The Panasonic AG-DVX100 was a video camera that was released on October 13, 2002.[2] Its 60Hz version was the first consumer digital camcorder capable of recording video at 24 progressive frames per second (FPS),[3][4] the standard frame rate for 35 mm sound film.

Panasonic AG-DVX100B [1]

The camera was last updated in 2005 as the DVX100B(E).[5][6] It is primarily used to record video onto tapes[7], although third-party developers have created modifications that allow DVX100 cameras to stream raw images directly to a connected laptop. However, one of the main companies known for these modifications, Reel Stream, is no longer in business. [8][9]

In the Chinese market, the series was branded as "AG-DVC180/A/B," which is otherwise identical to the European PAL model, AG-DVC180E.

Technical specs

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The Panasonic AG-DVX100 series includes cameras designed to record video in 24 frames per second (24p), a frame rate that mirrors the operation of traditional film cameras. This 24p format, which employs progressive scan, avoids the interlacing artifacts associated with interlaced formats, making it suitable for motion picture production.

The original AG-DVX100 model recorded in a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the "A" revision introduced widescreen recording capabilities, although users reported that the widescreen output appeared distorted on the built-in monitor. The "B" revision corrected this issue by allowing proper monitoring of the 16:9 aspect ratio. All revisions are equipped with CCD sensors that have a native 4:3 aspect ratio, which results in a loss of vertical resolution when recording in widescreen due to cropping.

The DVX100 features a 3-CCD image sensor system with approximately 410,000 pixels, of which about 380,000 are effective. When shooting in widescreen mode, the vertical resolution is reduced because the top and bottom of the frame are cropped.[citation needed]

The camera can record 24p video using a "telecined" method with 2:3 pulldown for 24P and 2:3:3:2 pulldown for 24PA. It also supports 30p video in progressive segmented frame (PsF) format (25p in PAL) and standard interlaced video at 60i (50i PAL), all stored on MiniDV tape. The DVX100 includes "CineGamma" functionality, which simulates the gamma curve characteristic of film.

In terms of connectivity, the DVX100 contains two XLR audio inputs, a 4-pin FireWire port, and S-Video and RCA input and output ports. It provides manual and servo zoom options, and features a secondary zoom control and record button on the handle, enabling low-angle recording.[citation needed]

Accessories typically used with the DVX100 include batteries (sold separately), lens adapters, matte boxes, optical filters, tripods, geared and fluid heads for smooth movement, follow focus systems, external microphones, and storage cases, allowing for enhanced functionality in various shooting situations.

Use in film and television

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Many documentaries, independent shorts, and feature movies have been shot with the Panasonic AG-DVX100, including the Sundance Film Festival-winning feature November, The Puffy Chair by the Duplass Brothers, and the Oscar-nominated documentary named Murderball.[10] The documentary "Iraq in Fragments" was also shot with this camera over a two-year period in Iraq.[11] Seasons 1-5 of the popular TV show It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia were also shot with the DVX100.[12] The Man From Earth was shot from only two DVX100 cameras.[13]

The documentary film Ghost Adventures, which won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2006, was also filmed using the Panasonic AG-DVX100A fitted with on-board lights.

References

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  1. ^ DVX100B Review Reviewed by Ben Wolf, CNET.com Edited by Aimee Baldridge, CNET.com. January 20, 2006
  2. ^ "Amazon PANASONIC AG-DVX100 Professional MiniDV Camcorder Product Information". Amazon.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ DVX100 Manual
  4. ^ "Suggested DVX100 settings and information links". kino-eye.com.
  5. ^ DVX100A Manual
  6. ^ DVX100B Manual
  7. ^ "Meaning of Camera".
  8. ^ DVX100B to HVX200 Technical Differences
  9. ^ "24p: the AG-DVX100 and digital filmmaking". www.adamwilt.com.
  10. ^ TVTechnology (2005-10-19). "'Murderball' takes shape with Panasonic AG-DVX100A". TVTechnology. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
  11. ^ "Background – IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS". 6 January 2019.
  12. ^ Conan O'Brien (2023-05-01). "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend". teamcoco.com/podcasts/conan-obrien-needs-a-friend (Podcast). Team Coco. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
  13. ^ "The Man from Earth (2007) - Did You Know?". IMDb.bcom. Archived from the original on 2015-03-18. Retrieved 2012-10-28.