Panasonic Mini DV Camcorder Review AG-DVC10 (page 2)

There are a few features that distinguish the unit as a professional-level model. The zebra feature identifies parts of the picture that are too bright in regard to exposure. If parts of a shot are "hot" or overexposed, diagonal stripes appear in those areas, alerting the user to close the iris.

We especially liked that we could adjust the microphone's sensitivity. While the audio levels are not adjusted manually in the truest sense of the word, the unit does allow the user to override the automatic gain control and select from a number of preset levels. We scrolled through the menu and experimented with the various settings (auto, -20dB, -10dB, 0dB, 3dB, 6dB). If you choose either the 3dB or 6dB setting, which raises the recording level, a red light appears in the viewfinder when the sound distorts. So when the light was continuously red, we knew to turn down the level to 3dB or 0dB.

A headphone jack is also included. The ability to turn off the automatic gain control (AGC) and adjust the input level of the mike is a feature we would like to see on more camcorders.

The DVC10 includes an external mike jack and two accessory shoes so users can attach a shotgun mike and/or a video light. Shoppers should note that these are not hotshoes. Lights and mikes that need power will need to get it from an outside source. Another neat little feature was a built-in neutral density filter. We slid the ND filter over the lens and off again by switching a lever located under the lens.

The DVC10 also has a still-shot function. By pressing the button behind the focus lever, the DVC10 records a still image to tape for five seconds. The unit does not capture stills to a memory card or removeable media.

The pictures recorded by the DVC10 were fantastic (as we'd expect from a three-chip model). Colors were crisp and details were clear. Even when we tried it in relatively low-lit situations, the video we shot was of relatively excellent quality. Shooters looking for high quality images will not be disappointed with the results they'll get from the DVC10.

Panasonic's DVC10 Mini DV camcorder has a professional look, includes a plethora of manual features and produces images that put it up there with the big boys.

The ability to override AGC will make the DVC10 attractive to serious amateurs and entry level professionals alike, but the unit's lightweight construction makes it feel distinctly fragile.

The extensive menu system left us wishing that there was a flip-out LCD screen. All in all, we feel it is a good camera for the price.

Price: $2,595
Lens: F1.6, 4.0-48mm, 43mm diameter, 12:1 optical zoom, 120:1 digital zoom
Image Sensor: 3 1/4-inch CCDs, 270,000 pixels per CCD
Viewfinder: 0.5-inch color
Focus: manual, auto
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Exposure: Manual, Auto
White Balance: Manual, Auto
Digital Effects: 4 (Wipe, Mix, Strobe, Gain)
Audio: 12-bit stereo recording, 16-bit stereo recording
Inputs: FireWire, external microphone
Outputs: FireWire, S-Video, composite video, headphone
Edit Interface: FireWire
Other Features: Zebra Stripes, ND filter, microphone level control
Dimensions: 7-1/8-inch (w) x 8-13/16-inch (h) x 16-3/4-inch (d)
Weight (sans tape and battery): approx. 5lbs.

Performance Times
Pause to Record: 1.5 seconds
Power-up to Record: 6.5 seconds
Fast-forward/Rewind (30 min. tape)
approx. 1 minute 20 seconds

STRENGTHS

• Excellent images
• AGC override
• Focus ring

WEAKNESSES

• No flip-out viewscreen
• Weak zoom toggle construction
• Feels plasticy

SUMMARY

• The DVC10 delivers excellent images, but feels like a lightweight.

Panasonic Broadcast and Professional Solutions
3330 Cahuenga Blvd. West, 2nd
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(800) 528-8601 www.panasonic.com/PBDS

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