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The Panasonic AG-DVX100 was the first affordable progressive scan camcorder. The AG-DVX100 and revised versions AG-DVX100A and AG-DVX100B have been a radical departure from traditional video recording equipment because it can also record 24 progressive frames per second (24p) mode.
It is a compact camera, capable of producing very film-like images on standard definition video. When it first arrived, it instantly became extremely popular among everyone working with video because of its progressive scan capabilities, which enables the capturing of 24 or 30 (or 25 for PAL systems) complete progressive frames per second, rather than the traditional 60 (or 50 for PAL) interlaced fields per second.
The camera is being used by few independent filmmakers, television studios and so on, for most of them are using the newer AG-DVX100AE.
Panasonic has created a complete line of cameras which support recording in 24p, which is an analog of how film cameras record frames, for independent film production.
Progressive video is rare on cameras at this price point (MSRP 3,995 USD, though the camera can be had for around 3,000 USD street price) and is different from other consumer and prosumer cameras, which typically record in interlaced video.
As HD is becoming hotter and hotter among prosumers, Panasonic Panasonic has meanwhile released the Panasonic AG-HVX200, a HDTV 24p camcorder , also for independent filmmakers, with even further enhanced recording capabilities, including true variable frame rates. This is a feature previously only seen in much more expensive cameras, such as the $65,000 Panasonic VariCam.
Features
The DVX100 contains a 3-CCD imaging system, with 410,000 (380,000 effective) pixels each.
The camera can record in both true 24 progressive frames per second video and standard interlaced video onto MiniDV tape and incorporates "CineGamma" functionality to approximate the characteristic curve of film.
The DVX100 also features XLR audio inputs, another rare feature for cameras in its price range. It includes a 4-pin firewire port, as well as S-Video and RCA in and out ports. It features manual and servo zoom, with a second zoom control and record button on top of the handle for recording from low angles.
Typical camera accessories are various adapter lenses, matte box, filters, tripod, follow focus, microphone(s), and storage cases.
External links
- Barry Green's DVX Book and DVD Retail Set
- AdamWilt.com - List of differences between the AG-DVX100 and AG-DVX100a revision.
- New York Times and C/Net Reviews of DVX100B - Article written by Aimee Baldridge
- *dvxuser.com. The most popular site on the web for the DVX100 and 24p shooting
References
- http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/HVX200/
- http://dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/
- http://photography.about.com/library/glossary/bldef_characteristic.htm
"Panasonic AG-DVX100"