Panasonic USA has added AG-DVC30 info to their site here (http://www.panasonic.com/pbds/subcat/products/cams_ccorders/f_ag-dvc30.html)

wow, cool. Not too long before B&H has it listed then i imagine.

edit: here it is

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=AtYAPmMxyN!-1250831615?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=dvc30

Shame that the audio XLR inputs are now an optional extra. If you need them, it makes the DVC-30 almost the same retail price as the DVC-80.
Patrick

I'll be interested in the street prices. I agree, the list prices for cam and accessories seem a little high to me.

they better drop or else they're gonna tank.

I wonder if the DVC80 is just being dropped. The DVC30 price is inline with the GL2 before the current discounting.

<<<-- Originally posted by David Ziegelheim : I wonder if the DVC80 is just being dropped. The DVC30 price is inline with the GL2 before the current discounting. -->>>

If Panasonic drops the DVC80, I'll snag another one sooner than planned. I love mine and plan to get a second next year.

Well I just got my B&H Catalog and the DVC30 is in there! Also the DVC80 and 100 models.

Can't be long now!

$2,298.77 at 1-877 Camcorder. Which makes it bit more expensive than the GL2, and cheaper than the DVC-80.
Patrick

$2300 is within $100 of the GL2 price before the rebate/price cuts that started late last summer.

The DVC80 has been available closer to $2000 lately...even under $2000. Better CCD & lens than DVC30, but DVC30 has better electronics. DVX100A has best of both plus additional features (e.g. 24p, 30p, etc.)

i saw a demo of this cam the other week.
The Super Night Shooting feature was quite amazing. B/W image clarity at near zero light. Definitely a plus cam for news and reporting.

David,
How is the electronics better on the DVC30 than the DVC80. I was under the impression that the DVC80 was a DVX100 but without the progressive 24P capability. i.e. an interlace only DVX100.

Ron

Basically. the DVX100A and DVC30 have a 12-bit ADC that captures a broader range of color and luminence for digital processing. They have more programming features, probably with a faster processor (Panasonic doesn't discuss the processor in their literature).

So with DVC30 you have the slow shutter, skin tone detail, frame mode, 16x9 squeeze mode, marker (a spot ire meter), cine gamma, etc.

Since the DVC80 shares its platform and electronics package with the original DVX100 (dumbed down for a different price point), it has the 1/3" CCDs and zoom ring. And maybe a better lens.


Picking between them (the DVC30 and DVC80) would be difficult. When DVC80 supplies are exhausted it will be irrelevant. The bigger price gap and feature gap between the DVX100A and DVC30 compared to the DVX100 and DVC80 will make selection for many simpler. DVX100A for real movies and very high end prosumer. DVC30 for low end prosumer and high end consumer competing with the GL3(?), and PDX15.

I expect DVC30 prices to settle in the $2100 range.

<<<-- Originally posted by Stephen van Vuuren : Panasonic USA has added DV-30 info to their site here (http://www.panasonic.com/pbds/subcat/products/cams_ccorders/f_ag-dvc30.html) -->>>

In addition to Panasonic's statement:

"Movie Like mode combines frame mode & CineGamma for a cinematic look (+ LumiFlik for old time movie look)",

I received a Panasonic info sheet from AbelCineTech which included this description:

"Movie Like Mode at 30 fps and Cine-Like Gamma Curve (not true progressive)."

Any ideas what this might look like in comparison to the GL2's progressive....oops, I meant frame mode?

Dorothy

> Shame that the audio XLR inputs are now an optional extra.
> If you need them, it makes the DVC-30 almost the same
> retail price as the DVC-80.

Makes sense to me. It's an advantage to be able to detach the XLR module from my PDX10 when I don't need it.

Looks like a great little cam. Hope the 16x9 is as good as the PDX10. Low light seems to be much much better by the specs... and progressive mode and slow shutter (hopefully with no line doubling) are very welcome.

This camera seems to have just what the PDX10 doesn't and needs real bad:

-- Better low light
-- Frame mode
-- More wide-angle

not to mention the 12-bit ADC

> not to mention the 12-bit ADC

Oh I don't know about the PDX10's ADC, but it has 14-bit image processing... I guess it wouldn't make sense to invest all that processing if the signal is just 10 bits.

From the first review of the DVC30:

"The Leica Dicomar lens is excellent and the captured video quality is the best we've seen so far from a camcorder with 1/4-inch CCDs."

For the full text, see the March issue of Digit Magazine Online (free registration is required):

http://www.digitmag.co.uk/reviews/

Dorothy

I need to add a second video camera for Natue and Wildlife videography and documentaries. I would appreciate any advise on the benefits of the Canon GL2 vs Sony PD-170 and the new Panasonic DVC-30 systems. The Canon XL1s is just too cumbersome for stealth techniques.

Many Thanks,

Tom

Tom,

I have used a Cannon GL-1 and finally wore it out after 3 years. Although I was pleased with the image, I had occasional problems with tape loading lockups, plastic parts breaking, difficulty focusing, and manual white balance that refused to lock on. This was enough for me to look at some of the other brands. I had my sights set on the Panasonic DVC80 but with the 10x lens and 1.7 converter I think it would limit my reach for some wildlife subjects.

I am looking hard at the DVC30. With a 16x lens and a 2x converter that should do the trick. What also looks good on the DVC30 to me is light weight < 3lbs., magnesium body for shock resistance and the xlr attachment if needed. If the image is as good as the GL2 then it will suit my needs. B&H has the DVC30 listed at $2,199 although not in stock yet. If you are interested in this cam I would wait a few weeks until we hear some feedback from some of the brave ones who purchased it to post their experiences.

Regards,

Mark

> For the full text, see the March issue of Digit Magazine
> Online (free registration is required)

Wrong. Free registration is NOT enough. So I registered and they got my email address into their database for free :@

I am trying to set up my accesory list for my DVC30 purchase. The Panasonic site says 43mm filter diameter and B&H says 72mm. Anyone want to venture a guess as to which one is right?

Regards,

Mark

According to this:

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/brochures/B_AG-DVC30.pdf

It's 72mm.

The filter diameter on the DVC30 is 72mm, Mark. Go forth in confidence. Stephen will gladly reimburse you for any costs of error.

Yep, I'm rolling in the dough :)

The PDF Stephen reffers to states in two places the diameter of the Filter. Under [CAMERA] Line three describes the lens and line 4 states Filter Diameter = 72 mm. The again at the bottom the second to last line describes the lens hood, and the last line states Filter Diameter = 43 mm. So I would have to guess that if you are not using the lens hood you need 72 mm filters but with the hood installed use 43 mm...

Sounds kind of goofy doesn't it? Could it be that the lens hood screws on? eeww.

I did not notice that - that is a little strange. We need a hands on report on this camera and I don't know anyone who's seen it yet.

If its 72mm then that means that the only tel converter I think will fit is the Century Optics 1.7 lens at around $850.00 .
If it is 43mm then maybe the Sony 1.7-58mm with step down ring around $275.00

I've been wondering about this myself. I'll check with the DVC30 product manager and report back here as soon as possible.

Just noticed that B&H went up $50.00 on the DVC30 from their advertised price and they haven't even got it in stock yet.

Anybody get their hands on one yet ?

Panasonic states they are out in "limited supply". Would appreciate a review or hands on comments.

Need to make a decision between the DVC-30, PD-170 or even the vx-2100.

Tom

I'd really welcome a detailed user review of the DVC-30. If nobody comes forward with one, perhaps we can arrange it ourselves.

Chris,

Did you ever hear from Panasonic if the DVC30 used 72mm or 58mm front threads?

Regards,

Mark

Thanks for reminding me about that! I've got a call into the product manager and am waiting for his answer. Will advise,

Well, that didn't take long! It's a 43mm front. Hope this helps,

Just wondering if anyone has purchased a DVC30 yet. If so, I am wondering what are your initial thoughts? Does the camera live up to all the hype? I haven't seen one in person yet, so I am anxious to hear others first hand experiences with it.

Chris Byrnes seem to be the first member of this board to have bought one.

You can read it's firsts impressions on this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24800)

I found this odd comment on the B&H Web site in the Panasonic AG-MYA30G audio adapter description:

"The Panasonic AG-MYA30G is an integrated XLR input adapter and microphone holder designed for use with the AG-DVC30 and AG-DVC32 video cameras."

Is the DVC32 not sold in North America?

Could the DVC32 be the PAL version?

<<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : Could the DVC32 be the PAL version? -->>>
Same camcorder as DVC30. I did a Google search and saw it here (http://www.lofty.co.th/DVM_Magazine/dvm_magazine.html). Not sure of the country of origin.

What country is "DVM Magazine" from?

seem to be from Thailand

Hi,

I was just wondering what accessories are available for what looks to be a great little camera. Are there any filters (UV, polarised) made for the lens?

My other option for a new camera was the GL2. How does the image quality between the two compare?

One more question, I noticed in the other thread the first post said that the ND filter kicks in automatically, but there seemed to be a bit of confusion or debate. Is this true, or can you enable/disable the ND filter when you want to?

Thanks in advance.

Matt,

I purchased 43mm filters, UV haze, polarizer and an ND filter (for use at the beach) and all work just fine. You should be able to get them from any camera supplier. I got mine from B&H and picked the higher grade ones for about $67.00.

The GL-2 is a good cam. I have used one several times and owned a GL-1 for 3 years. In my opinion the DVC30 is built much sturdier and is the better overall value. Image quality in my opinion is slightly better on the DVC30 but it is so close others may say they are about the same. I like the default vibrant colors on the GLs better but I think I can get close to the same look tweaking the DVC30's settings.

The ND filter on mine kicks in automatically thus my purchase of a ND filter. If any other owners know how to activate it off/on manually without manipulating the shutter speed or iris, please let me know.

Regards,

...or at least i am pretty set on that. Here is what i am looking at for a package, all from B&H.

Camera with XLR: 2299.95
Davis & Sanford ProVista Video Tripod (Black) with F12 Fluid Head: 149.95
AGMC100 Mic: 164.95
Power-2000 3600mAh Bat: 59.95
B+H UV filter: 19.95
AG-YUSC100 Soft case: 149.95
Tape rewinder (SRW-62): 34.95

Is there anything i really need and am missing? Anything that is not really needed. Anything that i should replace? I would like to keep the price down as this is already approaching $3000.

It will be used for documentary/interview styles stuff as well as dramatic shorts.

Thanks!

Erik- I just ordered the same package (minus the tripod & battery) from B&H, expecting it Monday. You might want to check out the batteries at DVXuser.com, they were recommended highly (and $45), the dvc30 uses the same battery as the DVX100A.

Good luck with your new cam!

Mark/Eric

I have had the DVC 30 for about 6 weeks now and really like it. The key to getting it to look the way you want is the scene settings. The default setting are only passable in my opinion. For me it was +1 sharpness and +1 saturation to come closer to matching video shot on my old Canon GL-1 which is the look that I like. If you get better settings for outdoor scenes please post and I will try them out. Also, you may want to get a polarizer and ND filter latter on. I use them both a lot. Another word of advice...take care of the lens cap. It does not have a cord to keep it attached to the cam. You can rig one up though. I lost mine and had to pay $18 OUCH! from Panasonic for a new one. Now its tied on.

Regards,

Mark

Thanks! Yeah, it seems like a good camera that will suit our needs.

I guess with the filter i can just wait to see what i need. I am new to higher end video stuff (to me high end, at least) so i will have a lot to learn.

Good choice Erik, the DVC30 is a great camera. Seems like it is either underated by many, or untested by most. People seem to go with another camera in this price range instead, like a tried and tested vx2100 or a GL2.

I've kept meaning to post some frame grabs to promote what this cam is capable of, but as with most things I haven't got round to it yet ;)

I like the features this camera has, and find myself adjusting various settings to get different looks.

Good look with your new camera.

Will the DVX100 varizoom work on the 30? The one specifically for the dvc30 is quite a bit more expensive than the one for the dvx100.....I wonder if they're interchangeable.