Can the Panasonic AG-AF101A output 10bit via HDMI?

I have a Panasonic AF101A and a Atamos Ninja Star. Lucky me.

I can't see an improved quality when recording to the Ninja Star (via HDMI). I know the Ninja can record at 10bit and at a sample rate - i.e. 200 mbps. I also know the Panasonic records 8bit colour internally.

Being a budget, documentary film maker, often working in low-light, I'm trying to get the best I can from the equipment I have.

Unless the camera is outputting 10bit, this will limit what the Ninja Star can do. So, can the Panasonic output 10bit via HDMI. Or, do I need a different external recorder with SDI connectivity?

"SDI Output with 10 bit/24PsF Compatibility

The AG-AF100A Series can output high-quality HD signals, including 1080/24PsF, with 10 bit* 4:2:2 quality via the camera's live output function. Embedded audio is also supported, enabling high-quality recording onto the external devices. The terminal also supports Auto Rec to enable backup recording in link with Rec Start/Stop when a Panasonic recorder equipped with this function, such as the AG-HPD24, is used.

*10 bit signal is generated by smoothing process. It is not a native 10 bit signal."

As such, I can't guess why anyone would lose sleep over 10 bit.
Bob

At last, a positive negative from the manufacturer.

A wonderful Martin (Panasonic technician) confirmed the HDMI output from the AF101 is 8 bit. And, as we already knew, the SDI output is 10 bit.