i saw a post somewhere round here wher apparently Pana were looking at doing an update whereby the DVX Progressive modes run auto....

any thoughts or news on this?

Don't know. I keep checking Pana's Japanese site.

Rumors are true according to the source who first started the buzz. Saw this over on the 2-pop AG-DVX100 forums: he was able to confirm this from a Panasonic rep. Also in the works is another version of the DVC80 sometime 2004.

Of course I'm waiting like everyone else to get verification straight from Panasonic - perhaps Jan could let us know?

If you find out from Jan, let us know. And while you're at it, ask her if there's a GS100 coming.

The DVX100 is not Jan's product. She handles the heavy iron, primarily the VariCam and SDX900. The DVX and the the 80 belong to Steve Golub.

Oh boy... we already want more :)

Expandore has some information on the AG-DVX100A:

http://www.expandore.com/product/DV%20Product/AGDVX100A.htm

The date on that site, now says available end of January 2004.

I would almost bet that the "A" just stands for Australia, and that region of the world. My Panasonic NV-MX300 is actually a NV-MX300A - because it's from Australia. The ones sold in Europe have "E" after the MX300.

Well, the Panasonic DVX-100P stands for "Panasonic".

hmm.. look like the detail levels are also tweaked with a medium setting (thin, med, thick)

i also see theyve improved the Zoom Focus issue :)


anyone know if this will be a free update for existing owners??

This is a rumored, new model, not a firmware update. Get your checkbook ready.

<<<-- Originally posted by Peter Jefferson : anyone know if this will be a free update for existing owners?? -->>>

Free? I seriously doubt it. But an upgrade kit would be a great option, as I doubt Pany expects current DVX100 users to run out and sell their cams on the first occation, and go out to grab the new A model. Realistically, offering an upgrade kit would strenghten their current user base and avoid any potential exodus to the competition if they come out with something new.

http://panasonic.biz/sav/camera/ag-dvx100a/ag-dvx100a.html

Thanks for this link, Chris... anyone care to translate the Japanese on that page?

go to
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
and type in the web site...

Goat

Frank posted the same link several weeks ago. I think it is a camera fan site. Speculation is that it is a wish list for features. I don't know if Frank got it translated or not.

It's not a fan site. Check out betterwhois.com and you'll see that panasonic.biz is registered to matsushita.

Also, you can get the brochure at:

http://panasonic.biz/sav/camera/ag-dvx100a/AG-DVX100A.pdf

The original link translated:

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=ja_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpanasonic.biz%2Fsav%2Fcamera%2Fag-dvx100a%2Fag-dvx100a.html

Can anyone (Chris?) get info if/when this model is coming to the US?

panosonic.biz is legit though the Babelfish is fun:

Panasonic.biz, to the business user way of government and municipal offices self-governing community & public works projects body enterprise various corporate bodies, is the home page which offers the commodity for business and the various colorful items of information regarding the solution comprehensively.

Because the highest of the customer growth development of the business of satisfaction and 21st century type is actualized, the ¡which hard and software are superior, collects knowledge and the intelligence which are stored so far, starts us answering by comprehensive power

:)

I never translated it. I'd have to go to a high speed connection with newer hard/soft-ware. I've checked with other sites geared with new cam announcements---nada, not a thing. However, the first link on this thread was from the south pacific region, so I suspected the "A" stands for Aussie model (and that region). Pana AU doesn't even market the DVX100 Down-Under. Another company brings them in. I don't know why.

At a recent trade show, no one in Panasonic USA was acknowledging its existence. The Expandore site says available end of January 2004.

A stands for advanced:

some new features

Furthermore the picture quality function which evolved -
Building in the improvement and high-level image adjustment function of color reproducibility
- With the optimization of color separation optical system, furthermore a more faithful color reproducibility than past.
- New mode "ENRICHED" (richer color) the matrix setting which is added.
- V detail (contour revision of vertical direction) level, H/V detail balance and detail coring (noise removal of detail) adjustment is possible.
- Knee (compression of brightness) point setting (AUTO/LOW/MID/HIGH).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Furthermore it is easy to use -
Photographing function with 24P/30P mode is complete
With AG-DVX100A, we have added the photographing performance with the 24P/30P mode whosedemand is high from the past, to be easier to use it evolves.
- Focusing assist function*.
- Gain rise (maximum + 12dB) is possible.
- Indication and output of the color bar are possible.
* Automatic focusing operates, but somewhat from at the time of 60i mode time is required for the focusing setting.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Complacent activity
As a camera for business, furthermore the operativity mobility reliability which is brushed up.



Wide edge f=4.5mm -
The professional specification which thought of reporting collection of data interior recording
For broadcast the zoom lens which covers the angle of view of the wide edge whose use frequency is high with the one for business. As for the wide edge f=4.5mm (with 35mm conversion 32.5mm). You can obtain the angle of view which is sufficient for recording and recording of the narrow interior or combines interview one-man recording which are approached to the collection of data object. Because installing the wide converter lens becomes unnecessary with most uses, original mobility can be shown sufficiently. In addition MOD of the TELE edge (most near focal length) approximately 0.6m, mobility of the handy camera can be shown freely.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cam type manual zoom -
Furthermore it got near to the interchangeable lens to the operation impression
The cam system which can do interchangeable lens similar zooming for business (mechanical operation) the manual zoom ring. Direct with operation, delicate zoom operation is possible quickly. With AG-DVX100A furthermore it evolves into the touch where the operation impression of the zoom ring had the stickiness. Servo (electromotion) it equips also zoom of course. As for speed of servo zoom the slow zoom which former approximately 1.5 times will be slow has become possible.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Manual/automatic focusing -
Supporting fast operation under all circumstances
Quick focusing is possible under all circumstances. At the time of MANUAL mode manual focusing by the focusing ring. Also this operation impression with AG-DVX100A evolves into the touch which has the stickiness. With AUTO mode automatic focusing of high speed works, participates to emergency and the high/low angle time. XXINF Position resets focal length to infinity and supporting manual focusing operation. As for the PUSH AUTO button the focus adjusting which is fast by being able to use automatic focusing temporarily at the time of manual mode as an assistance of manual focusing is actualized.

<<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : I never translated it. I'd have to go to a high speed connection with newer hard/soft-ware. I've checked with other sites geared with new cam announcements---nada, not a thing. However, the first link on this thread was from the south pacific region, so I suspected the "A" stands for Aussie model (and that region). Pana AU doesn't even market the DVX100 Down-Under. Another company brings them in. I don't know why. -->>>

hey frank, the "Pro" Pana gear is supplied by rexel who are absolutely useless and charge and arm and a leg for the most basic of items.

Im using the aussie version 50i/25p dvx and i honestly dont see them bringin out another version considering the existing one retails for $8800 and has only been on the market since March this year... going any higher and your lookin at grey market Import Beta SP prices, which most people would go for considering the proximity of the asian market to us.

I can fly to asia from here, buy a DVC200 and have a good time and be left with change for less than 10 grand, which, when you consider the price of this "advanced" dvx would most likely fetch...

in the end, SoftWare is SW and to have to purchase a whole new unit to benefit from the features of the updated SW would HAVE TO BE the dumbest thing Pana could consider...

theyd be pissing off ALOT of users..

Im happy to pay $250USD for an update for my cameras software, im not happy to pay 4grand USD for a new unit which IS benefcial, but not crucial to my daily runnings....

only time and Pana will tell...
On a side not, sticking to the topic, this all seems to be Software related, and in all honesty, i dont see

hey frank, the "Pro" Pana gear is supplied by rexel who are absolutely useless and charge and arm and a leg for the most basic of items.Yeah, that's the name I was given by Pana AU. I was very surprised. That's crazy about the DVC200 only costing pennies more than the DVX100 with built-in airfare.

The big news is the 12-bit ADC. That is what makes the knee control (auto and three manual settings) and other stuff possible.

New gammas, slow shutters, the rest of the progressive software (auto focus (called focus assist because of its slow speed), gain, and color bars), improved feel on the lens rings, slower servo zoom, compressed 16:9.

This is a very complete job on the electronics. Missing were upgrades to the video. Native 16:9 CCD. A more reasonable lens --smaller OD, longer zoom (1/2" and 2/3") lens equivalents (around 7mm) have 16x to 23x zooms. The really wide ones (5mm and less) only go 10-12x zoom. However they are 15mm equivalents at 35mm. And include a built-in doubler.

Any ideas on the description of some 3rd option on 16:9? It seems to indicate that there is (1) using the specialize lens, (2) regular letterbox, and then (3) something having to do with the progressive scan reducing the resolution loss associated with letterbox mode.

The three options they are describing are:

4:3 with letterbox (as in current camera)
16:9 with anamorphic adapter (as in current camera)
16:9 using internal squeeze mode (new to the updated camera)

I'm thinking the chances of an upgrade kit are slim, given the new 12-bit DSP.

It will be interesting to see how much difference in quality the cams will capture.

Panasonic English language info:

http://panasonic.co.jp/bsd/sales_o/02products/products/ag-dvx100a/ag-dvx100a.html

Ouch!!!

Thanks for the link. I may just sell my barely used unit if this is going to be available soon.

It pretty much is a complete wish list except for true 16:9 and long telephoto.

I've sent Jan C. an email about getting the new Panny rep for the DVX100 here to answer questions.

I can see that with a little effort on Panasonic's part, a number of these features can be applied to the present camera.
An upgrade kit or conversion rework on the present cam is something Panasonic would benefit from in the long run. They should be taking care of their customers on this one. It has been one of the major drawbacks of Sony and Panasonic shouldn't go down that route!

OK, I read the long thread on the new AG-DVX100A update.

When is it supposed to become available? End of this year? January 2004?

And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, is it going to cost way more than the original camera?

Thanks guys!

Jan is not the rep for this product, but she may be able to help.

Well i am more than a little peeved, my dvx isn't even 4 months old and they do this.

I hope it can be upgraded or else i may kick up a big stink to panasonic here.

Zac

There is no precedence for an upgrade. In the 25 years I've been in the industry I can't think of a single camera that you got a kit to upgrade to a new model. It's like buying a 2003 model car and when the 2004 models come out wanting to upgrade. What does Ford do, send you a new motor, a transmission and couple new fenders so you can have a 2004 model? I doubt it will ever happen.

I don't mean to sound like I'm picking on you Zac. But I don't want people to get their hopes up. I just don't see it happening.

I guess the little difference is, ford lets you know there will be a 2004 model, i can't think of a single time that a camera that hasn't even been out for a year in a certain country, gets overhauled and released with the same name. ( and i don't mean cameras that have faults that need to be fixed)

I find this a little strange that they would be upgrading it SO soon.
It honestly leaves a lot of people feeling very used and not willing to ever buy panasonic again.

Zac

For those who just recently bought the DVX100, you can easily sell it (after all, you kept the original box and all the packing material, right?) and move up to the DVX100A.

These camcorders hold their value quite well, so selling off in order to buy a newer model should be relatively painless. Also, you're not "out" anything by having the next-to-most-recent model. The old ones don't stop working when the new ones come out... I continued to produce income from my trusty '98 XL1 long after the XL1S was introduced.

So why can't Panasonic be a little different? Look at the body. I'll bet the differences on inside spacing of parts, hook-up routing and basic system operations are not much if different at all. In other words, Panasonic should consider making an upgrade on the present cams - at least on the level of software elements that are obviously a big part of this new updated cam if upgrade part replacement is truly not possible. Hey, they'll make more money and keep those that want an upgrade satisfied as well. Think different!

lol Panasonic rocks. It's good to see they keep pushing forward even when they are sitting on the best camera in the market.

And Chris is dead on.. just as your 2003 ford still gets you to work every morning, the DVX100 still takes some incredible footage.

The market place dictates change. Panasonic has proven they can bring a new product to market quicker than their competition. I would think this accomplishment is something to be proud of, not vilified over. It also needs to be noted that this camera is tentatively at a higher price point and no announcement that the DVX100 is being discontinued. Is a manufacture to be faulted for introducing a more advanced model with an improved feature set?

Manufactures walk a double edged sword it seems. If they bring out a model too soon their users want to abandon them. How dare they release a new model on the heals of the one I just purchased. On the other hand if they are late to market with a replacement their users call them behind the times and threaten to leave them for the competition. How dare they be so slow to improve their products. It seems as if the manufacture wants to keep it's customers they need to call each one and find out when they want their new model released. Otherwise they are bound to offend someone.

Good point. When I first purchased the DVX I actually waited for NAB to come and go to see if the XL-2 actually came to be... It didn't so I went with the DVX. I think alot of XL1 owners have jumped ship (actually I know a few) because it's taking Canon so long.

I have a better feeling now that I can get used to the DVX and have confidence that there will be new models when I am ready to upgrade.

Then again, who knows. The DVX100a could be to the DVX100 as the XL1s was to the XL1 and pansonic could wait till 2009 to release a DVX200.

I love my DVX and I've had the cam since it first came out. However, I would love to see the guts of the two cams side by side. I'd be surprised if the new cam is much different in lay-out of components, size of components, and basic routing of the elements. I'd even guess the inside design is based on the same system in the present cam albeit with improved components that are based on the present DVX elements. It's not about a new model car. It's about improvements in components and Panasonic must be well aware of the possibilities that can be done with last year's model in an upgraded fashion. So, for fun and in all seriousness - where's the beef?

yes.. its mostly a "software" update.. at least some of the new features are, some of them actually where there in the original demo of the DVX.. so a software upgrade isnt totally out of the question unless there is an entire new processor in the camera.

Cant figure out though if the volume knobs are larger, but That ridge around the scene dial kicks but.

This is where a good tech guy would be helpful. A little sleuthing around Panasonic by some enterprising techie (nothing illegal) would be a nice touch or how about a component comparison by Panasonic?
How much of these improvements are software updates and how different the components are in the two cams would be interesting qualities to have comments on from guys familiar with these things.

The change to 12bit A/D conversion precludes any upgrade. This would require new boards and signal processing requirements throughout. This is not a firmware upgrade. This is a new model, sorry folks. Get your checkbooks, or plastic, ready and stand in line. It looks like Panasonic has another winner on their hands.

nobody knows, everything is speculation now...

Damn, this camera totally rocks even more now. I may be forced to sell my DVX100(o) (the "o" is for outdated). So, any word on how much for this new beast?

Peter

I'm hearing $4000 and Jan 2004. the cam is 550,000 yen in Japan (about 5k) but supposedly the US version will be in line with the current cam prices. I also heard a rumor it may be available as early as december (and the price may be as low as 3800 msrp, which I find hard to believe), and that panasonic is no longer shipping dealers DVX100's at the end of this month (though also just a rumor, and a little specious). Anyway, anybody else have any info?

Peter

Peter: Where'd you get that info? It'd be great if those rumors were true :D