Panasonic Updates Popular Progressive Scan Camcorder with AG-DVX100A

by News Editor
Published on Nov 20, 2003 12:00 AM



Panasonic has announced a Japanese upgrade to the AG-DVX100 at the InterBEE exhibition in Tokyo. Panasonic announced the AG-DVX100A MiniDV camcorder as well as the new AG-DVC30. The new AG-DV100A adds better picture control, auto focus in progressive shooting modes, increased gain, better zoom and focus ring control, slower zoom speeds, and a compressed 16:9 mode.

''They [Panasonic Broadcast Japan] announced this product at InterBEE in Japan, and we'll show it at DV Expo West in December,'' said Jim Wickizer, a spokesperson for Panasonic Broadcast US. ''What they are announcing in Japan is the same product that we're going to be bringing to the United States. We're not ready to announce pricing or availability. There will be an announcement on pricing and availability on the model in late December.''

The main upgrade of the AG-DV100A over the AG-DVX100 is in picture quality and picture control. According to a brochure, the camcorder has ''Optimized color separation optics and a new high-performance lens that uses low-dispersion glass combine to capture vivid, faithful colors.'' The AG-DVX100A is now outfitted with an improved RGB gamma processor that should deliver color separation and reproduction capabilities that exceed the capabilities of the previous model. The improved gamma processor is touted as having the ability to create film like images, with three film style settings: CINE-LIKE-D with an emphasis on dynamic range, CINE-LIKE-V with an emphasis on luminance and B.PRESS for images with stronger black contrast. The camcorder's maximum gain up has been increased to + 12 dB. V DTL Level, Coring, and Knee adjustments have been added to the AG-DVX100A. The new 16:9 mode called, ''Squeeze Mode for 16:9 Recording'' works with an optional 16:9 conversion lens.

In addition to the picture upgrades, Panasonic has added auto focus to the progressive scan modes. They have also increased the tactile feel of the zoom and focus rings, making them feel more like real focus and zoom rings and move smoother (instead of the servo controlled type that is on the AG-DVX100A). The rocker zoom control is now able to achieve a slower zoom speed and Panasonic has added another 16:9 mode (not native) which seems to increase the resolution saved to tape.

The AG-DVX100A includes a 11x Lecia lens, with three 1/3 in. CCD's. The lens has wide angle abilities up to f4.5mm, and telephoto down to f.6mm. The camcorder has three white balance modes, and the abilities to save established white balance settings. The camcorder also has manual gain control that adjusts up to +12dB.

Panasonic also announced the AG-DVC30, which includes three 410K pixel CCDs. The company was a little vague on the details of the AG-DVC30, however the Panasonic web site said that it includes ''New Infrared Nighttime Recording Mode and Slow Shutter for Ultrahigh Sensitivity'' and a ''Movie-Like Recording Mode''

The main attraction of the AG-DVX100 and now it's replacement, the AG-DVX100A is the 24 frames progressive scan mode. The AG-DVX100 was the first consumer or prosumer camcorder to include progressive scan technology at a 24 frames per second rate - the same frame rate as films. A 24 frames per second progressive scan filming mode has long been sought after by independent film makers because of the 'film look' which it gives.

The upgrades address AG-DVX100 users demands for a film like image from the camcorder, and are likely to make the product even more popular with the independent filmmaker crowd. Pricing and availability information is not yet available on either camcorder, however Panasonic intends to make a United States debut of both camcorders at Digital Video Expo West, on December 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.