- RGB Gamma Processor Provides Rich, Cine Like Tones.
- High Image Quality with 12 Bit A/D Conversion.
- 410,000 pixel (NTSC), 3CCD Image System Provides F11 Sensitivity for Superior Image Quality.
- Superior Image Rendering with the Leica Dicomar Lens.
- High Sensitivity Slow Shutter.
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.
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 sw 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, 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
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 s. 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 s or self s. 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
modes help protect against mistakes: record only onto
the external recorder, record onto both the AG-DVX100A and the
external recorder, begin external when the AG-DVX100A
tape ends.
Backup your s via FireWire to DV recorder
Interval and One-
The AG-DVX100A's interval works much like a time-lapse
VTR and offers exceptionally high quality. Use it to observe the
growth of a , monitor progress at a construction site, or
for a frame-by-frame effect. times can be set
from 0.5 to 2 seconds, at intervals from 15 seconds to 10
minutes. There's also a One- 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.