The AG-DVC30's Leica Dicomar 16x optical zoom lens
answers a broad range of shooting needs, delivering
superb results from 39.5mm wide angle all the way to
632mm telephoto (both 35mm lens equivalents). In
wide-angle performance--critical in broadcast and
other professional applications--this lens is top of
its class. Behind this outstanding performance are
the advanced optical technologies and expertise that
have made Leica Camera AG one of the most respected
names in the camera world.

The Leica Dicomar lens
is first in its class in wide-angle
performance. |
This new 16x optical
zoom lens system uses low-dispersion glass and
aspherical lenses to reduce color aberration and
boost resolution. Use of a special multicoating
process dramatically reduces flare and ghosts. The
result: sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered pictures
with vivid colors, delicate nuances, and exceptional
shading.

The advanced OIS system
eliminates image blur caused by natural
hand-shake. |
Optical Image
Stabilizer Compensates for Natural Hand-Shake
The AG-DVC30's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
compensates for hand shaking that occurs as you
shoot. A gyrosensor detects hand-shake and sends
signals to a linear motor, which adjusts the lens to
compensate. Because this process takes place prior
to the CCD image capture (rather than in the
downstream electronic processing), it virtually
eliminates any effect of hand-shake on resolution
and screen angle. The OIS can also be helpful when
zooming or shooting in dim lighting.
1/4-Inch,
410,000-Pixel 3CCD Image System: High Sensitivity,
Low Noise
To ensure a level of picture quality suitable for
professionals, the AG-DVC30 uses a 3CCD image system
that delivers the highest sensitivity in its class.
Its high S/N ratio and extremely low noise (in
darker areas of a picture) combines with high
sensitivity to deliver excellent image quality even
when shooting indoors under dim lighting. When
shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights,
this 3CCD system offers low smear.

The AG-DVC30's 3CCD
image system delivers high signal-to-noise
ratio and excellent image quality.
|
12-bit A/D and
RGB Gamma Processor
The AG-DVC30 features an A/D converter that uses the
same 12-bit processing as broadcast-quality
camera-recorders. This, combined with an RGB gamma
processor that uses Panasonic's unique gamma-curve
function, helps assure high image-quality
processing. In fact, the AG-DVC30's A/D converter
and RGB gamma processor are the same ones used in
the popular AG-DVX100A, which has won acclaim as the
industry's highest-image-quality DV camera.
Movie-Simulation
Mode
The AG-DVC30 can capture and reproduce images that
are strikingly similar in tone to film images,
thanks to Panasonic's unique Cine-Like gamma curve
and a 30-frames-per-second recording function that
electronically interpolates interlaced images to
create frames with no time differences between
fields. Settings for this mode are preset in the
Movie-Like scene file.
High-Sensitivity
Slow Shutter
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to
allow shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by
half or more. The accumulation method provides
bright-color images with less noise than those
captured using conventional gain-up, so you get the
higher sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting
without illumination. The slow shutter function can
also be used to obtain movie-like effects.
16:9 Widescreen
Recording
The aspect ratio can be set to either 4:3 or 16:9 to
accommodate wide-image recording. In 16:9 recording,
you can select either letterbox or squeeze mode,
giving you more possibilities in downstream editing
and playback.

An image shot using Zero
Lux IR mode and featuring the date/time
display. |
Zero Lux IR
Mode: Super Nighttime Shooting System
The AG-DVC30 is the world's first 3CCD camcorder to
offer black-and-white recording in the dark using
infrared light. This featre opens the door to a host
of new possibilities in nighttime monitoring,
surveillance, and news gathering. The built-in
infrared light makes it possible to record at a
distance of about 16 feet.
Professional
Audio Quality with XLR Mic (Optional)
The AG-DVC30 comes equipped with a built-in stereo
microphone. Adding the optional AG-MYA30G XLR
adapter provides you with +48 V phantom mic and line
input needed for news gathering. Featuring two XLR
audio input terminals and level controls, the
adapter lets you independently switch channel 1 or
channel 2 to mic or line input, with each having its
own "glow in the dark" level adjustment.
Audio Level
Meters
Two color audio level meters can be displayed in the
viewfinder and LCD monitor, making it easy to check
the signal as you record.
Full Auto or
Manual Shooting
Use the AG-DVC30 for either full auto or manual
shooting. The Auto/Manual switch turns the four auto
functions--focus, shutter speed, iris and gain, and
white balance--on and off as desired. Manual
focusing is controlled by the large focus ring. You
can also switch between manual and auto focus by
pushing the Focus button. For added convenience, one
of the user buttons can be assigned to turn
autofocus on and off.
3.5-inch Color
LCD Monitor and Tilt-Up Viewfinder
The large 3.5-inch color LCD monitor rotates 270
degrees, making it easy to shoot at difficult
angles, and the Mirror mode makes it easy to record
yourself. The display is bright, too, so even
outdoors you get good visibility when using the LCD
to monitor footage or to select settings from the
menu. For added ease of use when taking low-angle
shots, you also can tilt the viewfinder 70 degrees
upward.
Magnesium Alloy
Chassis
Designed for professionals, the AG-DVC30 boasts the
same tough magnesium alloy diecast chassis as do the
DVCPRO broadcast models. This rigid casing protects
the high-precision components from bumps and jolts,
helps shield out interface, and provides the
AG-DVC30 with the reliability and durability needed
for active field use.
Automatic Head
Cleaning
The AG-DVC30 provides the same head-cleaning
function as do the DVCPRO models. The white roller
pad positioned to the right of the head cylinder
cleans the head each time you load a tape, helping
to minimize dropouts and head clogging.
IEEE 1394
Terminal with Synchro Lock
An IEEE 1394-compliant 4-pin DV terminal makes it
easy to upload data from the AG-DVC30 or to dub
footage onto a DV recorder. This terminal also
features a new synchro lock function that lets you
use the AG-DVC30 to remotely start and stop an
external DV device. Three recording modes help
protect against mistakes: record onto external
recorder only, record onto both AG-DVC30 and
external recorder, and begin external recording when
the AG-DVC30 tape ends.
Versatile
Performance
Total mobility? Easy carrying? Or advanced audio
specs? With the multistyle handle, the choice is
yours. Designed with the professional in mind, the
AG-DVC30 introduces a new detachable handle that
adds versatility by letting you use this compact DV
camera three different ways.
- Style 1: With
handle detached, this super-compact 3CCD camera
fits easily into a bag or pack for highest
mobility.
- Style 2: With
handle in place, the AG-DVC30 is easy to carry
and easy to use, even when shooting at difficult
angles.
- Style 3: With
the optional XLR adapter mounted on the handle,
the AG-DVC30 has outstanding audio specs, plus
the ability to add two external phantom mics or
line inputs with "glow in the dark" level
controls.
MiniDV Format
The MiniDV format offers more precise image detail
and color accuracy than was previously possible with
analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital
video results from:
- Higher
resolution: Up to 530 lines of horizontal
resolution on select models for sharper picture
detail
- Component
color sampling: Preserves three times more color
information than does analog VHS or S-VHS video,
for brighter and truer colors
- Time base
correction: Stabilizes the picture, eliminating
video jitters
- Error
correction: Fills in missing video data,
providing seamless, professional-looking video
What's in the
Box
Camera, handle, lens hood, lens cap, shoulder strap,
AC cord, AV cables, DC cord, battery, AC adapter,
large eye cup, wireless remote control unit, Master
Series tape.

Accessories included
with the AG-DVC30.
|
Click to see larger image


-
Video format: MiniDV
-
Audio: 16-bit/12-bit PCM digital
sound
-
Maximum CCD resolution: 410,000
pixels, 3-CCD
-
CCD size: 0.25 inches
-
Eyepiece viewfinder:: 0.44-inch
color/BW switchable LCD, approx. 180,000
pixels
-
LCD screen size: 3.5-inch TFT color,
approx. 200,000 pixels
-
LCD swivel: Yes
-
Aperture: F/1.6
-
Filter diameter: 43 millimeters
-
Optical zoom: 16x
-
Digital zoom: 160x
-
Focal length: 4.1 to 65.6
millimeters (35mm equivalent: 39.5 to
623 millimeters)
-
Focus: Manual, full automatic
-
Frame rates: 60i, 30fps frame mode
-
Shutter speeds: 1/4, 1/8, 1/15,
1/30, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250,
1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500,
1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000
-
CineGamma: Yes
-
White balance: Incandescent,
outdoor, manual set, WB lock
-
Gain selection: 0, +3, +6, +9, +12,
+15, +18
-
Super iris: Backlight, spotlight, AE
shift
-
Color matrix: Adjustable
-
SMPTE color bar generator: Yes
-
Programmable user buttons: 3 user
sets and color bars
-
Minimum luminance: 4 lux
-
Autolight: No
-
Hot shoe for external light: Yes
-
Image stabilization: Yes
-
Infrared capability: Yes
-
Remote included: Yes
-
Headphone jack: Yes
-
Digital still capability: No
-
MPEG movie mode: No
-
Motion sensor: No
-
Audio sensor: No
-
USB streaming: No
-
IEEE1394 (Firewire) output: Yes
-
USB output: No
-
S-Video output: Yes
-
Battery type: Lithium ion
-
Width: 4.38 inches
-
Height: 6.31 inches
-
Depth: 10 inches
-
Weight: 2.65 pounds (with battery
and cassette)
- In
the box: Camera, handle, lens hood,
lens cap, shoulder strap, AC cord, AV
cables, DC cord, battery, AC adapter,
large eye cup, wireless remote control
unit, Master Series tape
|