Here you go.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1057135-REG/panasonic_dmc_fz1000k_lumix_dmc_fz1000_digital_camera.html

Same 20MP sensor ( yes it is that same Sony sensor in a Lumix body ) and a better lens for only $900

AX100 produces nice video, but face it, it's just an average overpriced camera.

As for zooming in with GH4 vs. AX100 I have no clue as to what you're talking about. I can zoom in and focus just as fast with a GH. And stop referring to GH4 as a DSLR, it is not. It has nothing to do with a DSLR. That alone makes you guys look like you don't know what you're talking about. It's a video camera shaped like a DSLR because of ergonomics. Who the hell shoots professional sports with small crappy camcorders. If that were the best thing to do then Nikon and Canon would have adopted that shape for their stills cameras too. The only place I have ever seen an AX100 shaped camcorder at a game was in the stands, used by players' moms, grandmas and fans. Never by somebody who actually got paid for those photos/videos.

You guys are being too defensive as well. I never said you could not get great results using something like AX100, but you are trying to convince me that it's better than something like a GH4. Well it's not. That's all I'm saying.

You are right that I don't own an AX100. I don't even own a GH4 ( I'm still happy with GH2 ) That does not mean that I haven't seen footage and tried ( as in held im my hand and tried ) GH4, A7s, AX100 and whatever else. I would never buy that AX100 shape of camera again. That shape just does not work well enough for me. It's either GH series or something bigger.

deusx, people use whatever works for them to get the shot. Obviously, the DSLR form factor works for you, but you're not everybody. You might feel that a pickup truck is perfect for you, but you couldn't give me one, even if you paid the insurance and bought all my gas.

For the stuff that I shoot, a DSLR-style camera simply won't work for me, specifically because of the shape and limited features. What you see as a necessity, I see as a liability. I need XLR mic and line inputs and the ability to shoot continuous clips two hours (or more) in length. I also need a 20x zoom lens and I need it to be self-contained and reasonably portable. (Currently, my personal camera is a Sony NX5, although I rent higher-end cameras when necessary.) An AX100 might be perfect for someone else, maybe its shape and size is the equivalent of a sports car and they don't need a pickup truck. They will both get you were you're going, just very differently.

Use what works for you and try to refrain from insulting those that might choose something else. That alone makes YOU look like a condescending snob.

deusx:
Perhaps a time out is in order, my dear friend.. This particular topic was not a fight but a discussion in regards to impartial camcorder reviews.
I must admit that my contribution may have been a bit "Partial" but I expressed my self from actually using a particular recording device as did many of the other respondents.
I trust that if you have found the correct unit for your workflow, you are a wealthy Video Producer and we should follow your lead and become as wise as you are.

You know, ultimately it helps to be able to not get upset over a simple discussion.

I use a GH2 which I don't consider a pro camera either, but it works for me.

Now if others feel insulted or threatened because some guy says that AX100 is not a pro camera than that is their own insecurities at play. Don't blame me. I'm just stating the facts and those are that B&H doesn't consider it a pro cam and that I have never seen anybody at a pro basketball or soccer game or any other pro work; I've never, ever seen anybody use a camera of that shape, which ( another fact ) is a typical consumer camera shape.

No need to get upset over it and some of you guys definitely are.

>>>I shoot a lot of automobile racing and 24p and 30p result in a stuttering mess on pans<<<

I've been watching formula 1 since the 70s. 25fps pal and 30fps NTSC have never been a problem. Why would it be any different now?

Deux

If you would be where I am you would see someone with exactly that shape of camera taking sporting events, mostly figure skating and getting paid for it. If that shape is soooo bad, then why did Canon make a pro camera like the XA20 and XA25 in exactly that shape? I am not arguing that the AX100 is a pro camera as it never was Sony's intention to even sell it as such. It was meant as an introduction into 4K for a broad mass and hence B&H will not list it under pro. Probably also a reason why you find it at BestBuy, Amazon and many other mass retail shops. Despite all that, you can take professional video with it, it just depends on whether you can handle that kind of camera and you obviously you can't. I for one, can't handle anything shaped like a DSLR and when I do multi cam shots I rent HXR-NX5U cameras or the latest HXR-NX3. The main reasons for that are the build in XLR and the 20x zoom lens which is a must for my sporting events.

Not upset here.. Just an interesting "Bach & Forth thing about what is and what aint professional.
It is a healthy conversation to say the least.
Maybe Sony will re-classify their new line of "Pro-Like camcorders".. Then we won't have anything to talk about.
I'm just happy that I know how to use this Sony HDR CX900 from where I'm coming from.

deusx, YOU are indeed being insulting and condescending and it is no surprise that some people may be upset by your comments. You have stated repeatedly that anyone that would even consider buying an AX100 is in some sort of non-professional "granny cam" category, that is insulting and untrue.

"I've been watching formula 1 since the 70s. 25fps pal and 30fps NTSC have never been a problem. Why would it be any different now?"

It hasn't been 25p or 30p, it has been 25i or 30i, the "i" stands for interlaced, which has a temporal resolution of 50 or 60 individual images per second and results in much smoother motion than 25p or 30p. By the way, I'm not some "grandpa in the stands with a consumer camcorder", I was involved with the NBC NASCAR Winston Cup broadcasts for 8 years and NBC's IndyCar broadcasts for the last 5 years. They are broadcast in 1080 interlaced format and use quite a bit of footage shot by GoPro cameras at 60p and converted to 60i. Does the GoPro camera count as professional? It does if professionals use it.

By the way, I'm not some "grandpa in the stands with a consumer camcorder"

Hey! I resemble that remark.


I was going to stay out of this quagmire, but it hit too close to home.

Nah.. I better not say this.

>>>deusx: You don't need any reviews. Considering those prices you mention just get one GH4<<<

Deusx gave his definitive answer to the OP and is upset that his voice-from-above was contradicted and is raining down wrath on all who dared to suggest there might be alternatives. Really has little to do with the nature of the equipment.

@John_Cline >> For the stuff that I shoot, a DSLR-style camera simply won't
>> work for me

Don't knock it until you try it... Important note here, I am talking about the GHx solution, not a Canon or Nikon DSLR solution. My GH4 is as different from my Canon 5D as is the Canon from the HV20 I have stopped using a long time ago. There are a number of reasons, but let's take your points first.

>> I need XLR mic and line inputs

GH4 - check

>> the ability to shoot continuous clips two hours (or more) in length
>> I also need a 20x zoom lens
>> self-contained and reasonably portable

GH4 - check, as for portable, it's tiny compared to the 5D. VERY portable. Also, it is extremely versatile. Heard about metabones? GH4 and metabones were born to please us.

My GH4 with a Metabones speed boster and a Nikon 100mm f/2.8 weighs less than my Canon 100mm f/2.8 alone. The Nikon 100mm f/2.8 is shockingly small. It is also shockingly cheap for the quality. I paid a whopping $109 for this lens and it is EXCELLENT. I am waiting for the Metabones adapter for Canon EOS lenses, I can't wait to try it with my 50mm f/1.2. If it takes too long, I might just throw caution to the wind and invest in a Nikon 50mm f/1.4 - it might set me back a terrible $150 though.

I see some people questioning the value of shooting in 4K at this point in time. I like it. It means I can essentially "shoot" and edit 1080p 10 bit 4:4:4 in camera. "Only" at 100 mbit/s but that's OK. 4K downscales essentially to 1080p 10bit 4:4:4 for jaw-dropping results.

Thanks to Magic Lantern I can shoot 1080p RAW with my 5D. The work-flow is a pain though, and you know what, the GH4 4K footage downscaled to 1080p, I don't like to say - blows the 5D out of the water, so I'll just say - is noticeably better. Oh, and the work-flow is of course a whole world better.

We can love both, can't we? I choose GH4 because I wanted variety of lenses for movie making: planned shots, lighting, rehursed movements....

The Sony Ax100 has epic quality output and would be WAY EASIER to manage to get spur of the moment shots, and run and gun. AND audio, AND zoom, AND portable.

Both are 10s... one is brunette, one is blonde....

i'll put the blond down to dslr - great looking pics, but require a lot of working on to handle intelligently ;-)

Terje, what is the maximum length of a single clip on the GH4?

Oldsmoke,

Thanks to all that replied to my original post. I thought I would share my thoughts after 3-4 days with the AX100.

The AX100 is perfect for me and I thank Oldsmoke for the suggestion and pushing me off the fence. I should emphasis I am a non-professional. I'm a passionate nature and wildlife still and time-lapse photographer. The video I have shot in the past has been with prosumer DSLRs.

While the video from the DSLRs is excellent, I needed a compact dedicated video camera. I'm about to leave on an Alaska trip into the wildness (i.e., above the Arctic Circle). Carrying 3-4 lens just isn't an option, I do everything myself, I don't have a crew. The AX100 ergonomics and the single lens is exactly what I needed. I am happy with my decision. It does what I needed and then some.

I suspect I would be just as happy with many other cameras, but I picked the AX100 and have no regrets. I have no experience with other camcorders so I can't compare the AX100 with anything, I'm just saying I am happy with it. I don't believe I am saying that just to convince myself I made the right decision.

thanks again everyone,
Rich in San Diego

Rich

I just came back from a trip to the Grand Canyon and like you I was glad I didn't have to bring my big Sony Z5U along. Try and shoot in 4K, 30p or 24p whatever you prefer, as the result is just stunning! Bring a tripod or a monopod with a tilt head, it will make it a lot easier to get even better video. And, if you don't mind, show us some samples!