Blows away the Canon and Sony both.
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Panasonic Announces Pricing, Availability for Revolutionary AG-DVX100 Mini-DV Camcorder
Secaucus, NJ: Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company announced availability and pricing for its breakthrough AG-DVX100, a unique mini-DV 3-CCD camcorder with exclusive CineSwitch? technology that supports 480i/60 (NTSC), cinema-style 480p/24fps and 480p/30fps image capture. The AG-DVX100 will be available on October 10 at a suggested list price of $3,795.
?The AG-DVX100 completely re-defines the mini-DV camera, because it leaps ahead of the competition. This camcorder offers entirely new features and price performance levels,? said Stuart English, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. ?The AG-DVX100 is carefully engineered to give today?s shooters what they desire: a single camcorder that captures in 60i to acquire standard video projects and in 24p to add the ?look and feel? of film to their productions.?
To acquire stunning digital pictures, the AG-DVX100 is equipped with newly-developed 1/3? progressive-scan 410,000-pixel 3-CCD imagers to deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution (a 25% picture quality improvement over analog), low smear and flare, a low light performance of 3 lux (at +18dB) and a high sensitivity of f 11 at 2000 lux. The native progressive CCDs eliminate interlace artifacts including horizontal jaggies and motion-edge tearing.
The well-balanced, ergonomically-designed camcorder features a precision wide-angle zoom lens (4.5mm to 45mm with a 56-degree viewing angle) and a host of manual controls to make subtle picture adjustments. The wide angle lens allows a shooter to be ?one step closer? to the action without the added expense, weight, distortion and inconvenience of an add-on adapter. Manual controls include Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops and barrel markings), Auto/Manual Focus (at f 1.6) with 72mm filter size, and Auto/Manual iris.
The ultra-compact 4.2-pound camcorder can capture pictures in the conventional 4:3 aspect ratio and 16:9 aspect ratio letterbox modes. Its advanced optical image stabilization delivers superb picture quality and minimizes jitter, so hand-held shots and video taken from moving vehicles appear smooth and steady.
Versatile CineSwitch Function
With its unique CineSwitch selectable operation, the camcorder operates in 480i/60 (NTSC), 480p/30fps and 480p/24fps capture modes to serve the widest range of applications.
In 480i/60 mode, the AG-DVX100 is ideal for covering local broadcasts, cable news, weddings, local or government events, school sports and industrial video productions.
In 480/30p mode, maximum vertical resolution is produced for multimedia production, internet streaming and DVD production and for document or evidence gathering in legal and law enforcement applications.
In 480/24p mode, the AG-DVX100 permits shooters to incorporate cinema-like images for documentaries, music videos, television programming, and independent filmmaking. The camcorder is also an excellent teaching tool for film and drama schools.
The camcorder?s true progressive scanning CCDs, 24-frame-per-second capture and cine-like gamma contrast control permit it to produce cinema-looking images. Its CineGamma function extends the camera?s dynamic range to create pictures with the characteristics of film.
?Until now, a shooter had to obtain the PAL version of a high-end DV camcorder in order to get close to 24fps ? the speed at which film cameras operate,? said English. ?These shooters experienced the inconvenience of not being able to view video on normal NTSC recorders and monitors. Beyond that, a shooter?s artistic freedom was stymied by the 4% audio pitch change between PAL and NTSC and the frustration of missing the critical timing of their edits. The AG-DVX100 grants them their wish of true 24-frame capture at an unmatched price.?
Professional Audio
In addition to high-level video performance, the AG-DVX100 offers professional 16-bit/48kHz digital audio with two-channel, built-in XLR inputs; phantom power supply (48V); manual audio volume controls (ch1/ch2 independent), and Line/Mic switchability.
The camcorder?s IEEE-1394 in/out digital interface makes it easy to download and upload video to PC-based nonlinear editing systems.
Shooting with the AG-DVX100 is a breeze from overhead or from low angles with its two, easy-to-view displays ? a large, centrally-located pivoting electronic viewfinder for left or right eye use, and a flip-out, 270-degree, 3.5? LCD panel. Superimposed audio metering is available on both the panel and viewfinder.
The AG-DVX100 offers a comprehensive list of standard performance features including six scene files and two user-assignable functions; S-Video, video and stereo audio inputs and outputs; pre-cleaning heads and auto head cleaning to maximize reliability; and interval (time lapse) recording with adjustable record duration and interval time to capture events like flowers? blooming or sunsets. Its lightweight and compact size make it ideal for use on dollies, cranes and jibs.
The camcorder?s standard accessories include 1.6Ah battery, AC adapter/charger, microphone holder, remote control, shoulder strap, lens cap, cleaning tape and instruction manual.
