Hi,
Here is a quick videoscoping test of my new 4k camcorder Sony FDR-AX100E:
https://vimeo.com/102306498
I dithered about buying this 4K camcorder or Panasonic GH4. Both devices gives excellent HD results. But for 4K, Panasonic needs an extra part which costs c. 2000 USD. So I choose Sony.
Sony FDR-AX100E also gives full HD footage in 10 bit 4:2:2, when you downconvert from 4K to full HD (A complex calculation but that is true) which is the broadcast standart for many TVs. On the other hand, it is harder to use this camcorder for videoscoping then Panasonic high end handycams (i.e. TM900 or X920). For example Panasonic camcorders starts immadietely when you open the LCD screen, but Sony FDR-AX100E waits 1-2 seconds to wake up, which is unacceptable for bird videography.
Another hardness is the large zeiss lens of Sony FDR-AX100E. It is an excellent and very sharp lens. But front lens diameter is larger than many scope eyepieceses and exceeds vignetting limits. Even on my Showtime adapter vignetting goes at 10x zoom while I am using 300mm f5.6 class lens. I belive it needs to use a very large eyepiece such as Kowa TSN-VA3, for good results in videoscoping. Otherwise vignetting is inevitable. Although you can get clear full HD images when you crop 1/4, this camcorder shines when you downconvert from 4K to full HD.
Another important thing is extremely critical focusing while videoscoping. Sharpness is easily gone with a small turn of the front lens. But it has a image magnification button and this helps for precise focusing.
Altough all of these negative issues, I am very very satisfied with my purchase. It is far more better than my old Panasonic TM700. Low light is much better without noise. And the new XAVCS codec is far more effective then AVCHD codec. But please do not forget, 4K means huge amount of data and my 7 years old MacBook Pro is burning while I am editing 4K footage.
I can recommend the Sony FDR-AX100E only for videoscopers who has large eyepieces at lower magnification scopes. Otherwise Panasonic X920 with a normal spotting scope is still a better choice for full HD.
Murat F. Özçelik
Here is a quick videoscoping test of my new 4k camcorder Sony FDR-AX100E:
https://vimeo.com/102306498
I dithered about buying this 4K camcorder or Panasonic GH4. Both devices gives excellent HD results. But for 4K, Panasonic needs an extra part which costs c. 2000 USD. So I choose Sony.
Sony FDR-AX100E also gives full HD footage in 10 bit 4:2:2, when you downconvert from 4K to full HD (A complex calculation but that is true) which is the broadcast standart for many TVs. On the other hand, it is harder to use this camcorder for videoscoping then Panasonic high end handycams (i.e. TM900 or X920). For example Panasonic camcorders starts immadietely when you open the LCD screen, but Sony FDR-AX100E waits 1-2 seconds to wake up, which is unacceptable for bird videography.
Another hardness is the large zeiss lens of Sony FDR-AX100E. It is an excellent and very sharp lens. But front lens diameter is larger than many scope eyepieceses and exceeds vignetting limits. Even on my Showtime adapter vignetting goes at 10x zoom while I am using 300mm f5.6 class lens. I belive it needs to use a very large eyepiece such as Kowa TSN-VA3, for good results in videoscoping. Otherwise vignetting is inevitable. Although you can get clear full HD images when you crop 1/4, this camcorder shines when you downconvert from 4K to full HD.
Another important thing is extremely critical focusing while videoscoping. Sharpness is easily gone with a small turn of the front lens. But it has a image magnification button and this helps for precise focusing.
Altough all of these negative issues, I am very very satisfied with my purchase. It is far more better than my old Panasonic TM700. Low light is much better without noise. And the new XAVCS codec is far more effective then AVCHD codec. But please do not forget, 4K means huge amount of data and my 7 years old MacBook Pro is burning while I am editing 4K footage.
I can recommend the Sony FDR-AX100E only for videoscopers who has large eyepieces at lower magnification scopes. Otherwise Panasonic X920 with a normal spotting scope is still a better choice for full HD.
Murat F. Özçelik