel and I found it to be perfectly usable in full manual mode, which is the only mode to work with for any serious applications. If you want the camera to take a best guess at the exposure for you, simply hit the IRIS button and let the camera set the exposure, then hit it again to revert to manual and tweak with the aperture ring and the use of zebras (I set zebras at 95% and watch for blown-out highlights). The zoom ring (again, vague) works well enough for setting a new focal length, which (again in my opinion) is all it should be used for. I tend to treat a zoom lens as a set of primes and not for horrible nauseating so-called zoom shots.The lens hood is Sonys usual nice design with built in lens cap that is opened and closed via a little lever on the side of the hood. This is far better than the competitions affairs that have to be physically removed from the camera and stuck in your back pocket. I also particularly like the fancy Gold line painted around the lens, but then I do go a lot by nifty appearances like this. Thats about it for the lens, apart from its superb built-in optical image stabiliser; more on that later.THE CODEC:The NX5 uses the AVCHD codec, which is an efficient long-GOP codec using the MPEG-4 H.264 compression algorithm (as used on Blu-ray HD DVDs and
Sky HD broadcasts), albeit at a much higher maximum bit rate of 24 Mb/s (variable) with Linear PCM audio ensuring great images and sound.This AVCHD compression does end up offering better all-round picture performance over the older HDV codec, although there is an impact in the editing process as it requires a higher level of processing power and therefore you may need to upgrade your editing system! Also, as the AVCHD codec is so new, some editing systems dont yet support it so we will have to wait for the software companies to catch up with the AVCHD technology. So far Sonys Vegas Pro 9, Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 (for Mac and PC) and Edius Pro all support AVCHD natively. Apples Final Cut Pro and AVID MC do not. Final Cut Pro uses, dont despair. Simply import using the log and transfer and transcode into Apple ProRes 422. Hopefully Apple will support AVCHD natively with a future upgrade.RECORDING MODES:The NX5 has more recording modes than you can shake a stick at. Theres plenty for everyone in both HD and SD; those shooting in the past, the present and the future, those who are hanging onto interlace like grim death and those who are shooting their way progressively into the future; that would be me then.Recording options and frame-rates include:AVCHD FX (24Mbps) 1920x1080/50i, AVCHD FH (17Mbps) 1920x1080/50i, AVCHD HQ (9Mbps) 1440x1080/50i, AVCHD LP (5Mbps) 1440x1080/50i, AVCHD FX (24Mbps) 1920x1080/25p, AVCHD FH (17Mbps) 1920x1080/25p, AVCHD FX (24Mbps) 1280x720/50p, AVCHD FH (17Mbps) 1280x720/50p, MPEG SD HQ (9Mbps) 720x576/50i, MPEG SD HQ (9Mbps) 720x576/50i (25p Scan)So there you have it, virtually every recording mode and frame-rate you could wish for.ADVANCED ACTIVE STEADY SHOT IMAGE STABILISATION SYSTEM:The NX5 uses a brand new Active Steady Shot system. This offers an extremely stable picture without blur. More powerful stabilisation is made possible by increased coverage of the optical lens and the improved motion detection with state of the art compensation algorithms. The new Super Steady Shot takes it to the next level. Sony claims that this new system removes the need for a body-mounted stabilizing system; I dont know if Id go that far, but it is pretty darn good and way better than anything else up to this point in technology.Sony seems to have increased the coverage of the floating optical lens, which gives better hand-held stabilization; the optically damped lens compensates for hand movements. However, there is more. When you switch the feature in via the menus you also have the option to improve things further by switching in even more settings. With the second option switched in at the same time youll notice that the image on the LCD screen zooms in ever so slightly (by aprox. 5% or 6% as per my best guess). It then uses these spare pixels outside the recorded frame area to allow the systems software to cleverly hold the central pixels still. It then trims the wobbly bits off the edges. A very simple idea, but one that works very effectively with virtually zero loss of detail or image quality.
Ok, if I have to nit-pick, this system might lose you 5% or 6% of picture quality; on paper at least, as I could not see any notable difference whatsoever. Having tried the Active Steady Shot system, I found it to be more effective than the lens damped version alone, but this isnt going to be putting Steadicam operators out of a job anytime soon. You still need to hold the camera steady because it will only compensate for minor nudges and knocks and general wavy hand-held work. Any more than that and it will still show up on in your footage. Its designed as an aid, not a replacement for a body harness stabilising system; a good move by Sony in the right direction none-the-less and one that produces far superior results to any other system built into any other camcorder currently on the market.AUDIO:Being a classical pianist at heart and a very keen audiophile Im kind of fussy about audio. In fact I prioritise audio over the images. To me quality sound is more beneficial than quality images. Your eyes are a lot more forgiving than your ears. The NX5 uses Linear PCM 2 channel, 16bit, 48kHz top quality audio recording as well as Dolby Digital 2 channel, 16bit, 48kHz. This is superior to the HDV audio standard, which uses the heavily compressed MPEG 1 Audio layer II and has a bitrate of just 384 Kbps, not ideal for postproduction sound editing such as EQ adjustments and the like. The NXCAMs audio format of Linear PCM 16bit, 48kHz is the equivalent in quality to DAT, which is what professionals are accustomed to. Recording rock or classical concerts no longer require a dedicated DAT recorder; yeah!The NX5 has the usual small built-in stereo mic, which is only good for picking up iffy wild track, but the included ECM-XM1 XLR mic is another story. Dont underestimate this mic. Sometimes videographers are all too keen to rush out and buy a Sennheiser K6/ME66 combo as it has the reputation as being the weapon of choice for low-budget filmmakers. But before you do, try the included Sony ECM-XM1 mic, its a budget mic for sure, but it packs a punch for the money. Personally, I think you will have to spend more than 350 for any serious worthwhile upgrade. I always find with mics like this, and the aforementioned Sennheiser that I always have to do post work on the sound using Apples Logic or Soundtrack Pro anyway; with the ECM-XM1 its possible to tweak and modify the sound in post resulting in excellent sound; considering the cost.GPS (GLOBAL POSSITIONING SYSTEM):The NX5 is the first camcorder in its class to bring to market the all-new GPS (Global Positioning System). Thats right, Im talking the same GPS as that you use in your cars Sat-Nav system. Why would you want this in a camcorder you might ask? Im sure people will be discussing the endless possibilities on the forums, but to name a few, you could for example be shooting documentary footage all over Europe
or the USA, or just plain England perhaps, with the exact geographical location being essential to the programme. With the NX5s built-in GPS system you will have extra metadata within the file that you can simply convert into Google Earth KML format, then type into Google maps; this will find the exact location to within approximately 25 feet of where you are standing with the camcorder at the time you shot the clip. This feature can be switched on/off via the switch at the back of the camera. The GPS system records time, latitude and longitude in local time or UTC (universal time coordinated) time. This data is recorded directly to the AVCHD stream for approx. 0.5 seconds. Other great benefits to this all-new built-in GPS system include: Location reconnaissance, Estimate travel time after reconnaissance, Identify location easily for re-shoots, Natural History shoots - animal sightings, Police & Intelligence Gathering - reconnaissance etc. I feel like nicknaming the NX5 the CSI Camcorder.SLS FRAME ACCUMULATION:It also has Sonys superb SLS (slow shutter) function, like that found on the higher end XDCAM HD camcorders. Frame accumulation is also known as Slow-Shutter, or SLS. SLS is a variable setting on the NX5 that lets you decide how many frames worth of light you want to accumulate before it is laid down to the disc. 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/25 sec. can be accumulated using the SLS function. What effect will this have and what advantages are there? When shooting in low-light levels, SLS produces sharp and clear images with no picture noise whatsoever. For scenes with minimum movement this is a great alternative to switching in the gain. When shooting video with any sort of motion it provides a very artsy and out of this world ghostlike image that simply has to be seen to be believed. This is an amazing effect for music videos or haunting images. Its quite hard to explain, and is easier to understand if you see it in action, but once youve used it and seen it you will find yourself looking for scenes or even writing scenes just for this effect. SLS at 1/4 produces the most dramatic effect. If you know anything about stills photography, think of a photo of a waterfall taken at 12 a second exposure from a tripod. The water has a neat soft blur to it. Well this effect is also produced with the SLS function when shooting waterfalls.SOLID-STATE RECORDING:Weve established that the NX5 is a solid-state HD camcorder, but what are the options? The answer to that is many. You can record to a wide range of media. On the back of the NX5 you will find two card slots: A and B. In these slots you can put Sonys own Memory Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo, Pro-HG Duo HX, any brand of SD/HC (Secure Digital High Definition) - class 4 or 6 are recommended, or even Sonys dedicated 128GB flash drive (HXR-FMU128). This has been made specifically for the NX5, fitting flush to the side of the camera perfectly with no dangling FireWire