Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:
Panasonic has introduced the AG-DVC30, a highly-versatile 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder. This ultra-compact, 2.4-pound camcorder delivers the high picture quality and high sensitivity professionals demand as well as inventive features including infrared nighttime and movie-like recording modes.
Equipped with three 410,000-pixel 1/4″ CCDs, the AG-DVC30 offers four shooting styles — a simple, sleek configuration (resembling a consumer camcorder) for “no permits required” or undercover shooting; with its standard detachable handle and large 3.5″ LCD monitor, its perfect for low- and multi-angle shooting; with the addition of its optional XLR mic adaptor and unidirectional mic, its outfitted for high-level pro audio performance; and by adding its optional infrared light, the camera can capture detailed black-and-white images in the dark (at 0 lux).
“The AG-DVC30 has been designed for videographers who demand the very best image quality, combined with absolute mobility,” said Stuart English, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. “Its innovative features and economical price will make it attractive to a broad range of professionals, from law enforcement officers to sports videographers, wedding photographers and video journalists.”
The AG-DVC30 is equipped with a newly-engineered, wide-angle 16X Leica Dicomar zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and a focal length of 39.5 to 632 mm (35mm still camera equivalent) to meet virtually any broadcast and professional need. The new lens has low-dispersion glass to substantially reduce chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting. For sports applications, the 16X high-speed optical zoom takes only one second to transition between wide and telephoto modes.
First 3-CCD Mini-DV Camcorder to Offer Infrared Recording
The AG-DVC30 is the worlds first 3-CCD camcorder to offer Super Night Shooting (SNS) recording in black-and-white. Its built-in infrared capabilities supports near-field acquisition; and with the addition of its optional IR light, recording distance is extended for remote surveillance applications. In IR mode, the camcorder allows professionals to view people or objects in complete darkness.
The AG-DVC30 includes digital stamping of date and time into the image, an especially useful feature for legal depositions, court reporting, surveillance monitoring and evidence gathering.
The units full range of automatic controls includes focus, iris, white balance and neutral density. Its AUTO/MANUAL button permits easy switching between manual and full auto. The camcorders large focus ring provides for smooth operation of focus, zoom or iris (menu selectable). It offers easy viewing with an electronic viewfinder and large 3.5″ color LCD monitor.
Movie-Like Recording Mode and Rugged, Magnesium Alloy Body
The AG-DVC30 provides a movie-like mode that combines a cine-style gamma curve and a 30-fps frame recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames, producing images that are remarkably film-like. The camcorder also offers a Lumi Flick menu item for generating an old-time movie effect. Its slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds of up to one-fourth the normal frame rate for higher sensitivity in color recording. The show shutter can also be used to capture artistic motion effects.
The feature-packed unit offers three user-settable buttons and four scene files featuring control of detail, chroma level, chroma phase, color temperature, master pedestal, AE shift and skin detail. Top-quality professional audio functions include a two-channel, two-color audio level meter that is displayed in the viewfinder and LCD, an (optional) XLR microphone adapter with +48V phantom power; and level controls (CH1/CH2).
With its rugged, die-cast magnesium alloy construction, the AG-DVC30 has a solid, well-balanced body that professional bodybuilders would envy. Its removable handle conforms neatly to the hand and is positioned at the AG-DVC30s center of gravity for optimum balance.
The camcorder allows back-up recording by another DV recording device via its IEEE 1394 interface using the DV synchro function.
Its impressive list of standard features also includes synchro-scan shutter recording (1/60.3 — 1/250 sec.), a built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader, and SMPTE- compliant color bar display and recording,
The AG-DVC30 will be available in March at a suggested list price of $2,595. The optional Infrared light (model AG-YRL30G) has a suggested list price of $380.
