Sony NEX-FS100 VS. Panasonic AG-AF100

Hello All,

I presently own a HVX-200 and wanted to advance my underwater shot quality

with either a Sony NEX-FS100 or a Panasonic AG-AF100.

An available housing is not really an issue as I'm going to have it custom built

for whichever my choice is.

I am mainly hoping that some users out there have used both cameras and can comment

on their usability for underwater shooting. Specifically I'm wondering about:

1. Accessibility and adaptability of the remote functions for camera operations. (For example, the AG-AF100 is restricted to Panasonic lenses for the remote zoom and focus to be used)

2. Battery life. I know Sony is better, but I would like to hear cases for both..

3. Whether or not these are even good camera choices given the limitations (although beautiful results) presented by prime lenses

4. Over-all ease of use given that they're going to be packed away in a housing.

Thank you to everyone in advance.

Kris, both cameras cannot remote zoom from the camera itself, since they both use manual lenses. From what I remember of the AF100, it can use remote AF on the micro 4/3 lenses but if you use an adapter for the 4/3 lenses, I think there's some issue with it.

I've seen the lowlight ability of the FS100 and AF100. I think the FS100 is much cleaner and has better highlight control. One of the biggest complaints of the FS100 is the lack of 50/60p but I think the firmware was announced last month. I got an email somewhere and remember reading something about it.

I actually like the FS100 image, and the controls remind me of the older Sony cams. It's physically much easier to house than the AF100 BUT most of the controls are tightly compacted on the left side, which means your housing will be pretty busy on the left side.

The AF100 will demand a much bigger housing but the main controls are pretty far apart. A lot depends on who is making your housing and what features you want with it.

The crop is different so the look will be different. I think the issue will be lenses and how you deal with the wide angles. You'll need a big dome port and I think the Nauticam has the biggest acrylic one @ 8.5".

When you do build it, please post some pics and video. I'd be interested to see how the housing comes out.

Thank you Drew.

I ended up going with the AF100. After researching more on the cameras options

and functionality, it became the better choice. Now the search goes on for finding

a manufacturer that will house it with electronic controls.

All the Best,

Kris

Kris, both cameras cannot remote zoom from the camera itself, since they both use manual lenses. From what I remember of the AF100, it can use remote AF on the micro 4/3 lenses but if you use an adapter for the 4/3 lenses, I think there's some issue with it.

 

I've seen the lowlight ability of the FS100 and AF100. I think the FS100 is much cleaner and has better highlight control. One of the biggest complaints of the FS100 is the lack of 50/60p but I think the firmware was announced last month. I got an email somewhere and remember reading something about it.

 

I actually like the FS100 image, and the controls remind me of the older Sony cams. It's physically much easier to house than the AF100 BUT most of the controls are tightly compacted on the left side, which means your housing will be pretty busy on the left side.

 

The AF100 will demand a much bigger housing but the main controls are pretty far apart. A lot depends on who is making your housing and what features you want with it.

 

The crop is different so the look will be different. I think the issue will be lenses and how you deal with the wide angles. You'll need a big dome port and I think the Nauticam has the biggest acrylic one @ 8.5".

 

When you do build it, please post some pics and video. I'd be interested to see how the housing comes out.

" Now the search goes on for finding

a manufacturer that will house it with electronic controls."

All the Best,

Kris

Hi Kris if you are near SE Asia I might be able to help with a custom electronics housing.

Pm me here: info@scubacam.com.sg

Best regards

David

Also email a guy called Mike Hastings who runs a company called Aquavideo, he does a lot of custom housings.

J

Hello All,

 

I presently own a HVX-200 and wanted to advance my underwater shot quality

with either a Sony NEX-FS100 or a Panasonic AG-AF100.

 

An available housing is not really an issue as I'm going to have it custom built

for whichever my choice is.

 

 

Thank you to everyone in advance.

remember that the Panasonic AG-AF100 is basically a GH-2 in a different form factor (and a substantially higher price!).

A lot of people are happy about the GH2 as a video machine, much preferable to the Canon DSLRs.

Check out www.eoshd.com in example.