| The AG-DVX100A is the upgraded version of the Panasonic 24-frame video camera. When introduced, the AG-DVX100 was the first small video camcorder to offer film-like 24-frame per second recording. High-end shoulder mount cameras offer this film-speed recording, but the operation of one of these cameras requires a large production crew and oodles of money. The AG-DVX100 is a 5-pound camcorder that is easy to use at a much lower cost. (The price depends on accessories of course). The prospect of shooting low cost video with film-like results was impossible to resist. The initial offering was a commercial if not a technical hit.
The AG-DVX100A is an improved version of the original camera with additional film-look features. But its not only the camera that is required for the film-look result. Computer editing software able to fully utilize the cameras encoding is a necessary and evolving piece of the puzzle. Software writers worked around the clock from the start and are still adding functionality to the process. So far Apple's Final cut Pro and Avid's Express Pro are leading the pack for compatibility.
The most significant improvement in the AG-DVX100A is the additional gamma settings. Gamma is the CCDs responsiveness to the spectrum from white to black. Film gamma (depending on film-stock of course) generally represents lower contrast than standard video. And it could be said that the detail (the dark edge noticeable around the lightest areas) is thinner in film than video. The AG-DVX100A addresses these issues.
Key Features
7 Gamma Curve Settings
Cine-Like for film-like images
Cine-Like D for film-look with greater dynamic range
Cine-Like V for film-look with higher contrast range
Low for images with strong black contrast
Black Press for images with even stronger black contrast
Normal for standard video look
High for images with enhanced gradation in dark portions and soft detail
4 Knee Settings
Knee represent the point of absolute white. The AG-DVX100A has 4 settings for this coefficient:
Auto
Low
Mid
High
Adjustable Detail
Vertical Detail Level
Vertical/Horizontal Detail Balance
Detail Coring (detail noise level)
Slow Speed Zoom Servo
For more subtle camera effects, the AG-DVX100A has a slow speed zoom that will transition from wide to close or visa versa in 30 seconds.
In-Camera Widescreen Feature
The AG-DVX100A offers 2 in-camera effects to render widescreen. Letterbox simply masks the top and bottom portions of the image to result in a wide looking scene. Digital Squeeze electronically stretches the image vertically so when displayed on a widescreen monitor the image appears wide. The highest quality widescreen images results from the addition of the anamorphic lens adapter.
Color and B&W Viewfinder
Addressing the requirements of all types of operators, the viewfinder on this camera is switchable from color to black and white.
Scan Matching with Synchro-Scan
When shooting computer or multi-scan monitor displays, the AG-DVX100A with Synchro-Scan will stop most monitors from flickering, shrink the raster bar, and the image will not roll. Scan matching occurs from 24.1 Hz to 250 Hz. The matching rates change somewhat depending on which recording mode you are in.
Professional Audio Inputs
The AG-DVX100 comes standard with a stereo microphone built onto the camera. In order to connect professional mics, there are 2 balanced audio XLR inputs. Additionally, 48 volt Phantom power is present to power special microphones that require such power. Furthermore, chose line-level input for recording the sound from an audio cassette, audio CD, DVD or the sound from television or VCR.
Optical Image Stabilizer
The image stabilization system is only as good as the video that comes out. The AG-DVX100A incorporates an optical system (not a digital circuit) that does not degrade the image. A gyro-sensor detects hand shake and sends signals to a linear motor that adjusts the lens to compensate. Because this process takes place prior to the CCD image capture rather in the downstream processing, the optical system virtually eliminates any affect of hand shake on resolution and screen angle. The system corrects for shake 480 times a second.
Interval and Animation Recording
The Interval Record and One-Shot Record function returns high quality results. In Interval mode, also known as time-lapse mode, recording times can be set from one-half second to 2 seconds and interval times set from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Now you can shoot the construction of a house, the growth of a plant from a seed or sunrise to sunset over the skyline; many hours of action on only a few minutes of video tape.
One-Shot recording is for animation. Menu select the recording seconds and hit the red button to record. Each time you hit the record button, the camera will record for only the seconds you selected.
LCD Monitor and Professional Style Viewfinder
The 3.5 inch color LCD monitor show your subject in sharp detail and greatly simplifies setting menu selections. The LCD conveniently rotates 270 degrees so even self portraits are easy to frame.
Ergonomic Design
Designed for professionals, the size and shape of the camera and location of switches is well thought out from years of location experience. The balance point of the camera is right at the hand grip. No more front heavy or back heavy hand-held shooting. And because the camera comes with a relatively wide angel lens, there is less use for a wide angel converter, which tends to throw off balance.
An additional zoom control rocker switch and record button is now located on the top side of the handle.
Zebra Exposure Patterns
Professional shooters don't guess as to correct exposure. Zebra indicators display lines in the viewfinder and/or monitor corresponding to percentage of full 100% correct exposure based on 100 IRE for broadcast standards. You can preset 2 separate zebra patterns to show 80%, 85, 90, 95, 100 or 105% exposure.
Scene File Dial
Scene files are preset values for common shooting situations. You can select:
FLUO for shooting under fluorescent lights
SPARK for high-contrast crisp video for events like a wedding reception
B-STR enhances gradation in dark portions of low light scenes
24P setting is for 24P mode + Cine-Like vertical gamma
ADVANCE preset is for advanced 24P mode + Cine-Like Gamma and enhanced dynamic range
Factory default is standard setting
3 Recording Modes
The AG-DVX100 uses 3 CCDs that capture video utilizing progressive scan. That means the chip interpolates entire frames from top to bottom all at once. All recording modes will display on any NTSC monitor. The DVX100 records in 3 modes:
60i/60 frame per second interlaced
30P/30 frame per second progressive scan
24P/24 frames per second progressive scan modes
Output Pull down Options
2:3 Pull down-converted to 60i/60 frame per second interlaced
2:3:3:2 Pull down-converted to 60i/60 frame per second interlaced
|
