Panasonic Pro AG-DVX100A 3-CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Panasonic

• Superior Image Rendering with the Leica Dicomar Lens
• 410,000-pixel (NTSC), 3CCD Image System Provides F11 Sensitivity for Superior Image Quality
• High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
• High Image Quality with 12-Bit A/D Conversion
• RGB Gamma Processor Provides Rich, Cine-Like Tones

Product Details

Product Manual [1.26mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 14.3 x 6.3 x 5.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00024YOGU
• Item model number: AGDVX100A
• Batteries 2 Lithium ion batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,095 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 28, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer Description The AG-DVX100 shattered conventional notions of what a DV camera-recorder could do, delivering image quality, functions and operating ease suitable for professional applications. As the first model in its class to offer the 24p/30p Cinema mode, the AG-DVX100 was particularly well received by filmmakers and image creators. Now, Panasonic introduces the AG-DVX100A. This advanced new model takes the DV camera a big step forward, retaining the popular features of its predecessor while adding enhancements that reflect feedback from professionals who used the AG-DVX100. The AG-DVX100A offers higher image quality and more functions than its predecessor. Even more important, it provides high-level specifications and design improvements that cater to the needs of professional camera operators. Mobile, versatile and easy to use, the Diamond Graphite AG-DVX100A has everything you need for creative content production and active image gathering.

High Image Quality with 12-Bit A/D Conversion
The AG-DVX100A features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast camera-recorders. Precisely digitizing the gradation and colors captured by the progressive CCD, this A/D converter supports gamma switching and other fine downstream image adjustments--one of the keys to achieving rich image expression.

Seven gamma settings for outstanding images

RGB Gamma Processor Provides Rich, Cine-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-DVX100A now introduces three new gamma curve settings--Cine-Like-D, Cine-Like-V, and B.Press--giving you a total of seven to work with.

Superior Image Rendering with the Leica Dicomar Lens, Plus OIS
The Leica Dicomar lens featured in the AG-DVX100A incorporates Leica optical technology and know-how. Use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration and increases resolution, while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosts. 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.

The advanced OIS system eliminates image blur caused by natural hand-shake

410,000-Pixel, 3CCD Image System Provides F11 Sensitivity for Superior Image Quality
Panasonic designed the AG-DVX100A to deliver the highest sensitivity and picture quality in its class. At its heart is a 3CCD 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 F11 sensitivity, allowing the AG-DVX100A to record in light as dim as below three lux, for example, in nighttime news gathering. Picture quality is outstanding, with a high S/N ratio that 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 (in 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-Quality, Native Progressive 24p/30p Mode
Choose from three shooting modes: 24p (24 frames per second, progressive) for images with the look and motion of film movies, 30p (30 frames per second, progressive), or standard 60i (60 frames per second, interlace). Thanks to its progressive CCD, the AG-DVX100A creates native progressive images with outstanding vertical resolution--unlike images produced using conventional electronic interpolation. With its high mobility and low costs, the AG-DVX100A is the ideal tool for producing indies, shorts, or streaming video.

The AG-DVX100A's 3CCD image system delivers high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent image quality

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 IEEE1394 DV interface to a compatible non-linear editing system. The 24p Advance Mode allows 60i/24p conversion with minimal image degradation.

Improved Color Reproduction and Advanced Image Adjustments Built-In

• Optimized color separation optics help provide true-to-life colors
• Matrix setting with new "Enriched" mode for richer 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

Three User Buttons for Customized Operation
The AG-DVX100A provides three user buttons, each of which can be assigned any one of the 11 functions described below. The assigned functions can then be accessed at the touch of a button. This lets you customize the AG-DVX100A for quicker, easier, more versatile operation.

Wide-Angle/Zoom Lens Answers Professional Needs
The AG-DVX100A's zoom lens extends all the way to 4.5 mm (equivalent to 32.5mm on a 35mm lens), covering the full wide-angle range needed in most broadcast and professional shooting. It gives you ample range for close-ups, recording in small rooms, and self-recorded interviews. There's no need to carry around a bulky wide-angle conversion lens. And with a minimum object distance (MOD) of approximately 0.6-meters (1.9-feet) in telephoto mode, the AG-DVX100A has the maneuverability of a handheld camera.

Fast, Smooth Cam-Driven Manual Zoom
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. You'll also notice the AG-DVX100A's improved operating feel. When you turn the zoom ring, you experience the similar steady resistance as with familiar 35mm lenses.

The AG-DVX100A is also equipped with a servo-driven zoom that allows slow zooming at a speed of approximately 50% slower than its predecessor. Slowest zoom has been reduced to a dramatic 30 seconds from 20 seconds.

Focus Assist
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 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 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.

Scene File Dial Provides Quick, Easy Setup
Set this dial for any particular shooting conditions, and later you can retrieve the settings instantly. Six preset files are provided (F1 to F6, described below); you can change any of the six file names and their settings as desired. The AG-DVX100A 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 that's preset, and two (A, 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-DVX100A gives you the best of both worlds--the speed and ease of automatic operation, and the precision of manual control.

Lightweight Design with Balanced Grip
The AG-DVX100A introduces a new design that ends the contradiction between a compact, lightweight body and a stable, secure hold. The center of balance is located precisely at the handgrip. Because there's no need for a wide-angle conversion lens, the weight balance is ideal for comfortable shooting. The AG-DVX100A's short body and light weight--it weighs only 4.189 pounds in operating condition--means free, easy maneuverability. Plus, the low-center-of-gravity design and new skeleton lens hood greatly improve forward vision.

The reliable DV tape mechanism minimizes dropout and head-clogging

Magnesium Alloy Chassis--The Rugged Durability Professionals Need
The AG-DVX100A features the same magnesium alloy diecast chassis as our DVCPRO broadcast models. This tough, rigid unit protects the high-precision mechanism, giving the AG-DVX100A outstanding reliability and durability. Built for professionals, the AG-DVX100A stands up to the bumps and jolts that occur in the field.

Highly Reliable DV Mechanism
Panasonic chose a DV mechanism for the AG-DVX100A because of its superior mobility, low running costs, extended recording capability, and easy tape availability. However, for the AG-DVX100A we developed a greatly enhanced, vastly more reliable mechanism than the ones used in home DV cameras and recorders. To minimize dropout and head clogging, we incorporated the same forward cleaning head and automatic head cleaning function found in DVCPRO models. The sturdy loading system allows quick tape changes.

XLR Audio Input with +48-V Phantom Power Supply
In addition to built-in stereo microphones, the AG-DVX100A is equipped with two XLR audio input terminals with a 48-V phantom power supply for broadcast use. The terminals are positioned low on the camera to minimize the possibility of the cables being snagged when a hand mic is in use. Both input 1 and input 2 can be switched between line and mic, and Audio is locked to the Video unlike consumer DV camcorders.

Professional, high-grade XLR inputs

Large Audio Dials and Flexible Input Selection
The AG-DVX100A has the same kind of large level-adjustment dials as DVCPRO camera-recorders. This practical new design incorporates professional operating features that have been refined over years of use on location. A switch lets you select built-in mic, input 1, or input 2 for the audio input of both left and right channels. Auto gain level control can be turned on and off, and the input mic level (50 dB/60 dB) can be selected from the menu.

Three 16:9 Wide Modes, Including the New Squeeze Mode
The AG-DVX100A has three modes for shooting 16:9 wide 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 AGDVX100A together with equipment from other manufacturers.

Three methods for shooting 16:9 wide mode

Large Electronic Viewfinder
The large viewfinder is easy to see through, even with your eye at a slight distance, and it tilts upward 100-degrees for easy low-angle shots. The AG-DVX100A also adds a B/W display mode (with the same high resolution as the color display), detail (PEAKING) function, and image adjustment menu.

3.5-inch Color LCD Monitor
The large 3.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270-degrees. This improves shooting flexibility by making it easier to monitor high-angle shots or self recordings. The display is bright, too, for easy viewing when monitoring images or selecting the menu settings. The AG-DVX100A also introduces a new detail (PEAKING) function that helps assure a sharp, easy-to-see display.

Built-In SMPTE Time Code Generator/Reader
The AG-DVX100A records an SMPTE-compliant VTC onto the sub-code area of the tape. Select from DfNDF and Free Run/Rec Run modes, and use preset or regen. User bits (UB) are also provided, letting you record your choice of date, time, TC value, frame rate, or user data.

External Backup with the IEEE 1394 Synchro Lock Function
The AG-DVX100A comes equipped with an IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal that makes it easy to upload data to a PC and dub onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock function that allows the AG-DVX100A 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-DVX100A and the external recorder, begin external recording when the AG-DVX100A tape ends.

Backup your recordings via FireWire to DV recorder

Interval Recording and One-Shot Recording
The AG-DVX100A's interval recording works much like a time-lapse VTR and offers exceptionally high quality. Use it to observe the growth of a plant, monitor progress at a construction site, or for a frame-by-frame recording effect. Recording times can be set from 0.5 to 2 seconds, at intervals from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. There's also a One-Shot mode--for animation filmmaking--that records for the set number of seconds each time the Start/Stop button is pressed.

Recessed Trigger and Zoom Control on Upper Handle Grip
In addition to the lens grip, the upper part of the handle grip contains both the Rec Start/Stop button and a lens zoom control. This design assures easy shooting even at low angles or when using a tripod. The zoom speed can be set to any of three speed levels or off.

Accessories included with the AG-DVX100A

What's in the Box:
DVX100A, eye cup, lens hood, microphone holder, shoulder strap, AC adapter, AC cable, DC cable, battery, wireless remote control unit, manual, Master Series DV tape.

Product Description

The AG-DVX100 shattered conventional notions of what a DV camera-recorder could do, delivering image quality, functions and operating ease suitable for professional applications. As the first model in its class to offer the 24p/30p Cinema mode, the AG-DVX100 was particularly well received by filmmakers and image creators. Now, Panasonic introduces the AG-DVX100A. This advanced new model takes the DV camera a big step forward, retaining the popular features of its predecessor while adding enhancements that reflect feedback from professionals who used the AG-DVX100. The AG-DVX100A offers higher image quality and more functions than its predecessor. Even more important, it provides high-level specifications and design improvements that cater to the needs of professional camera operators. Mobile, versatile and easy to use, the Diamond Graphite AG-DVX100A has everything you need for creative content production and active image gathering.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars CineTech22 is right, but... January 9, 2005

By Bartholomew Boge

CineTech22's information is correct regarding effective resolution, exposure latitude, etc. Film is a chemical process, and the amount of detail that can be delineated on essentially a molecular level on celluloid is staggering, even with 16mm. BTW, DV resolution is 720x480, not 640x480, but your point still is made--WAY less info than film. As far as the focus operation is concerned, there is an aftermarket "follow-focus" rig available to address this, but yes, the stock camera doesn't let you set your focus-pulling marks.

I would contend, however, that you've lost the forest for the trees. This camera DOES spell the end of 16mm as the preferred medium for indie filmmakers. Premium Panasonic DV tapes are about $5/cassette (63 minutes). And are reusable. What does 16mm cost in stock and processing for an hour of footage?

The path to indie glory is no longer only "shoot in 16mm, blow it up to 35mm for festivals or limited release, get discovered". Now we have "shoot in anamorphic DV, release on DVD, get discovered" as the new, much more cost effective option. Another note: DV footage shot on a DVX100a looks great uprezzed to HD, even better than some low-end prosumer HD cams out there, mostly due to its great color abilities.

I have used both the DVX100 & 100a, and have run up against their limitations. Exposure and depth of field are the biggest and require a lot of production compensation to get around--lots of zoomed, wide open aperture shots with heavy ND filtering to get that truly cinematic look.

Still, if you know what you're doing, this camera is fantastic. Audio is superb (phantom-powered XLR's--yeah, baby!!), 24p is beautiful to work with, color is very "film-like", and although it is easy to "bloom" the whites and "crush" the blacks, the range is better than most DV cams, and both can be avoided by indie filmmakers who pay attention to settings and lighting.

Would-be filmmakers who want to go this route need two important accessories: the 16x9 anamorphic adapter by Panasonic (AG-LA7200g), and Barry Green's book/DVD package http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/dvxbook . By understanding the camera's strengths and weaknesses, you can get fantastic results from the DVX100a. If you are an independent fillmaker with a limited budget, buy this camera, the anamorpic adapter, Barry's book, and do some test shots to figure it all out, Then spend the $$$THOUSANDS$$$ you've saved by shooting with the DVX100a and use it for better lighting, production, script doctors, better actors, and more time in post. The result will be far more impressive than 16mm done on a shoestring--a turd that could more easily be blown up to 35mm, but is far less likely to be worth it.

That's my take, anyway. This camera does for independent filmmaking what the Alesis ADAT did for digital audio recording in the 90's--completely "democracizes" the field so that young, up-and-coming creative people can produce work of incredible quality for very little money and absolutely no "studio" control.

So buy this camera, indulge your creative freedom, make your prize-winning indie film, and "stick it to da MAN!"

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a serious improvement over the DVX100 April 19, 2005

By James Longley

I have been using the DVX100A in Iraq for over a year; I had started shooting on the previous model, the DVX100 -- and then upgraded to this one. Filming in 24p(Advanced) letterbox format. Between the two cameras I have shot 300 hours of material in difficult conditions. The DVX100A is a very serious improvement over the DVX100 -- and the difference lies in better signal processing that stretches the exposure range of the camera. My material shot with the DVX100A has much better latitude -- the skies don't burn out so much, detail is better, colors are richer -- and the blacks are far nicer and less noisy.

I owe a great deal to Panasonic for making a camera like this -- it really is the best low-budget filmmaking tool around. The quality is something like shooting on 16mm film -- but much easier and much less expensive. If you are a documentary filmmaker, or interested in shooting an indy film -- this is an excellent choice. The only DV camera I would consider buying, in fact. Now Panasonic has released a HD camera with a similar form factor called the AG-HVX200 which may be a better choice for productions with slightly more financing -- but the DVX100A is going to stay around for a while as the standard for what DV tape can do in SD. It remains a very viable camera for making films.

A side issue:
Many people have commented that they prefer to use an anamorphic adapter on this camera to give a 16:9 aspect ratio without losing resolution -- I think this is a toss-up. The anamorphic adapter itself will slightly lessen the sharpness of the image, and close-up focusing is very difficult. I think the option of using "letterbox" or "squeeze" (the same thing, in terms of resolution) gives very nice results without adding extra weight and optical issues to the camera. It's analogous to the difference between shooting Cinemascope and Super35 on film -- Cinemascope uses the whole area of the negative, but Super35 (which crops the top and bottom of the frame to get a wide aspect ratio) has much nicer optical resolution because you can continue using spherical lenses instead of anamorphic. I once asked Robert Richardson (ASC) about how he dealt with this issue when he was shooting widescreen on Super8mm film for inclusion in JFK -- he preferred to simply letterbox the tiny frame and live with lower picture res than mess around with the focus problems of anamorphic lenses. The case with the anamorphic adapter on this camera is similar -- I think you can get fine results using letterbox format on the DVX100A, with fewer complications.

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Film or Not - Free from Labs, Middlemen and No-shows March 27, 2005

By Mark D Burgh

I just bought the DVX100AP to shoot a documentary, and I'm so glad this camera is available. I don't need soundmen, grips, or other crewmember to just shoot. The quality of the images from the camera, set on the cine-switch shot at 24fps are amazing - no, not 35mm film shot by a member of ASC with a $100,000 Arri package, but compared with the 16mm world, this Panasonic liberates filmmakers from the world of chemical filmmaking.

You don't have to wait days to see your work back from a lab; you can plug in your firewire and capture to Avid Xpress. You don't have to pay through the nose for syncing, work prints, answer prints, release prints which are really besides the point for independant filmmakers anyway. If you've ever shot and cut film, you know what I mean.

No question: this is a pricey unit. No question, it is worth the money because even if the images aren't absolute film quality, they are not simple video either. When I first opened the camera and starting shooting, I couldn't believe what I saw in the viewfinder, not what I saw when I watched the footage on a tv, or on my plasma monitor. This camera loves to shoot well-lit shots too. If you take time to emulate film lighting of any kind, you will end up with a rich, detailed look that includes richness in the shadows and a wide exposure latitude.

Whoever said you can't do depth of focus with the DVX-100AP ain't trying hard. The utter crispness of the focus I've seen knocked me out. Other great issues: 2 XLR jacks, firewire connector, and usable on-board mics, which while not great for interviews, do a fine job for ambient and room tone captures, and in a pinch, with work in Avid, even interviews shot without an external mic are not only useable, but good. And nobody else need be there; no unwilling family members, no film-school whiners, no untrained sound recordists, no Arrifascists looking down at your Bolex.

I love film; I love the smell of film in the morning; but man, film is the crack of visual arts, and I have hocked blood to burn light onto Kodak emulsions. Freddy's dead. DVX-100AP my ass, honey.

And now, onto DSLR with even lower costs, no physical media, and better images.