The 'Panasonic AG-DVX100 DV Camcorder'

AG-DVX100 masters progressive production. The view from the front line.

Many producers, directors and cameramen have long been looking for a DV camcorder that allows the look and feel of regularly broadcast formats. In the past Mini DV cameras have always fallen short of these systems due to poor picture and sound quality.

Things have changed. In the past DV footage always showed up against other formats and would often jar the viewer's eye. However, several productions have since used the DVX100A alongside standard broadcast equipment and found its output so close, that when screened there was no discernable alteration in the image. The quality of the DVX100A focused through its Leica lens produces outstanding pictures for the cost of the unit and has more than satisfied producers.

Roger Corke, one such Producer was looking for a camera that would create images in tight and uncompromising situations that showed no drop in quality of the picture, was high enough spec to satisfy his camera crew and at a cost that would keep his production manager happy.

Roger, who in the past has been involved with programmes like 'World In Action' for Granada and well used to using various production formats in all kinds of situations also said "The picture quality is superb. If you put normal DV cameras up against the DVX100A they would certainly fall somewhat short of the standard required for most high end production. This is not the case with the DVX100A, certainly on progressive scan. That's what a Leica lens does for you. And in high contrast situations it's much better than the other models presently available."

He said "The aim of the programme I am currently working on is to bring high production values and a film look to an undercover series. We can't always use larger PSC style camcorders - it's not practical and not cost effective. The way we have been able to preserve that film look throughout the series is through the DVX100A."

Panasonic put a lot of research into producing a Mini DV camera that would satisfy the needs of current widescreen productions. With the AG-DVX100A the image is electronically stretched to produce a superb 16:9 image of unparalleled quality in both interlace and progressive modes of operation. This is something Roger found useful when cutting images from Mini DV with footage from his other formats and enabled him to produce an outstanding quality programme.

One of the more exacting areas in mini DV production is controlling sound in camera. Of the DVX100 Roger had this to say. "You may have to set sound but doing so couldn't be easier and you can easily wind the sound up or down if you need to. The knobs are conveniently situated and it's very difficult to end up with sound recorded too low - a situation I've been in plenty of times with the DVX's main competition because altering the sound has been so fiddly."

Rogers last comment was "I regard the DVX100A as a quantum leap up from the competition!"

Roger Corke is one of a growing band of Producers, Directors and Cameramen, who are finding the DVX100A a high quality, versatile and valuable , production tool.

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