Amazon.com Product Description
The AG-DVC30's Leica Dicomar 16x optical zoom lens answers a broad range of shooting needs, delivering superb results from 39.5mm wide angle all the way to 632mm telephoto (both 35mm lens equivalents). In wide-angle performance--critical in broadcast and other professional applications--this lens is top of its class. Behind this outstanding performance are the advanced optical technologies and expertise that have made Leica Camera AG one of the most respected names in the camera world.
The Leica Dicomar lens is first in its class in wide-angle performance.
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This new 16x optical zoom lens system uses low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses to reduce color aberration and boost resolution. Use of a special multicoating process dramatically reduces flare and ghosts. The result: sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered pictures with vivid colors, delicate nuances, and exceptional shading.
The advanced OIS system eliminates image blur caused by natural hand-shake.
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Optical Image Stabilizer Compensates for Natural Hand-Shake
The AG-DVC30's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) compensates for hand shaking that occurs as you shoot. A gyrosensor detects hand-shake and sends signals to a linear motor, which adjusts the lens to compensate. Because this process takes place prior to the CCD image capture (rather than in the downstream electronic processing), it virtually eliminates any effect of hand-shake on resolution and screen angle. The OIS can also be helpful when zooming or shooting in dim lighting.
1/4-Inch, 410,000-Pixel 3CCD Image System: High Sensitivity, Low Noise
To ensure a level of picture quality suitable for professionals, the AG-DVC30 uses a 3CCD image system that delivers the highest sensitivity in its class. Its high S/N ratio and extremely low noise (in darker areas of a picture) combines with high sensitivity to deliver excellent image quality even when shooting indoors under dim lighting. When shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights, this 3CCD system offers low smear.
The AG-DVC30's 3CCD image system delivers high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent image quality.
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12-bit A/D and RGB Gamma Processor
The AG-DVC30 features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast-quality camera-recorders. This, combined with an RGB gamma processor that uses Panasonic's unique gamma-curve function, helps assure high image-quality processing. In fact, the AG-DVC30's A/D converter and RGB gamma processor are the same ones used in the popular AG-DVX100A, which has won acclaim as the industry's highest-image-quality DV camera.
Movie-Simulation Mode
The AG-DVC30 can capture and reproduce images that are strikingly similar in tone to film images, thanks to Panasonic's unique Cine-Like gamma curve and a 30-frames-per-second recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames with no time differences between fields. Settings for this mode are preset in the Movie-Like scene file.
High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. The accumulation method provides bright-color images with less noise than those captured using conventional gain-up, so you get the higher sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination. The slow shutter function can also be used to obtain movie-like effects.
16:9 Widescreen Recording
The aspect ratio can be set to either 4:3 or 16:9 to accommodate wide-image recording. In 16:9 recording, you can select either letterbox or squeeze mode, giving you more possibilities in downstream editing and playback.
An image shot using Zero Lux IR mode and featuring the date/time display.
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Zero Lux IR Mode: Super Nighttime Shooting System
The AG-DVC30 is the world's first 3CCD camcorder to offer black-and-white recording in the dark using infrared light. This featre opens the door to a host of new possibilities in nighttime monitoring, surveillance, and news gathering. The built-in infrared light makes it possible to record at a distance of about 16 feet.
Professional Audio Quality with XLR Mic (Optional)
The AG-DVC30 comes equipped with a built-in stereo microphone. Adding the optional AG-MYA30G XLR adapter provides you with +48 V phantom mic and line input needed for news gathering. Featuring two XLR audio input terminals and level controls, the adapter lets you independently switch channel 1 or channel 2 to mic or line input, with each having its own "glow in the dark" level adjustment.
Audio Level Meters
Two color audio level meters can be displayed in the viewfinder and LCD monitor, making it easy to check the signal as you record.
Full Auto or Manual Shooting
Use the AG-DVC30 for either full auto or manual shooting. The Auto/Manual switch turns the four auto functions--focus, shutter speed, iris and gain, and white balance--on and off as desired. Manual focusing is controlled by the large focus ring. You can also switch between manual and auto focus by pushing the Focus button. For added convenience, one of the user buttons can be assigned to turn autofocus on and off.
3.5-inch Color LCD Monitor and Tilt-Up Viewfinder
The large 3.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270 degrees, making it easy to shoot at difficult angles, and the Mirror mode makes it easy to record yourself. The display is bright, too, so even outdoors you get good visibility when using the LCD to monitor footage or to select settings from the menu. For added ease of use when taking low-angle shots, you also can tilt the viewfinder 70 degrees upward.
Magnesium Alloy Chassis
Designed for professionals, the AG-DVC30 boasts the same tough magnesium alloy diecast chassis as do the DVCPRO broadcast models. This rigid casing protects the high-precision components from bumps and jolts, helps shield out interface, and provides the AG-DVC30 with the reliability and durability needed for active field use.
Automatic Head Cleaning
The AG-DVC30 provides the same head-cleaning function as do the DVCPRO models. The white roller pad positioned to the right of the head cylinder cleans the head each time you load a tape, helping to minimize dropouts and head clogging.
IEEE 1394 Terminal with Synchro Lock
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal makes it easy to upload data from the AG-DVC30 or to dub footage onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock function that lets you use the AG-DVC30 to remotely start and stop an external DV device. Three recording modes help protect against mistakes: record onto external recorder only, record onto both AG-DVC30 and external recorder, and begin external recording when the AG-DVC30 tape ends.
Versatile Performance
Total mobility? Easy carrying? Or advanced audio specs? With the multistyle handle, the choice is yours. Designed with the professional in mind, the AG-DVC30 introduces a new detachable handle that adds versatility by letting you use this compact DV camera three different ways.
- Style 1: With handle detached, this super-compact 3CCD camera fits easily into a bag or pack for highest mobility.
- Style 2: With handle in place, the AG-DVC30 is easy to carry and easy to use, even when shooting at difficult angles.
- Style 3: With the optional XLR adapter mounted on the handle, the AG-DVC30 has outstanding audio specs, plus the ability to add two external phantom mics or line inputs with "glow in the dark" level controls.
MiniDV Format
The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than was previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:
- Higher resolution: Up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution on select models for sharper picture detail
- Component color sampling: Preserves three times more color information than does analog VHS or S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors
- Time base correction: Stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters
- Error correction: Fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video
What's in the Box
Camera, handle, lens hood, lens cap, shoulder strap, AC cord, AV cables, DC cord, battery, AC adapter, large eye cup, wireless remote control unit, Master Series tape.
Accessories included with the AG-DVC30.
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Product Description
Includes: 1.00mA battry, AC adapter/charger, IR remote, strap.
The Panasonic AGDVC30 is the world's first professional DV camcorder with an infrared recording mode. With its 3 CCD Camcorder and 16x Leica Dicomar Lens, it can shoot in total darkness. It includes 4 scene files, slow shutter function, Cine-gamma and an Optical Image Stabilizer -- all to deliver superior video. View or preview your tape on the 3.5" LCD screen. Multiple zoom speeds & synchro scan. Best of all, it only weighs 2.4 lbs. Movie Like mode combines frame mode & CineGamma for a cinematic look (+ LumiFlik for that old time movie look) Wide-angle, extraordinarily quiet, 16x high speed optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens with low-dispersion glass reducing chromatic aberration & flare with OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) Slow-shutter function for motion lag effects and increased sensitivity + Synchro Scan 1/60.3 ~ 1/250 second 12 bit A/D converter and RGB gamma processor assure high image quality Date & Time stamp can record in the picture area Enriched Auto Functions - Auto Focus, Auto White Balance and Automatic motorized Neutral Density Focus Ring can be assigned to Zoom or Iris + Gain in Auto Focus mode Removable handle (incl.) and XLR Audio input module (optional) allows for customized shooting style 16 - 9 recording can be set to Letterbox or Squeeze modes FireWire support
Customer Reviews:
Big price change!?.......2007-04-30
Does anybody know why this camera got so expensive again from 1,700 USD just few months ago to almost 3,000 USD now??? :(
Outstanding Camera for the Professional Investigator.......2006-07-31
To my knowlege, there simply isn't a better equipped camera for the professional investigator. It's IR-sensitive mode (nightshot) is in B&W (rather than cheeseygreen), far superior quality-wise to anything Sony's got, and it's the only 3CCD that I know of with a low-light mode. The image stabilization is exceptional and the image quality is production grade. Time/Date stamps can be "burned in" so they xfer via firewire - again, the only camera I'm aware of with this feature. The audio can be turned off which we know is a must. And best yet, you can disable the sleepmode so it won't turn off eliminating missed money shots waiting for the camera to cycle back on. It's built like a tank and feels substantial in the hand, but it's still lightweight thanks to an alloy frame. Finally, it's totally silent even with the tape transport in full swing.
The ONLY downside so far as I can tell is it's size - It's a big camera compared to the handicams I've had, and wouldn't be well suited for close-proximity work. However, the black casing dosn't print/siloutte terribly, and the 16x optical lets you set back quite a bit.
Highly recommended!
Spectacular Video Quality!.......2006-05-19
I'm by no means an expert, but I really wanted a reasonably priced video camera that could produce the highest quality picture for the price. I did a TON of research and landed on the AG-DVC30 after much agonizing over "to HD or not HD" as well as brands and features. Based on all the reviews I read, this camera seemed to offer the most features and the best video for the money. I have not been disappointed. On my first outing, I took the cam to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Wow! What incredible color and clarity! I also really love the 16x zoom. It's smooth and powerful. I got great shots of the Colorado River from the rim of the Grand Canyon. I'll agree with all reviewers that the audio is not great. It is not super sensitive so you lose sound if not quite close to the subject. If you're interested in good audio, I'd suggest an optional mic. If you just want great video, awesome color, and ease of use, this is your camera. At the price (plus the rebate) you really can't beat it.
excellent product for the price!.......2006-03-24
A camcorder with features found only on more expensive models and resonably easy to operate by a beginner. The quality of the picture was very good and the zoom operated very smoothly. Overall I felt it was a product that was well thought out in design and well made.
I love this little camera! Highly recommended........2006-02-22
Strengths: 1. Great price. 2. Very good picture quality. 3. Excellent low light capabilities. 4. Excellent auto-focus. 5. Excellent zoom range and control. 6. Small and light. 7. Small and compact.
Weaknesses: 1. Ok, internal mic. Low audio output. 2. No true 16x9 mode. 16x9 squeeze mode reduces quality.
Summary: I have used this camera on three shoots so far and it continues to surprise and impress me. For the money its an excellent deal. The image quality is comparable to its big brother the AG-DVX100. Didn't think the night modes would be usefull but they can be and can produce some very artistic shots in B&W.
My only disappointment is no true 16x9 mode. The 16x9 modes they have reduces image quality noticably.
I would definitely recommend an external mic. I use the Rode video mic...very sensitive but comparable to the more expensive shotguns. Also, a wide angle lens is a must. The Raynox HD-6600 is an excellent lens for the price and it produces a great soft focus effect at the long end of the zoom range. Also the Libec zoom controller works great on the camera and for creative shots check out the new Manfrotto Fig Rig.
Product Description
The Pentax 8x33 DCF XP has been added to its already-extensive roof-prism binocular lineup. Featuring high-resolution optics encased in a fiber-reinforced, polycarbonate body with JIS Class 6 waterproof construction, these high-performance models are the perfect choice for a wide variety of specialized, heavy-duty applications such as close-up viewing, extended glassing, and use in less than ideal weather conditions.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent, especially for the price.......2006-11-06
I purchased these binoculars to keep in my car. Their compact dimensions (4.2 x 4.8 inches) fit perfectly into the storage bin of the drivers' side door and their relatively modest price makes leaving them in the car all the time less of a risky proposition. Finally I'll always have binoculars handy if I want to pull off the road to examine an interesting landscape or look at birds or wildlife.
The focusing mechanism is excellent, they seem exceptionally rugged given their light weight (17 oz), and the proven Pentax waterproof construction makes them worry-free in all kinds of weather. The 33mm objective lens provides slightly more light gathering than typical 8x32s although the 342' wide field of vision is not as wide as some competitors'. I compared these in person with other brands' similar priced 8x32s and preferred the Pentax DCF-SP, overall, to anything else in the $300-$400 price range, although the case and neck strap are not impressive. The price these are being sold for on Amazon at the time of my review is a fair "street price".
Another reviewer opines he is disappointed in the "optical quality" of the DCF-SP 8x33. It's not clear whether his complaint is about image resolution, color reproduction, brightness or contrast. To verify my satisfaction with this Pentax model I just took mine out on the front porch and scoped a telephone pole about 200' away as well as a fog shrouded hillside with these Chinese-made Pentax's as well as one-year old pair of German-made Steiner Peregrine 8x42s (street price more than double this Pextax) and Japanese-made Nikon 8x32 SE poro prisms (street price $300 more), both of which have highly rated optics. In my opinion the Pentax provided just as good resolution as the German 8x42s when reading numbers on the distant telephone pole but not quite as good as the Nikons. The color rendition and contrast of the Pentax may not be quite as good as the more expensive binoculars but that's to be expected. Binocular technology has improved a lot in recent years and my pair of Pentax DCF-SP 8x33s has optics comparable or superior to the finest, most expensive binoculars of 8-10 years ago.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a reasonably priced, compact, lightweight, weatherproof binocular.
Pentax 8x33 binoculars.......2006-03-21
I just received this product from Amazon and immediately took it out in my yard to try it out. I must say that I will try more extensive field use before I make my final decision but so far the optical quality of these glasses disappoints me. I guess there was a good reason why they were marked 50% off. Other Pentax products that friends have shown me impressed me, but not these. I can't help feeling that it's because they were manufactured in China and the Chinese cannot equal the expertise of the Japanese in manufacture of optics. I'd charge about $150. for this product and no more. They are simply not worth it. Some of the features are really nice, like the close focus, lightweight and compact design and the twist out eyecups. Unfortuneately, the optical quality leaves much to be desired.
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