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Building a Home Video Studio

A 12 part series of articles on the making of aviaTV.com

by Darren Smith, CFII/MEI
Video Studio Series:  Intro | Sand bags | Backdrops | Lighting | Acoustics | Green Screen | TeleprompterAudio | Electrical | Camera | Computer | Conclusion

Camera

The camera I chose took me almost 2 years of research.  Even before I had the concept of doing video training in a pro-home studio, I had the camera on my mind.  The camera I settled on was the Panasonic DVX100B. I bought it used, through ebay.  It came with some lens filters and a century optics wide angle lens.

It has 3-CCD Mini-DV technology and can shoot in 24p/30p/60i with CineSwitch Technology, CineGammaTM Software and IEEE 1394 Interface. There is a cult following of indie filmmakers for this camera.  This is one of the only cameras that you'll find in this price range that is able to shoot 24 frames per second, the frame rate at which 35mm movie films runs at, allowing for that crisp "film look".
Superior Image Rendering with the Leica Lens and OIS
The Leica Dicomar lens featured in the AG-DVX100B incorporates Leica optical technology and real-world professional experience. Use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration and increases resolution, while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting. The results are sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered images with delicate nuances and exceptional shading. The lens system features 15 lens elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical lenses. Panasonic's advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) drastically cuts the blurring caused by hand shake. Optical processing with an automatic correction function helps assure consistently clear, sharp images.
High Sensitivity and Superior Image Quality
Panasonic designed the AG-DVX100B to deliver the high sensitivity and picture quality professional require. At its heart is a 3-CCD RGB system comprising three 1/3-inch, 410,000-pixel progressive CCDs developed especially for broadcast and professional applications. The new "on chip lens" design achieves high f/11 sensitivity, allowing the camcorder to record in light as dim as 3 Lux, for example, in nighttime news gathering. Its high Signal to Noise ratio means less noise in darker parts of the image and low smear that allows shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights.
High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter (Cumulative) Function
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to enable shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. You get the ultra-high sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination, as well as dramatic frame-by-frame or soft focus effects.
High Image Quality with 12-Bit A/D Conversion
The AG-DVX100B features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast cameras. Precisely digitizing the gradation and colors captured by the progressive CCD, this A/D converter supports gamma switching and other fine downstream image adjustments.
RGB Gamma Processor Provides Rich, Film-Like Tones
Panasonic has greatly expanded the expressive capability of the DV camera by creating unique gamma functions such as Cine-Like gamma curves, which produce images strikingly similar in tone to film images. For each of the RGB signals, the gamma curve settings are processed immediately upstream from the digital signal processing circuit. This helps achieve outstanding image quality. The AG-DVX100B continues with the tradition of the seven gamma curves pioneered with the DVX100A.
High-Quality, Native Progressive 24p/30p Mode
Thanks to its progressive 3-CCD chip-set, the AG-DVX100B creates native progressive images with outstanding vertical resolution unlike images produced using conventional electronic interpolation. With its high mobility and low costs, the AG-DVX100B is the ideal tool for producing independent films, shorts, or streaming video. You may choose from three shooting modes: 24p (24 fps, progressive) for images with the look and motion of film movies, 30p (30 fps, progressive), or standard 60i (60 fps, interlace).
24p Advance Mode For 24p Non-Linear Editing
In 24p mode, images from the CCD can be 2:3 pulldown-converted (24p Mode) or 2:3:3:2 pulldown-converted (24p Advance Mode) and recorded onto tape in the standard 60i TV format. The tape can then be played back or edited using an ordinary DV system. True 24p editing can be achieved by uploading 2:3:3:2 pulldown-converted images via an IEEE 1394 DV interface to a compatible non-linear editing system. The 24p Advance Mode allows 60i/24p conversion with minimal picture degradation and on the fly 24 frame extraction.
Improved Color Reproduction and Advanced Image Adjustments Built-In
  • Optimized color separation optics help provide true-to-life colors
  • Enriched Matrix setting offers more saturated colors
  • Adjustable V detail level (edge correction in vertical direction), H/V detail balance, and detail coring (detail noise removal)
  • Knee point (luminance compression) settings Auto, Low, Mid and High
Wide-Angle Zoom Lens Addresses Professional Needs
The AG-DVX100B zoom lens extends from 4.5 mm to 45 mm covering the full wide-angle range needed in most broadcast and professional shooting scenarios. It gives you ample range for close-ups, recording in small rooms, and self-recorded interviews. In addition, with a minimum object distance (MOD) of approximately 0.6 meter (1.9 ft) in telephoto mode, the AG-DVX100B has the maneuverability of a handheld camera.
Fast, Smooth Cam-Driven Manual Zoom and Focus Assist
The cam-driven (mechanical) manual zoom ring provides the same smooth, easy zooming as cameras with interchangeable lenses. Its direct operation gives you fast, precise zooming control. When you turn the zoom ring, you will experience the familiar steady resistance as with familiar 35mm lenses. The AG-DVX100B is also equipped with a servo-driven zoom that allows slow zooming. Slowest zoom has been reduced to a dramatic 30 seconds from 20 seconds.

Enjoy quick, sharp focusing manually or automatically. In manual mode, the focus ring provides the similar operating feel and responsive control as conventional cameras with interchangeable lenses. In Auto Focus mode, you get the quick, sharp focusing needed in news gathering or when shooting at a high or low angle. When set to infinity, the focal distance is immediately prepared for the next manual focus. When in Manual Focus mode, pressing the Push Auto button temporarily activates auto focus. Macro Focus can be achieved either manually or automatically when the zoom lens is in the wide angle position.

Three User Buttons for Customized Operation and Scene File Dial
The AG-DVX100B provides three user buttons, each of which can be assigned any one of the 11 functions. The assigned functions can then be accessed at the touch of a button. This lets you customize the AG-DVX100B for quicker, easier, more versatile operation.

Set the Scene File dial for any particular shooting condition, and later you can retrieve the settings instantly. Six preset files are provided (F1 to F6); you can change any of the six file names and their settings as desired. The AG-DVX100B also introduces a new design in which a rib protects the scene file dial to prevent unintentional file changes.

3-Position White Balance with Auto Tracking White Function
One press of the AWB button is all it takes to adjust the white balance and black balance. There are three white balance values to select from one preset and two (A and B) that you can set and save in memory. The Auto-Tracking White Balance (ATW) function can also be assigned to any of the three positions. The ATW mode supports fast, active shooting by adjusting the white balance in real-time as lighting conditions change.
Auto Button for Instant, Easy Shooting
Just press the Auto button to turn on Auto Iris, Auto Gain, Auto Tracking White Balance, and Auto Focus and you are quickly ready to shoot. You can also customize the Auto button by removing functions and setting the gain to any value desired. With this new Auto function, the AG-DVX100B gives you the best of both worlds- the speed and ease of automatic operation and the precision of manual control.
Lightweight and Balanced Design
The AG-DVX100B has an advanced design that ends the contradiction between a compact, lightweight body and overall stability. The center of balance is located precisely at the handgrip. Because there is no need for a wide-angle conversion lens, the weight balance is ideal for comfortable shooting. The AG-DVX100B's short body and lightweight (about 4 lbs/1.9Kg) in operating condition means free, easy maneuverability. In addition, the low-center-of-gravity design and new skeleton lens hood greatly improve forward vision.
Magnesium Alloy Chassis
The AG-DVX100B features the same magnesium alloy die cast chassis as the DVCPRO broadcast cameras. This tough, rigid unit protects the high precision mechanism, giving the AG-DVX100B outstanding reliability and durability. Built for professionals, the AG-DVX100B stands up to the bumps and jolts that occur in the field.
Time Code Synchro and File Transfer Functions
Connecting two AG-DVX100B units together with a FireWire cable (IEEE1394) allows synchronous time-code setting, which then enables time-code-locked editing of clips recorded with multiple camcorders for "TC synchro editing." The built-in SMPTE time-code generator/reader lets you select, preset and regenerate the Drop Frame/Non-Drop Frame and Free Run/Rec Run modes. User Bits are also provided, letting you record your choice of date, time, frame rate or user data.

The new User File transfer function makes it easy to get uniform image quality from multiple camera-recorders. When two AG-DVX100B units are connected together with a DV cable (IEEE1394) you can transfer user files containing camera parameters to help match cameras on a multiple camera shoot. Additionally, the Time Code value can be transferred as well making a common starting point for recording.

Remote Operation Function
The AG-DVX100B is equipped with terminals that allow remote control of focus and iris settings. You can combine these control functions with the conventional remote control functions (Zoom, Rec Start/Stop) to create an easy-to-use remote control system for mounting to the handle section of a tripod or on a remote arm of a jib.
Three 16:9 Wide Modes, Including the New Squeeze Mode
The AG-DVX100B has three modes for shooting 16:9 widescreen images. Use the optional 16:9 conversion lens (AG-LA7200G, sold separately) to take full advantage of the higher image quality made possible by using all of the CCD pixels. With the standard lens, you can record in letterbox mode or the newly added Squeeze mode. This gives you extra flexibility when using the AG-DVX100B together with equipment from other manufacturers. Activating the Aspect Ratio function on the LCD allows for a letterbox display for easier framing when shooting in Squeeze Mode or when using the Anamorphic lens.
External Backup with the IEEE 1394 Synchro Lock Function
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal features a synchro lock function that allows the AG-DVX100B to remotely start and stop an external DV device connected to it via a DV cable. Three recording modes help protect against mistakes: record only onto the external recorder, record onto both the AG-DVX100B and the external recorder, begin external recording when the AG-DVX100B tape ends.
Support Functions for Greater Convenience
  • End search: Automatically searches for the last recorded portion of the tape. Convenient when preparing to start the next recording.
  • Mode check: Displays a list of the camera settings on the viewfinder and monitor. Makes it easy to check settings before recording.
  • 2-Pattern zebra: Displays an overexposure warning on the viewfinder and monitor. Select any two levels from among 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% and 105%.
  • Rec Check: Plays back the last portion of a recorded passage for easy checking.
  • Index: Enables marking while recording. Convenient for searching after recording.
  • Tally lamps: Provided on the unit front and rear menu switchable.
  • Reversible eye cup for left and right-eyed shooters.
  • Built-in SMPTE color bars useful for setup.

The technical details:
• LCD panel has a bit of a break-away beyond the 90 degree point
• Single Button Display Character Off for LCD and EVF
• What you see is what you get on LCD and EVF
• Scene files transfer over FireWire
• Time code transfers over Firewire
• Pro Audio: 2-channel XLR audio inputs with phantom power supply (+48V) and manual audio levels
• 16:9 Aspect Display Mode on EVF and LCD for distortion free Squeeze Mode or Anamorphic Display
• Higher resolution 235,000 pixel .44" BW/color switchable electronic viewfinder (EVF) with superimposed audio metering
• Higher resolution 210,000 pixel flip-out 270 degree 3.5" LCD display with superimposed audio metering
• Remote focus and iris control with optional VariZoom controller(s) and others
• 1/3" 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder with exclusive CineSwitchTM technology
• Rugged magnesium alloy diecast chassis
• Outstanding sensitivity of F11 @ 2000 lux
• Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture
• Precision wide-angle Leica Dicomar lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings)
• Auto/manual focus F1.6 with 72mm filter size and advanced optical image stabilization
• Conventional 4:3 aspect ratio and 16:9 letterbox image capture modes
• 16 x 9 anamorphic - letterbox and digital squeeze
• Conventional video gamma and CineGammaTM operational modes
• Seven gamma settings - L, M, H, CINE-LIKE, + CINE-LIKE D, CINE-LIKE V, Black Press
• Four knee settings - Auto, Low, Mid, High
• Four color matrix settings - Norm, Enriched, Fluor, Cine
• Three vertical detail level settings in progressive mode - Thin, Mid, Thick
• Up to +12dB gain in progressive mode
• S-Video, Video & Stereo Audio IN and OUT
• Standard IEEE 1394 FireWire interface (in/out) for transfer of digital video/audio to NLE platforms
• One Shot recording capability
• Unique pre-cleaning heads and auto head cleaning to maximize reliability
• Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition
• Longer-lasting 5400mA standard battery
• Slow Shutter - 24P - 1/6, 1/12, 30P - 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 60i - 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30
• Edge enhancement for easy focusing - Peaking (switchable on/off) in LCD and EVF
• Auto focus assist in progressive mode
• Built-in SMPTE color bars in interlace and progressive modes
• Three user-programmable buttons are assignable to any one of 11 functions
• Color drop-down display mode for menu choices
• End Search Camera function - no longer necessary to go to VCR mode to search up to the end of the recording
• Menu change on Tape Protect to read Power Save
• MOD (Minimum Object Distance) - 0.6 meter
• Two zebra settings - 80-105%
• CineSwitchTM Scene File Dial is more protected from unintentional changes
• Slower middle zoom speed
• Color level, brightness and contrast adjustment - separate LCD and EVF settings
• More sensitive on-camera microphone
• Audio off tape or live E-E for delay free (echo free) monitoring (menu choice)
• Speaker position has moved to top of camera (was behind LCD)
• Heavy-duty tripod connection
• Black Sapphire color, Barrel Paint is textured to reduce fingerprints
• ROHS compliant manufacturing assuring environmentally correct parts and methodology

Camera brochure |

3 Feature films shot with this camera:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385056/technical
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382357/technical
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368089/technical

Review by Cnet: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/panasonic-ag-dvx100b/4505-6500_7-31568573.html

Demo video by Steven Bogda that demonstrates what the DVX 100B is capable of: http://vimeo.com/5999095

New Cost $3,495, Average Used Cost/Low Hours $1250-1500, My cost for this phase of the project:  $900

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  Home | Login | Schedule | Pilot Store | 7-Day IFR | IFR Adventure | Trip Reports | Blog | Fun | Reviews | Weather | Articles | Links | Helicopter | Download | Bio
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