Already used for film and TV program production as well as news gathering, Panasonic's DVX100 series has now evolved further with the AG-DVX100B. The AG-DVX100B debuts as the industry's first DV camera-recorder to allow camera-to-camera time-code synchro and user-settable file transfer. This allows the AG-DVX100B to be used for simultaneous multi-camera recording techniques often used in video production. Additionally, the new model offers remote focus and iris control for easier operation when mounted on a jib arm or tripod. The Black Sapphire AG-DVX100B offers the acclaimed performance and multiple functions of previous high-end DV camera-recorders models. In addition to superior image quality, high sensitivity, 24P/30P Cinema mode, and manual operation, it has the specifications needed for full-fledged professional video production.

 

Lightweight design with balanced grip
The AG-DVX100B 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-DVX100B's short body and light weight — it weighs only 4.189 lb (1.9Kg) in operating condition* — means free, easy maneuverability. Plus, the low-center-of-gravity design and new skeleton lens hood greatly improve forward vision. *Camera-recorder with DV cassette tape and supplied battery.

New AG-DVX100B functions (compared with the AG-DVX100A)
Allows synchronous setting of time-code values in multiple cameras User-settable files can be copied from camera to camera Remote control of focus and iris (wired) EVF and LCD can display images in 16:9 letter-box format

 

Superior image rendering with the Leica Dicomar lens, plus OIS
The Leica Dicomar lens featured in the AG-DVX100B 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 ghosting. 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.

410,000-Pixel, 3CCD image system provides f11 sensitivity for superior image quality
Panasonic designed the AG-DVX100B 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-DVX100B 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 image quality with 12-Bit A/D conversion
The AG-DVX100B 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 switching and other fine downstream image adjustments--one of the keys to achieving rich image expression.

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-DVX100B continues with the tradition of the seven gamma curves pioneered with the DVX100A.

 

High-quality, native progressive 24p/30p mode
Choose from three shooting modes: 24p (24 frames per second (fps), progressive) for images with the look and motion of film movies, 30p (30 fps, progressive), or standard 60i (60 fps, interlace). Thanks to its progressive CCD, the AG-DVX100B creates native progressive images with outstanding vertical resolution--unlike images produced using conventional electronic interpolation. With its high mobility and low costs, the AG-DVX100B is the ideal tool for producing indies, shorts, or streaming video.

 

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 IEEE 1394 DV interface to a compatible non-linear editing system.* The 24p Advance Mode allows 60i/24p conversion with minimal picture degradation and on the fly 24 frame extraction.

*Systems compatible with 24PA as of June 2005: Apple Power Mac G4/G5 with FCP 4, Avid Xpress Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Sonic Solutions Vegas

Improved color reproduction and advanced image adjustments built-in

 

• Optimized color separation optics help provide true-to-life colors
• "Enriched" matrix setting offers more saturated 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 24p/30p shooting functions for professionals
• Focus assist*
• Gain up (+12 dB max.)
• SMPTE color bar display and output

*Autofocus in 24p/30p mode requires slightly more focusing time than in 60i mode.

Wide-angle/zoom lens answers professional needs
The AG-DVX100B's zoom lens extends all the way to 4.5 millimeters (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, recording 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 meter (1.9 feet) in telephoto mode, the AG-DVX100B has the maneuverability of a handheld camera.

 

Execute fast, precise manual zooms

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-DVX100B's improved operating feel. When you turn the zoom ring, you experience the familiar steady resistance as with familiar 35mm lenses.

The AG-DVX100B is also equipped with a servo-driven zoom that allows slow zooming. 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.

What's in the box
Camera, eye cup, lens hood, lens cap, lens cap strap, microphone holder, shoulder strap, AC adapter, AC cable, DC cable, battery, wireless remote control unit, Master Series tape