The Panasonic AG-DVX100 was a digital video camera (“camcorder”) that was introduced in 2002. It was designed for professional and “prosumer” users, offering a range of features and capabilities that made it a popular choice among filmmakers, videographers, and television producers. The DVX-100 was a groundbreaking camera for its time because it seemed to bring film-like video within financial reach of independent filmmakers and smaller production companies.

Key Features and Innovations:

  1. 24p Frame Rate: One of the most notable features of the AG-DVX100 was its ability to shoot in 24p (24 progressive frames per second), which closely mimics the look and feel of film. Before the introduction of the DVX100, this feature was primarily found in more expensive cinema cameras. The inclusion of 24p in the DVX100 allowed independent filmmakers to achieve a film-like aesthetic at a more affordable price point.
  2. Sensor and Image Quality: The DVX100 featured a 1/3-inch, 3CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor, which provided better image quality and color reproduction compared to single-chip cameras. The camera recorded in the MiniDV format, which was a widely adopted digital video format in the early 2000s, offering good image quality and easy integration into digital post-production workflows.
  3. Lens and Zoom: The DVX100 had a fixed Leica Dicomar lens with a 4.5-45mm focal length (equivalent to 32.5-325mm in 35mm terms) and a 10x optical zoom. The lens featured manual focus and zoom rings, providing precise control and a professional feel.
  4. Controls and Customization: The camera offered a range of manual controls, including shutter speed, gain, white balance, and aperture, allowing users to fine-tune their image settings according to the shooting conditions. The DVX100 also featured customizable scene files, which enabled users to save and recall specific image settings, such as color saturation, gamma, and detail level.
  5. Audio Capabilities: The DVX100 was equipped with two XLR audio inputs, allowing for the use of professional microphones and external audio equipment. The camera also featured manual audio level controls and built-in phantom power for condenser microphones.

The Panasonic AG-DVX100 was well-received by the professional and independent filmmaking community, as it offered advanced features and “film-like” image quality at a more accessible price point.  The DVX100’s success and influence led Panasonic to release updated models, such as the AG-DVX100A and AG-DVX100B, which introduced improvements and new features, like a higher-resolution viewfinder and expanded gamma settings.

DVX-100A

The Panasonic AG-DVX100A, released in 2003, was an updated version of the original DVX100. The DVX100A aimed to address some of the limitations and user feedback from the original model, while maintaining the core features that made it popular. Here are some of the key updates found in the Panasonic AG-DVX100A:

  1. Improved color reproduction: The DVX100A featured enhanced color processing, which resulted in more accurate and vibrant colors compared to the original DVX100. This improvement was achieved through updates to the camera’s internal signal processing.
  2. Expanded gamma settings: The DVX100A introduced a new gamma setting called Cine-Like-V (Cine-Like-Vivid), which provided a more contrasty and saturated look compared to the existing Cine-Like-D (Cine-Like-Dynamic) setting. These expanded gamma options allowed users to achieve a more cinematic look in-camera, with greater flexibility in post-production.
  3. Higher-resolution viewfinder and LCD screen: The DVX100A featured a higher-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD screen, providing a clearer and more detailed image for framing and focusing.
  4. Auto and manual focus assist: The DVX100A introduced focus assist features, including Auto Focus Assist, which allowed users to temporarily activate autofocus while in manual focus mode, and Manual Focus Assist, which magnified the center portion of the image to aid in manual focusing.
  5. Improved audio performance: The DVX100A featured a lower noise floor in the audio recording, resulting in cleaner and clearer audio. It also added the ability to adjust audio levels during recording using the on-camera controls.
  6. Refined design and ergonomics: The DVX100A incorporated minor design changes to improve usability, including a repositioned zoom control, a more accessible iris control dial, and a reconfigured menu system for easier navigation.

DVX-100B

The Panasonic AG-DVX100B, released in 2005, was an update to the DVX100A, incorporating several improvements and new features. Building on the success of the previous models, the DVX100B aimed to address user feedback and keep up with the evolving needs of filmmakers and videographers. Here are the key updates found in the Panasonic AG-DVX100B:

  1. Widescreen format support: The DVX100B added native 16:9 widescreen support, enabling users to capture video in the widescreen format without relying on cropping or external adapters. This feature made it easier for filmmakers to create content that would be compatible with the growing trend of widescreen displays.
  2. Higher-resolution imaging: The DVX100B featured higher-resolution CCDs (470,000 pixels compared to 410,000 pixels in the DVX100A) that improved overall image quality, especially when shooting in the native 16:9 widescreen mode.
  3. User-selectable frame rates: The DVX100B expanded the range of available frame rates, allowing users to select between 24p, 24pA (advanced), 30p, and 60i. The addition of 24pA provided a more efficient method of capturing 24p video, enabling smoother integration into 24p-based post-production workflows.
  4. Improved lens performance: The DVX100B incorporated a new lens coating that reduced lens flares and ghosting, resulting in clearer and more contrasty images. The camera also featured an improved neutral density (ND) filter wheel that allowed for more precise control over exposure in bright shooting conditions.
  5. Enhanced audio capabilities: The DVX100B added a third XLR audio input, which could be used to connect an additional microphone or other audio equipment. It also introduced a new audio limiter that helped prevent distortion and clipping in the recorded audio.
  6. Refined ergonomics and design: The DVX100B featured several ergonomic improvements, including a redesigned handle for better grip and comfort, and a more accessible focus ring on the lens. The camera also included a black finish that provided a more professional appearance and was less prone to showing wear and scratches.