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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
Your Thoughts...
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