There's a review of Cavision's matte box attached to a AG-DVX100 for those looking into buying one. The review itself could of been more detailed in my opinion but there are a lot of pictures. Check it out here (http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/CV44/).

I don't have the cam with me at the mo' but I think it's scene file 3 which says (from manual) something to the effect of 'settings suited to accentuating the subjects (for example at wedding receptions)'. Anyone have a clue as to what this actually means?? I tried the spanish translation in the hope for a clue but still at a loss...Trying to figure out what "accentuating the subject" is trying to do...(I believe the name of the file is like Scene spark" but again may be wrong...)

Many thanks for any help.

Best regards,

Paul.
Ps. I do wish the manual was more self-explanatory....

I'm about to start editing a film shot on the DVX100, do I have to use the same camera to capture into FCP 3 or can I use the Sony DCR-TRV37. I have Cinema Tools for the pulldown.

Thank you

Has anyone seen this done, and if so, could they share their thoughts on the end result? It would be cool to hear a success story of a film making that happen...

thanks
Alex

Does anyone have the new .3 fisheye from century for the dvx100? It just came out a few weeks ago. If someone has atleast seen it on the came, is there vinyetting? and is it better than the vx1 with a mark 1 fisheye.?????

If anyone wants to see an example of PAL footage from the DVX100. Unfortunately I have a problem with my computer system so have had to compress it to a .wmv file but it's still looking good.

The link is here: http://www.pleasedsheep.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=46

If you want to contact me, or give me some feedback, leave it on my message board at my website, thanks...

Will the DVX100 record drop frame time of day timecode?
WW

Does anyone know how much that handle is that goes on the side of the dvx? Its black and George Clooney is holding it in a photo for his new HBO show.

hello--

I am renting the DVX-100 for an upcoming weekend to shoot a short film.

I want to get experience using the camera and making a short film.

I won't have time to master the camera, so I was wondering if you could offer me which settings I should go with.

I have Final Cut Pro 3 and a one chip sony mini-dv camera to import footage.

What settings should I be at? I would like to shoot at 24fps to make it look more like film.

I heard to shoot in 24p standard mode.

If it turns out good, I might want to put it on a DVD... but mostly just for fun.

I don't know aobut thick or thin. Or cinegamma settings.

I need a crash course.

I want to achieve a happy looking film... it's a comedy, so I want it to be bright, fun looking.

Any tips?

Hi!
Anyone knows where to get the camera cheap?? because next time I will be in asian and will get this camera.
I remember, when the price was about 2760 Euro in
expandore.com, know it is about 3000 Euro again.
Would be thankfull about all infos.

I am purchasing a heavy duty cancas tool bag at Lowe's to carry my gear this weekend. I got the idea on the case from a post here.

My question is: what do you all use to actually keep you camera safe and steady and not boucing around in the bag?

Thanks!

Just a small tip. This chamois eye cup cover at B&H photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?BI=155&A=search&Q=&b=702&Submit.x=26&Submit.y=7&shs=chamois&ci=1) fits the DVX100's, and probably the DVC80's, eye cup perfectly. It's much more comfortable than the naked eye cup and quite inexpensive. Get several, as they will inevitably get rather worn with frequent use.

Isn't the DVX100's viewfinder eyepiece great?! It's the best I've ever used.

Does any know of a webbsite that is dedicated to directors/directing.

I'm a GL2 guy but I figured you guys might get a kick out of this. I saw a new eBay commercial yesterday. Its where a guy is trying to learn how to use eBay when his wife comes in and of course bursts into a huge musical number which is a take off of "Do you know the way to San Jose"

Anyway, at the end one of the dancers is holding a DVX100 as an example of one of the things you can buy on eBay. I figured they would use some cheap model but its definitely the DVX100. I just thought it was interesting so look out for that commercial.

If you are a DVX100 expert, and are available to hire for a day, please contact:

michelle@dvcreators.net


Thanks!

I want to try some of the factory settings, but the presets for the 80 are undefined from the factory. Any help?
thanks
Jarrett

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/275296/EQPP8DVX100/REG/1932

I contacted ikelite for a quote, but am wondering if anyone has used the equinox, or other depth-friendly housing, possibly with more controls/viewing options.

Don't understand how you view the viewfinder, and how it appears underwater/lighting....., and optics are questionable. Would really like to see some footage shot with the equinox, or other, and if so, which model/mfg.

The price doesn't bother me... the functionality/output is what's in question.

IE: no iris adjustment
can you use filters on the cam

Remember seeing a website that had an awesome looking housing with all sorts of controls, but appeared to be made in cad, and was only a protype "dream" machine as far as could tell

Thanks

I'm still researching monitors....

A new Toshiba HD Consumer set offers this feature:

• CrystalScan HDSC™ upconverts all video signals (including 480i/p) to 1080i HD. This results in a significant
reduction in jagged-line artifacts which produces a smoother, more natural image. Selectable 540p, for users who
want to display a progressive scan image from a progressive scan source, is available via the on-screen menu

Could this display 24p via firewire out of an NLE in true progressive scan?

More details (see the PDF) at http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=30hf83.

It's hard to fork out $1300 for a 13" Pro interlaced SD monitor (e.g. Panasonic BT-H1390Y).

I wonder how well this monitor could be calibrated via the service menu...

okies, heres a q, how can i go about getting teh DVX to look similar to Beta SP? Basically the smooth rounded look of televisio?


Ive been messing with the setting and find that setting detail to lowest setting, with a master ped of -2 works, but for some reason there is jsut something missiing.. I have a colour phase of +2 which helps bring out the flatter colours, however i jsut dont seem to be gettin it.. I KNOW this cam can do it, as there is a soapy here in Oz which is now filmed with this cam exclusively... and they have right, (a bit red, but the resolutions and smoothness look the part)

im jsut curious as i think it would be a great Scene setting to have set up on the cam...

thanks in advance to any respnses...

Recently I found that there are secret menu items that can be accessed via unusual button combination. They are as follows: Push and hold "audio Dub" (on the top, under the handle) While holding that down hit "Rewind" on the joystick, and keep it in rewind. While maintaining that then hit "Menu" button, and viola! Menu choiced #8 Diagnostic and #9 Settings reveal themselves in the menu .
So what the hell do these things do?

Okay, here is what I know. This I recently got a Panasonic Service Manual for the DVX100 (not easy to get BTW) and although it is written in Pidgin english w virtually no proofreading, I have learned the following- using the above button combination you get access to both a "Diagnostic" and an "Adjust" menu choice in your menu as well as the other choices you always get. The "adjust" menu should be left alone. It is to be used with engineer hardware & software to calibrate your camera, but doing it by the seat of your pants is foolish. Leave it alone.

HOWEVER, I have found the "Diagnostic" Menu to be very enlightening. It has two parts. the upper part gives you the choice of: Off, Video, Audio, or Both. and sample rate of Slow or Fast. Lets say you choose "Both", and "Fast." back out of the menu, and play a previously recorded tape. Where the audio meters normally are is now a "Signal Quality meter" if you will. Low levels good. red levels bad. It shows you the signal quality or error rate of the signal you previously recorded. Not quite a confidence head but still very nice feature. You may, I assume, see potential problems with your video head before they manifest themselves in a visible head clog...... We use it every day now that we know it is there to assess the overall health of our cameras. You can look at just video signal (I assume both writing heads shown as separate channels) audio signal or both combined. Sample rate is just how fast the display refreshes itself.

The lower half of the diagnostic page is an event log of shutdowns due to problems. Provided you set your internal clock right, it gives you month day and year, time, and a 4 digit code for errors. Also very helpful, for what else, Diagnostics.

I would be interested in hearing where people's "Quality meters" are bouncing around on average and the hours on their video heads. We have several cameras with 50 or less hours and on average say about 0-4 units mostly say 3 units on the meter. One camera has 120 hours and it's quality meter is averaging more like 5-6 units. (Anything over 10 units goes into red)
-Nate

Some tests in 24p advanced edited together.

http://www.wwwroot15.net/~supersos/

15 mb

I am going to record an audio important event and will not be able to audition levels. Knowing that 94dB SPL produces -32dBv from my mics, I needed to know where that was on my meters.

I used my Neutrix Minirator (accurate within 2dB) and piped some white noise and 1000kHz through the camera. With ALC on, I could not get a signal great enough to break 3 red bars on the meter. I would not have thought the limiting to be so severe.

With ALC off, I could easily get the meter to climb through the ceiling.

So my question is whether or not everyone else finds that maximum levels should be set to around 2 red bars with ALC on to avoid compression.

Thanks.

Hey guys its me again

Just wanted to have some info and your comments on how strong the multi coating on this lens is. I mean if one doesnt have a cleaning kit, is it safe to use an alternative i.e cotton swabs.. etc ..Any answers will be much appreciated

Anyone know how to clear all info in the viewfinder display. I can get rid of everything but the Timecode. Anyone know how to get rid of that too? Thanks,

Peter

I'm writer/actor trying to make the leap to filmmaker. I'm going to get the DVX100, but after going through a ton of posts, I still have a couple questions. First, I'm thinking of getting the PAL version. I know that adds inconvenience (need a PAL monitor, can't watch the footage on NTSC TV without converting, etc.) but since I'm only planning on using the camera for shooting films hopefully for a blowup to 35mm, isn't the extra resolution worth it. Seems every DV movie released is shot in PAL. And with FCP4, can't I convert the 25P finished product to 24P NTSC if needed? Is there any deal breaker in going with PAL?

Second, I'd like the best possible 16X9 picture and was considering the anamorphic adaptor, but in reading past posts, the focus issue and OIS not being recommended with the adaptor concerned me. And having to buy a matte box for filters, etc. seems expensive and a pain. The film will have a lot of handheld and I also don't want to find out in post everything is slightly out of focus. Would you recommend the anamorphic or letterbox/do-it-in-post, especially if I go PAL which will still leave me 432 vertical pixels after the letterboxing. Thanks for your help.

Im going to be shooting a music video in the next couple of weeks. I know that the DVX100 can only shoot at certain frame rates. Is it possible to do the same effect like film cameras!

Record in regular 24 or 60i etc... but have a different play back speeds of the song. Instead recording and playing the song at normal (100%) Slow the song down to 70% and still record in 24 regular. In post can I speed up the video to 130% to match the normal speed (100%) of the video.

Is it possible to get the same effect like film cameras.... however film cameras can record at different frame rates to achieve the effect.

I tried it a couple of times when I was editing. It worked for beginning of the song however near the end the song started to become unsync with the video. Does it have to do with the 29.97 frame rate?

Should the song be slowed down to a certain speed? in order to match up with the 29.97 frame rate?

I hope I explained this question as clearly as I can... eeeek!

This is from Jim Lea (I replied and asked him what tapes he was using):

Hi Stephan,

This is Jim Lea from the Outer Banks. I am in Zambia in Southern Africa for 7 weeks with a brand new AJ-DVX 100. I am having problems with it.

I've tried to post to the DVi Community, but I am not allowed to. Maybe you can post for me or maybe you might know what is happening.

When I am in the camera mode, the tape will intermittently unthread and then go into a FF/RW mode to find the end of the tape. I takes about 30 seconds to complete the process, and I am missing opportunities to shoot because of it. I am not having any problems with lost shots or broken timecode, but this problem is very annoying.

I've tried to clean the heads, but that has not helped.

Have you heard of anything like this before?

Please post this to the message board to see if any other people have found this problem. I am only able to get on the Internet about once a week, so it will be some time before I can get back to the forum.

Thank you very much,

James G. Lea
DV News Network
www.dvnn.com

I would like to know the importance of time coding as it relates to the shooting and editing process. Also, how is it applied to tape using the DVX 100.

Thanks

Gerald

hi all,

Just wondering for those of you guys who have shot 24p standard with this camera, what are the various settings you guys use and why?

I have seen the settings recommended when shooting in 24p advance for film transfer, just wondering if there is anything similar as a guideline for shooting in 24p standard.

Cheers
Wan Shu

I opened my local paper today (Tallahassee Democrat) and on the front page was a story on a documentary that was produced on one of our local high school football teams. The accompanying large color photograph shows a videographer holding a DVX100 over his head for a shot of some players. There are two more photos which show the DVX100 in action. The documentary was produced by JAK Productions out of Lawrenceville, GA and the first part will air this Thursday Nov. 27 at 5:00pm on Sunshine Network. Not sure if you can get Sunshine outside of Florida. The second part will air in February. Here is a link to the story...

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/7343219.htm

I am very interested in seeing the footage, as I am debating that age old question whether to buy a DVX100 or XL1S. I do video production for my church (man on street videos, interviews, short video dramas, event documentaries). One day I think I have settled on one camera then the next day I change my mind.
Arrrgghhhhh!!

I am planning a Southern California DVX users group meeting for December 20th. If you plan to attend please contact me, Craig Kitchens, either by email or by phone. The meeting will be held in Orange County.
My email is ckalan1@netzero.net
My phone number is 714 538-2484.
There is a guest speaker who will be speaking on fund raising for independent films.
I realize this is short notice but it is a start. I need to know how many are planning on attending.
Thanks,
Craig

Since I can't find a dealer with a 100a to demo, are there any users out there that have seen its 60i or 30p footage and could compare it to something I'd get from a 2/3" ENG camera. Would it be good enough to mix clips (with some post done)? I'm about to purchase the Ikegami HL-DV7AW, but need a more portable camera for some field shots in environments I don't want to bring the Ikegami into. This is all corporate work...

Thanks for your input!

Stuart

Southern California Users Meeting
DVX100 in detail –
When: February 12th
Mixer and Refreshments – 6:15PM –7:00PM
Presentation 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Where: Irvine Studios
7 Whatney Street Building B
Irvine, CA 92616
Phone 949 460-7777
Who will be there: Panasonic Product Specialists
Jan Crittenden
Steve Milley
What: Jan and Steve will be answering questions that users have about the camera. They will be talking about the common issues that everyone has and about specific issues that have been submitted by DVX100 owners. They will also be discussing the differences between the DVX100 and DVX100A.

Contact Information:
Craig Kitchens
Ckalan1@netzero.net
714 538-2484

Email your questions to me ASAP so I can forward them to Jan and Steve.
We need to know ASAP, no later than February 10th, how many plan on attending. Craig also needs a volunteers to help with name tags, videotaping the meeting and someone to take pictures of the event.

I just shot some footage with the anamorphic adaptor before dubbing it across to Pioneer DVD recorder in 16:9. Having watched the DVD back on a 4:3 monitor with letterbox, the footage still looks a little squeezed. Has anyone else had a problem with the anamorphic image still looking a touch squeezed after conversion?

Just experimenting with synchro scan to shoot a picture of my computer screen, and noticed an oddity with my DVC80.

The menu control only works when the LCD screen is flipped out.

The control doesn't appear work through the viewfinder. All other menu controls work through the viewfinder when the lcd screen is closed.

Wierd.

However, the synchro scan really works! When I tune the control the computer screen flicker suddenly disappears. I get a solid, flicker-free image of the screen.

(Synchro scan is a DVC80 menu option that lets you fine tune shutter speed so you can shoot computer screens without flicker or bars.)

cheers,
tony

Hey all. I am in the game of a mic purchase and after some research, I like the AT-897 over the spotty quality of the oktava set and the me66 steep price but I was curious if any users have experience with the AT-897 and the DVX100 without running it through any mixers etc., just straight into the xlr ports and setting the levels from shot to shot in camera? Is the DVX100 a good camera for just running this type mic and setting the levels internally? If so, the ~$279 seems like a steal. This will be my only mic I plan to use and will be filming mainly dialogue in settings that will be outside 60% of the time and the rest inside but also plan for it to capture some minimal wild sounds etc.

How do you guys catalog your scenes? Do you use Scenalyzer or some other capture program?

I actually dump the whole tape to a Panasonic dmr-e100 dvd recorder using firewire. Then I burn from the hard drive to a dvd-r blank at 4X. It provides a lower res backup of the footage but a dvd is faster to scan than a tape. If I have the time, I also put chapter markers to see where the scenes are timewise. When it comes time to capture footage on the computer, the whole process is a lot faster since you know what's on each tape and where.

Since I also preview tape footage on the camera and use the FF and REW buttons on the dvx100, I have also run into the problem of black footage where add-on recordings have been made. That's why having an mpeg-2 copy of the whole tape on dvd-r is a blessing.

Can anyone help please.Ive just upgraded my dvx100 to a dvx100a pal. I was pleased with the 100 but Iam even more pleased with the 100a.The improvements are helpful in control along with picture and settings improvements.
My problem is Ive also bought the pana anamorphic lens and have shot some footage in scene file5 25p [thick]. I have a canopus storm 2 capture card with premiere pro.
Which settings should i use to edit this footage?
Should it be 4/3 or 16/9
Should it be anamorphic
Should it be [no fields progressive scan]
When ive been playing with these settings a warning appears that states that my capture card does not support this format?
I presume this would mean the progressive part rather than the anamorphic.As you can see any tips or help would be apreciated
thanks in advance

i am new to video and recently purchased the DVX 100 ag,
i need to know what the various shutter speeds are useful for.
i have just been using the 1/60 speed with good results, why would i need to utilize the other settings? I would also like to learn more basics of camera technique -- Can anyone recommend any free online tutorials for shooting, lighting, how to get a pro look in my productions?
I am interested in shooting in the documentary styles.
one last request, can anyone reccomend a good tripod with decent to good smooth panning for less than $400
thanks

Does anyone do this with thier panny's and if so does someone have enough experience with it to dumb it down for me a bit. What is involved?
thanks

Where can I go to effectively learn to use Cinema Tools. I'm willing to spend some dough on a good tutorial or book! Please don't send me to lafcpug again, the tutorial on their site is worthless.

Hi Jan--A while back I posted the trailer for my doc that was shot with the DVX100 and you posted that you might like to include it in a Panasonic demo DVD. Just curious to see if you are still interested. If you are, please e-mail me at: peterrichardson@ureach.com so I can get you the necessary materials. For a refresher on the trailer you can go to:

www.bicoastalfilms.com/clearcut.mpg

Thanks and best wishes,

Peter

I've noticed that when you go shopping for 72mm filters, you see regular filters (threaded front and back) for less $. Then you also see "wide angle" filters (threaded only on the back) for more $.

Given the widest angle of view with the DVX, just wondering if there is any vignetting at the corners with regular filters, and, therefore, a "wide angle" filter is necessary.

Any experiences?

Thanks,
David

Greetings! Does anyone know if Panasonic is making or planning on making a PAL version of the AG-DVC80. I'm a Yank videographer but I live and shoot in Asia and Australia and I had to sell my NTSC DVX100. I agree with Videomaker magazine in that 24p is nice but if you don't need it why pay for it? I'm getting a AG-DVC80 PAL or a Sony PD-170 PAL. Just trying to track them down now.

is this lens any good.? does anyone have it?

If you think the on-board mike on your dvc80 leaves a lot to be desired, you are not alone. The $150.00 accesory mike Panasonic offers for the DVC80/dvx100 is better but limited. Doesn't cover all bases for me. I was looking for a light, studio quality omni/cardioid condenser that would fit in the camera's mike holder. Believe it or not, I found it in the Behringer B5 for $75.00. Check out this link: http://stores.ebay.com/SM-Productions-Inc

Anybody here who has a link to a place in the USA where I can get this camera in PAL at the best price ??????

Thanks for information

Meindert

I apologize in advance if these are real bonehead questions, but I want to make sure of a few things.

1) In a discussion of the contrast ratio of film vs. video under the “What is Cine Gamma?” heading in the supplemental PDF set-up menu guide, the guide states:

“The Cine-line Gamma feature of the AG DVX100 emulates this wider exposure range characteristic and with the recommended ½ f stop underexposure should help to maintain increased highlight handling abilities.”

So does this mean that I take whatever my meter is telling me and underexpose that by 1/2 a stop? I've been stunned by how off I was is my estimation when eyeballing it indoors insofar as what I thought exposure should be vs what my meter was telling me. My LCD always looked way too dark at the meter's suggested setting, but it was dead on when I brought the footage into the computer. And I should go a 1/2 stop even below that for optimal saturation, cine-look, etc.?

2) When my meter reads 5.6 (5) for 5.6 and 5/10ths, is that the equivilent of 6.8 on the DVX? Aren't the additional f-stops which aren't on my light meter but are on the DVX (3.4, 4.8, 6.8, 9.6, 14) the equivilent of 1/2 stops? Also, and this isn't critical, I'm just curious... why are the 1/2 stop numbers on the DVX different than the numbers on my 35 mm Canon? I never noticed it 'til now. Where the Canon reads 4.5 and 6.7 the DVX reads 4.8 and 6.8. I thought this stuff was pretty standard. Are they making allowances for DV vs 35mm exposure in some incremental way?

Marcia

I've been looking at these kits for a while and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them. If you go through and add up the price of everything seperately it is a pretty good savings, specially when you get up to the filmaker's kit. I've only heard good things about Abelcine as well. Any different experiences out there?

The filmakers's kit doesn't have the Chrosziel follow focus which is something I was considering getting. The only other kits I've found that include all the things in the Abel kits and the full follow focus are 15k!

As a secondary question, since the dvx100a has the numbered focus system in the display you can use that to make repeatable stops, right? Is the follow focus that needed or is it just that the higher gear ratios allow for smoother pulls?

I think that's enough different questions in one post. Any help is welcome.

Can I make a Arri 2C mattebox fit the DVX100?

Example, this one here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43479&item=3809822815&rd=1