FS4 now supports HD as well.

There is no comparison between the cameras. If you want a pro camera you get a DVC or DVX. If you want a consumer camera then you get a PV or NG.

info on other fora indicates the FS4 does not support the Panasonic interface. You would need to start/stop recording via the FS4 button. But that also means you would not need a tape mounted in the cam.

Chris Byrnes is correct. You do NOT need to use a tape in the dvx100, however you need to start the recording from the actual FS4. Apparantly this issue will be resolved with a software update for the FS4.

Hey guys (first post!)-

This past weekend, my father and I (I'm 17) went out and bought a AG-DVC30. We also got the XLR Adaptor, Extended Battery, and a Carrying Case. I was wondering if anyone had any pointers on what to do pretty much right away? Just some general guidelines, or even specific instructions. I'm pretty much covered in terms of accessories; I've got a tripod, good headphones, and I have the things we bought with the camcorder. I'm not sure if I'm too crazy about a shotgun mic: I can probably borrow one from my school. I'd like some input on it though, pros and cons, what they're useful for, etc. Any other tips you guys have would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-Derek

P.S. The guy we bought it from said to keep using the same tapes, and he noted that there are two major brands: Sony tapes and Panasonic tapes. He said that Sony tapes were sold under the Maxell, Canon, and Sony names, and that the Panasonic tapes were pretty much everything else. How true is this? It sounds believable, and I definitely believe the sticking with the same tapes part, I'm just not sure of the brand names.

Hi Derek,

Welcome aboard! You'll find an entire forum here dedicated to discussing DV Tape; it's called "The Long Black Line" on the main forum index page.

Regarding your DVC30, it's an excellent little camcorder which has a very broad set of features. I'd recommend first sitting down someplace quiet with the camera and the manual together, and start going through the manual one page at a time. Shoot with it as you go, don't start another chapter until you've mastered the current one. I'm sure plenty of other DVC30 owners will chime in as well. Congrats on your purchase, be sure to dig through the other topics in this forum for even more DVC30 info. Hope this helps,

Derek:

As always, Chris has made an excellent suggestion regarding the instruction manual.

The other thing you might want to do immediately is set the camera to "full" automatic and shoot a few hours in that mode. If you don’t have a lot of experience it will help you get a feel for the camera.

Go to page 39 and set the Zebra pattern. Now, start alternating between auto and manual mode. Experiment with different camera settings. See how each affect and setting alters your shot.

Regarding the XLR adapter; because the mic is on the camera (some distance from your subject) about the only way to get effective audio is to use a shotgun mic. Be sure to plug the mic into “input 2.” Set the switches to: mic; att off; +48 on (if you want to use phantom power); and ch select to 1-2. Make all audio adjustment on the XLR box using the small dials on the back end of the adapter.

That's all I have time for right now. Let me know how things are going! Dan

Dan and Chris-

Thanks for the replies!

I've pretty much absorbed most of the instruction manual now, and I've shot a lot of stuff with the camcorder. I filmed two of my brother's JV lacrosse games for his team, put the first on DVD, and am capturing the footage for the second right now. I borrowed a shotgun from school and did exactly what you said, Dan.

I'm thinking of breaking down and buying a shotgun mic, and I'm looking heavily at the Azden SGM-1X. It's got XLR and looks decently sized (the 2X is 15" long!) and I think it would go pretty well with the camera. As always, I'm open to suggestions. I don't really know how the Sennheiser mics work...they've got a "capsule" for it and a "powering module?" Do they run off of phantom power?

I'm also looking into a handheld image stabilizer. I'm definitely going to hold off for the Steadicam Merlin just to see the price (rumors: $900?!?), but I'm also looking at the VariZoom (Hollywood Lite?) Ultralite and FlowPod. From what I've read, the Glidecam is a bit heavy. Any people here who've used handheld stabilizers with their DVC's?

Also, what do you guys set your user buttons to? Mine are:
User 1 - Photo shot
User 2 - Backlight
User 3 - AF

And how about your scene files? I haven't set mine yet...

I made a newbie mistake shooting on Wednesday too. The game went into overtime, and one of the coaches called timeout. All this time, I had been recording through the timeouts, but this time I got fed up (they're about 2 minutes long) and stopped recording. Well, the teams went back on to the field, and I didn't start recording again. Oh well. Is there any way around this? I've since turned the beeps on, but I was wondering if there was any sort of intermittent beep that lets you know that the camcorder is in pause? I think it'd be a good idea to have a beep every minute or so when it's in pause.

Other than that, the shooting continues to go well and I'm getting a lot of practice. Next year I'll be promoted to doing both the JV and Varsity games, so I'm pretty excited for that. And starting in a few weeks, I enter into the filming part of our Videotechnology class at school...any movie ideas?

Thanks

-Derek

Hi Derek,

Congrats on getting a great camera. As far as scene file settings the DVC-30 at the default settings looks at little "cool or blue" to me. My settings for a warmer look are as follows:

Detail +1
Chroma level +1
Chroma Phase +1
Everything else 0

See what you think.

Regards,

Mark

Derek:

I use the Sennheiser ME66 shotgun capsule with the K6 power module. The results “for the cost” are outstanding. It is clean, accurate, with nearly flat frequency response.

The K6 power module operates with one AA battery or with phantom power from an external source such as the DVC30. It also is the location of the XLR connection for the mic. There is an odd quirk to the K6. One AA battery must be in the mic even if you are using phantom power. There is no path for the current without a battery in place. The Sennheiser K6P is a phantom “only” power module and there is no separate “mic” battery.

The ME66 is the shorter of two lower cost cardioid polar pattern mic capsules made by Sennheiser. The other one, ME67, is about 5” longer and is useless on the DVC30 unless you plan on pole vaulting as you shoot. Total length of the ME66/K6 combo is about 12”. The ME67/K6 combination is over 17” long.

The cost is about $400. One unique aspect of the module/capsule configuration is the ability to use the K6 power module with other types of Sennheiser mic capsules such as a handheld cardioid.

Keep shooting, Dan

Okay, I read somewhere that the dvx100a changes the frequency of its ccd's to achieve the 24p...Now I was reading some specs on the dvc30 and saw that it can do scan matching from 24.1hz to 250hz... Has anyone tried shooting some footage in 24.1hz scan mode to see if it can replicate the look? Also does anyone have any info on the dvc30's lowlight capability. I'm not talking about the nightvision. I'm talking useable footage like, indoor footage, etc. With and without gain?

Thanks

Now I was reading some specs on the dvc30 and saw that it can do scan matching from 24.1hz to 250hz...

It says so on B&H site, which is incorrect:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=316087&is=REG

The lowest synchro shutter speed for the AG-DVC30P is 60.3. The manual recommends using 100 synchro scan shutter speed when shooting TV in 50HZ locations. Check the panasonic site for the correct info:

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=68840&catGroupId=14571&modelNo=AG-DVC30&surfModel=AG-DVC30

I wonder though why when shooting 30p frame mode the manual recomends the 60 shutter speed for the NTSC model? It seems to have no flicker problem with fluorescent lights with those settings. Strange little beast.

I shot with a dvc80 the other day and loved it. I'm guessing that the dvc30 is basically the same, only smaller with smaller chips.

I currently am using a PV-DV953 and want to upgrade to a better more pro than prosumer cam. Reading about the DVC30 a couple things came up that I am not sure I understand. One was EVF DTL (viewfinder peaking) can anyone explain this and how it helps manual focusing. The other was the "exposure knee". I don't think my camcorder has either of these functions. thanks, Mark

What is essential equipment?
I'm talking about just camera accesories here. I'm looking to shoot movies. What types of lens's or microphones should I attain?

Really depends what type of shots & audio you're after.

Wide angle lens from Panny. Audio?.....Shotgun and Lavallier mics - add XLR adapter if really serious. Tripod for sure. Heavy duty battery. Stormcase to carry the stuff in.

Budget permitts - Ultra from Serious Magic and a dirty big green screen.

Good site for getting audio, lighting and shooting training material.
http://vasst.com/search.aspx?entity=16&sort=date

The Viewfinder Detail is quite a good tool when focusing manually, as it will make the "in-focus" edges look crispy :) .

Exposure knee is (anybody correct me if I'm wrong) a possibility to tell your camcorder how "bright" your image is to be recorded, it is a setting you might want to use in certain situations, for example trying to match another camcorder in terms of the overall look.

Have fun! Matthias

thanks for the info.

EVF DTL is indeed a focusing aid. It outlines anything that's in sharp focus with a thin white outline. The effect is subtle, but definitely helpful.

As for the knee -- the knee works for video sort of like how an audio limiter works for audio. With a limiter, if the signal is getting close to "clipping" (and thus in danger of distorting), a limiter will step in and back off the volume gradually in an attempt to reigh the signal in and prevent it from clipping. The knee does the same thing for video -- as the signal approaches burnout/clip, the knee will attenuate it some, trying to avoid the blown-out look. On the DVX100A you can set the level when knee compression begins to low/mid/high, meaning 80%, 90%, or 100%. Don't know about the DVC cameras.

Does anyone know of a book or video training for the DVC30. There is so much on this camera I have no clue what it means or how to use it. I can find it out, I'm sure, but if anyone knows of a training aid, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,

That model have been out for sometime.. I wonder if panasonic is going to update it soon? like adding true 16:9 mode and better frame mode???
Any news from panasonic???

I'm planning to purchase one of those models soon and have a few questions:
- How is the horizontal and vertical resolutions of both cameras compare in the different modes (4:3 interlaced, 4:3 frame, 16:9 interlaced and 16:9 frame)?
- I understand that frame mode of DVC30 gives poor resolution .... how about recording in interlaced then deinterlace it to frame mode on PC via video editor... would that give better resolution (may be comparable to GS400's frame moe)?

I think the DVC30 is the better cam of the two, but isn't there a huge price difference between them?
I think DVC30 is leaning more to the prosumer models where the GS400 is leaning more to the consumer models.

for image quality as a whole, the GS is actually a lil better, however for Image control, the DVC is much like a DVX100..

also the DVC is NOT full res 16:9 as is the GS, but the GS does not give you the type of configurations, zoom range, wider field of vision, focal control, look and physical feel of the DVC.

Of the 2, if i was to be only shooting home stuff, id go the GS, but for semi pro or any type of "project" use where i would be seen in public with it, id go the DVC

the frame mode cant get any better.. unless you jump to DVX level with true progressive scan...

as for 16:9, i doubt it..

I would agree with Peter for the most part. However, I thinK the DVC30 has a superior image. I have used both side by side and own the DVC30. Although the GS 400 is a great cam for spur of the moment shooting and I would own it if that was the type video I shot. Everything seems to be a compromise. I am not estatic about the DVC30 auto white balance which to me leans towards a bluish image. However, to overcome I use manual white balance using warm cards which is probably the best way to shoot video for most subjects IMO.

Regards,

Mark

For those thinking of buying one.......getting to be a heck of a deal for them now!

I'm debating between the DVC30 and and DVX100. I know which is the better camcorder but I'm not sure I can afford the DVX100 and also have questions about the practicality re my travel videography (maybe too heavy).

So I might settle for the DVC30.

BUT, I need good image stabilization (I have a slight hand tremor and also hate traveling with a tripod). I know it's good in the DVX100. But how is it for the DVC30? Is it the same mechanism as the DVX100?

Any input greatly appreciated.
Any other advice also welcome.

Thanks.

I recently bought the DVC30 and I'm very please with the camera. Not only is the image stabilization good but the video quality including low light is incredible.

I think the stabiliser on DVC30 is on the weak side. I'm very happy with picture quality but wish the stabiliser was better. I played with a Canon XM2 before buying and the stabiliser on that was great. Ultimately I bought the DVC30 for its ergonomics

yeah, i saw that at BH, i think im ordering mine tomorrow or the next day, i cant wait

I purchased a DVC30 a few days ago and shot some footage today (7:50PM).

***30P, 16:9 (sharpness -3)***

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_1.jpg

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_4.jpg



<Zoom capability>

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_5.jpg
1X Zoom

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_6.jpg
16X Zoom

Congrats on the new cam purchase!

What became of the MX5000?

They look great...I cant wait for mine to get here

Hi Tommy, you still remember me? :)

I now use the MX5000 as my 2nd camcorder for weddings.

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/panasonic/MiniDV.jpg
(MX5000: 30P, 16:9)

Can anyone explain how and when the "automatic" ND filter in the DVC30 is activated, and what the density is?

The Operating Instructions book only mentions it under specifications as: "ND filter - Interlocked with iris, ON/OFF switched automatically."

Is anyone using a screw-on ND filter on their DVC30? What density?

Douglas

I don't know for sure, but suspect it's like the internal ND filters on many (if not most) newer design small chip cameras. My PDX-10 has the same sort of thing, although Sony doesn't even admit its existence.

The idea is to force you to shoot in the lens' "sweet spot" around the neighborhood of f4. As you decrease the iris opening in manual control you rather quickly reach a point where the iris stops closing and the camera automatically drops in progressively darker internal ND filters. The camera probably "lies" about this also (at least the PDX-10 does). It will say you're shooting at f11 for example, but in reality you're at (maybe) F5.6 plus an ND filter.

Tom Hardwick may have a few words on this topic, it's one of his favorite features ;-)

Douglas,

Having an automatic ND filter on the DVC30 is about the only thing I don't like about this cam. I shoot a lot around water and snow where manual ND is a must. My solution was a set of ND screw on filters at various strengths. The DVC 30 uses 43mm filters so cost is reasonable. I use Hoya filters strength x2 and x4 and am a happy with this solution.

Regards,

Mark

If I power on my AG-DVC30 when it has previously been set into the psuedo-film mode (Scene Mode 4) it nearly always starts up with the LCD and viewfinder flickering and recording also comes out flickering.
If you change it back out of this scene mode and then back in everything is OK again.
Anyone experienced this or know why it happens or how to avoid it?

See if hitting the reset button cures the trouble. It will reset your camera to defaults but then set it up in film mode again and turn it off and on. It might not flicker then.

I'll try that.
If I power on when it is set in any other Scene File it is fine.
It just seems to be Scene File 4 that is has problems with, as if it is taken by surprise that it is in Frame mode.
If I swap into scene file 4 from another when already powered on it never does this flickering it is purely when I power on when it is already selected.

Hi Gang,

Longtime reader, first time poster (to this particular forum portion).

I have the opportunity to produce four 15 minute training videos for a co-worker/friend of mine.

He is a police officer and does training for private security firms. The videos would cover such elements as use of force training, arrest powers of private security personnel, private security and the criminal code, etc.

I had intended to use a DVX 100a but wonder if the DVC30 would be suitable for such a venture.

I ask because the DVC30 would put more money in my pocket for other equipment like better quality shotgun & wireless mics, a production monitor for my editing station, etc.

So what's the opinion?

Would the DVC30 give me solid footage? I can always get a DVX100a down the road.

FYI. I've been "filming" (yeah, I know. Indulge me ;-) ) local dance recitals and have quite a bit of time on rental GL2s and editing and the DVC30 paired with another would save me travelling to Toronto to rent my equipment.

This would be my first "corporate" gig and hopefully an in to similar work in the future.

Please note that I have a full-time job and that I do the video work as an outlet for my creative side. Simply put. I love creating, shooting & editing and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Thanks for listening.


sincerely,


ian

I just got my brand new DVC-30 and I've noticed a hot pixel right in the middle of the screen when I gain up. I am a little bummed.

How common does this seem on the DVC-30? B&H said they will exchange it with no problem, but I'm afraid of getting another bad one.

Has anyone else had experience with this problem?

Luck of the draw. Take B&H up on their offer. The alternative is to take it to an authorized service center to remap/program out the hot pixel or replace the CCD - under warranty.

Hi Ian,
I see no one has responded to your question. Yes, the DVC30 would be an excellent choice for training videos. Actually, you could use the Panasonic GS400 and get high quality video if you wanted to save a few more bucks.

Hi Guy,

Thanks for the info. This is good news.

I don't think I'll go with the GS400 though as I'll also be doing dance recitals and I need the added control and features that the DVC30 provide.

Thanks again.

sincerely,



ian

I tested this over the weekend and annoyingly it is very erratic. Sometimes when powering on the camera it is fine but more than 50% of the time it will start up flickering. I have found the quickest way to stop it is to change the File Scene back to File Scene 1 then back to 4.
Very annoying though as it means you can't start filming in Psuedo-Film mode quickly.

I just sent mine back for a hot pixel, but while I had it I tested this out for you and mine definitely did not do that. I could start up in film mode all the time.

First of all, I have to say that B&H is one of the classiest, best customer-focused on-line stores around. They exchanged my bad DVC-30 even though they could have sent me to Panasonic since it was a manufacturer's defect. I sent in mine overnight on a Wednesday morning; Friday morning my new camera arived.

I am so impressed with the video. I thought my PV-GS200 looked good, but this video I shot today looked so nice!

I struggled with the DVC/GL2 choice. I'm glad I stuck with the DVC!