How about this? Panasonic AG-DVC30
 

See http://panasonic.biz/sav/camera/ag-dvc30/ag-dvc30.html

Looks like a 16x lens and a 12-bit DSP. Very interesting!

Just about the only English on the page is:

• 3CCD,
• 12-bit A/D,
• RGB,
• OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer),
• XLR,
• IEEE1394, and
• SMPTE

Let's hope everything in-between indicates that these features are -included-, not excluded, from this camera! <g>

Looks just like the Sony PDX10 only better!!!!

If it has optical 16:9- I'll get one!!!!

Reading through the translated version, it has a 410k pixel CCD, so probably no DV953-style 16:9 mode. And it does 30fps, but it sounds like frame mode, not progressive-scan.

How large are the CCDs?

1/4"

Thanks. So Pana finally upgraded the AG-EZ30U. :)

I wonder what the Japanese price will be, and I wonder what the USA price will be; and I wonder what features will be missing on the USA model.

Barry's right, it does you and interlaced progressive like frame mode with a cine-like gamma curve. It doesn't mention anything about wide-screen options. Bacically, what you guys have already figured out is what you get.

Let's hope a sub $2000 price point to compete with the PDX10!
(should demolish it if it doesn't streak)
<< I love Panasonic's design- they just make their camera's look "the business" >>

1/4 in CCDs, this might put the GL2 out of business nt
 

Don't forget the XLRs, must be the reason for $250 rebate, maybe a GL3 is definitely on the horizon.

The Canon certainly needs to add balanced XLR connections to the GL line to remain competitive. They also need to boost the size of that LCD panel, maybe provide a higher resolution panel and/or viewfinder.

Not that it would probably matter, but the shinny plastic looks cheap, compared to the matte finish of the PDX10. Hey I'm being real picky here...

panasonic ag-dvc30
 

Hey guys, this ag-dvc30 is definetly a competitor to GL2 with its 1/4 size ccds 410,000 pixels each. Lots of inteligent speculation going on I love it! Sort of keeps everyone on there toes hey.
Everyone enjoy the Holidays!!
joe m

no speculation mate, it IS designed to hammer the pdx10 and GL2 :)

cant wait for it, the PERFECT companion to the DVX :)

cant wait ot ditch the mx (I prolly wont thou im sucha bower bird:)

My first 3-chip was an AG-EZ30 and it was a great camera with a few problems the biggest being no optical stabilizer. The build quality and form factor were great. I really am looking forward to the AG-DV30 as an update. The removable handle and XLR's on a compact camera is great allowing for a full-dress version that has a more professional appearance while at the same time providing for a stripped down discreet travel cam option.

The 16x zoom is exactly the range I would love in a camera and I really like the fact that frame mode is still there. I'm interested to see how the cinemode does with color and contrast.

Of course image quality will be the real test, but my experience with Panasonic is that the value and build quality will be there.

For a good PDF of specs check out:

http://www.panasonic.co.jp/bsd/sales_o/02products/products/ag-dvc30/ag-dvc30.html