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Panasonic Pro AG-DVX100B 3-CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
Buy New: $2,657.99
New (4) from $2,644.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Media: Electronics
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 10
Display Size: 3.5
Maximum Focal Length: 45
Minimum Focal Length: 4.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 9
Dimensions (in): 18.9 x 14.2 x 9.9
MPN: AG-DVX100B
Model: AG-DVX100B
UPC: 791871302842
EAN: 0791871302231
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Allows synchronous setting of time code values among multiple cameras | | • | 3 CCD image system; 24P/30P cinema mode; manual operation | | • | Wide-angle zoom lens perfect for small-room shooting, close-ups, and self-recorded interviews | | • | High-sensitivity slow shutter (in cumulative) function | | • | Professional digital video camera |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
With the Panasonic AG-DVX100BP DV PROLINE Camcorder, you'll take your digital video recording a step further. This advanced digital camera delivers incredible image quality, superior functions and easy operation. Its high-level specifications and design improvements cater to the wishes of amateurs and the needs of professionals. Mobile, versatile and easy to use, the AG-DVX100BP has everything you need for creative content production and active image gathering. Smoother zooming and focusing, with extended 30-second slow zoom User-assignable buttons give you instant, one-touch access to setup functions Viewfinder features B/W display mode and detail function for easier focusing High-quality wide-image recording in letterbox mode (16 - 9) Outstanding sensitivity - F11 @2000 lux, min illumination - 3 lux (at +18dB) Edge enhancement for easy focusing - Peaking (switchable on/off) in EVF and 3.5 LCD Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture Precision wide-angle Lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings) Auto/Manual Focus f1.6 with 72mm filter size Conventional 4 - 3 aspect ratio and 16 - 9 letterbox image capture modes Large centrally located pivoting electronic viewfinder usable for left or right eye Flip-out 270 3.5 LCD panel with superimposed audio metering on both LCD & EVF S-Video, Video & Stereo Audio IN & OUT
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
great video camera November 5, 2006
28 out of 29 found this review helpful
I was torn between Sony and Panasonic (the Canons seemed to have many recurring complaints especially with the decks), and after reading several reviews became gradually partial to the Panasonic, before ever having used one, based on customer loyalty and consistently glowing testimonials.
Well I've never used the comparable Sony's, JVC's, or the Canon XL2 (some limited experience with the GL2), but as best I can tell without personal comparison this camera does in fact deserve all the great reviews.
The image quality is excellent and in many cases looks about as good as broadcast TV video (nonHD), and the camera allows a tremendous amount of image control--manual focus ring, aperture (iris), gain adjustment, shutter speed, zebra control for overexposure, white AND black balance adjusting, daylight filters, etc. The electronic viewfinder can even be focused via simple diopter. There are six preprogrammed, but customizable, settings for image control so the user can simply dial in whatever setting they need based on the shooting/lighting conditions. So, for example, you shoot occasionally under weak flourescents lights--you adjust the white balance and the gain and the detail level accordingly, save it as a particular "scene file"; whenever you return to that same location or a similar shooting environment, you can click over to the saved settings in an instant and start recording. The first four are factory set for video 60 frames; the last two are 24 fps for a more film-like quality, which this camera handles beautifully.
What actually sold me on the camera, in terms of hardware, were the two XLR jacks--comparably priced models didn't seem to offer this. The XLR jacks allow the user to attach professional shotgun mics and bypass the mediocre factory one, taking fuller advantage of 16bit 48khz stereo recording. I use a fairly inexpensive AZDEN mic and the improvement in sound quality is tremendous. If you were willing to invest in finer mics the audio quality would be better still. Having two XLR inputs means that in addition to recording live audio (like a mic) you can also mix in input from another pre-recorded source--all in the camera!
The lens by Leica is also impressive--it is a bit wide and is not interchangeable (although I believe there is an adaptive telephoto for $$$). I prefer shooting wide but if you have need a wide selection of lenses or don't enjoy the look of wide angle look to Canon.
The drawbacks are minor--the camera is rather cumbersome--and would certainly be tiresome for handheld use as it isn't designed for shoulder-mounted use. I shoot almost exclusively indoors with a tripod and so neither of these issues are relevant for me. Also irrelevant for me are reviews I've read which have indicated lackluster battery performance--again shooting indoors I always have it plugged in and thus haven't noticed any battery problems. The little menu joystick control button used to toggle the menu screens, as well as the VCR playback options, can be frustrating when you're tired, but that is an extremely trivial concern really.
This camera is expensive, even in the $1500+ prosumer class it tends more to professional range, but I feel it is a great value considering what a fine piece of equipment it is and the wealth of features it offers. It is much much more than enough camera for the consumer and probably a little more than I need actually--I've used mine for a few months and I'm still learning how to wring better and better shooting from it. Once you've used it for a while it becomes clear why this particular model maintains a devoted following. If I have to replace this camera--provided I can afford to--the next camera would definitely be a Panasonic and probably be its big HD brother the HVX.
Previous review of weight based on wrong info April 17, 2006
13 out of 20 found this review helpful
From the description, it is "Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition", not 10 pounds, which is the *shipping* weight.
Just wanted to say that. It's lighter than the XL2
Best in Class June 26, 2006
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
The DVX 100b is cheaper than the XL2 but you get more features. Aside from the compact and built in XLR ports, you get an optional flip out view finder which the XL2 doesn't offer. If you are looking for a non HD camera i would suggest going with a camera that has an optional 24p because you'll be getting your money's worth and it is a awesome feature to have...
BEST May 21, 2006
11 out of 14 found this review helpful
The Canon XL2 has been showing up in alot of complaining reviews, complaints realted to it's less than perfect imagery. From what Ive seen, the fact that the DVX100B is hard as heck to find says alot about which one is better. I find it very odd that a great number of these cameras are being sold by numerous retailers in Brooklyn who go by names like express, photosweep, Camera City....seems like one dealer is using multiple names and varied prices. If you need a DVX100B, its best to buy from an established dealer. BUT no one can beat the 24p quality of this camerta. Better deal than the new HD cameras which don't even have the 24p adjustment!
 Great camera and image quality May 26, 2006
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
Lit and shot properly, the footage from this camera in 24P mode can come very close to 16mm film. This is a fantastic camera for the price, and this new B model has worked out a lot of the kinks from the earlier models. For those of you looking at the XL2, it's true this camera does not have an interchangeable lens (although wide-angle and telephoto adapters are available) but the camera feels more compact and robust, with more features (like XLR) built right into the camera body vs. external attachments.
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