Just some added features in progressive mode. HOwever, the most interesting addition is the 12-bit DSP and the new gamma curves. The PDF promises better image, I'm looking forward to what that means. However I think they've taken out the 60i mode? If that's the case, I would like to hang on to the DVX just because for the flexibility.

It's too late, Ebay is already flooded with used DVXs!!

what is 12bit DSP? When does this thing come out.?? I call it because i'm p*ssed that i just bought the dvx 3 weeks ago and now there is a new one.

Depending on where you bought it, you have 30 days to return it. Maybe return it and wait for the new one?

do you know when the new one is coming out?

I got my dvx at Tristate camera, and I dont think they would let me return it.-

Above this thread it says that the Japanese version is already out. A rumor also says that the American version should be available January 2004.

they are moving much quicker than anyone expected.. from rumour to release in less than a week :)

cool, how much do you think i could get for a Mint condition dvx. I would like to sell mine when that one comes out.

12bit A/D can produce higher dynamic range than a 8bit A/D

<<<-- Originally posted by Ho Chee Woe : 12bit A/D can produce higher dynamic range than a 8bit A/D -->>>

i still dont understand

Go here.....
 

http://www.national.com/appinfo/adc/files/definition_of_terms.pdf

for an explaination of bit A/D

I'm currently using a Streamcorder, which has the same 12-bit A/D.

This indeed helps in maintaining better dynamic range because according to JVC, 12-bit signals are pre-processed before down sampling them to 8-bit DV.

All other prosumer cams work with 8-bit signals all the way.

The 12-bit A/D, and the knee control and probably color matirx things it allowed to be added are the real story with the new camaera. The other changes are nice to haves, but prettu much all have work arounds with he old camera.

But the 12-bit A/D is big. If Canon comes out with a 12-bit or higher A/D, 24p/30p and a native 16:9 CCD, the DVX will be trumped.

But then, if a FVC-200 form factor DVX-200 comes out....

I agree wholeheartedly with David... in my not-so-humble opinion, the single biggest and most significant feature is the 12-bit A/D. This is a huge deal, and it makes an already superb camcorder that much better. If this was the only change, I'd still be all over it... a very smart move for Panasonic.

explain 12 bit A/d. Does it make the picture look any different????????????

Actually, if the new 100a is going to go for over $5000 as someone previously mentioned, and if it won't be able to shoot 60i, AND if they really are discontinuing the 100, I'd say hang on to the 100! It may well INCREASE in value. There are currently no other cameras in the sub $4000 price range that will touch it in features, and if Panasonic is stupid enough to discontinue the 100 thinking people will gladly fork over another $1500-2000 for the 100a, we may all be sitting on a little goldmine. Anyone willing to pay $3750 for a slightly used 100? Call me in six months!

60i....
 

If you've got gain in 30p, you don't need 60i. How could it get better than that?

It has 60i.

http://panasonic.co.jp/bsd/sales_o/0...100a_spec.html

And the anticipated LIST price is $5,000, with a street price supposedly around $4,000.

<<<-- Originally posted by Mike Zorger : explain 12 bit A/d. Does it make the picture look any different???????????? -->>>

Haha yeah, im starting to think people just like bigger numbers but dont know what it specifically does :)

Specs sound great - But I'm going to wait until I see for myself how different the image on the DVX 100A is.

Usually, 12-bit A/Ds are found in more expensive shoulder-cams, like Pana's AJ-SDX900, JVC's GY-DV5000.

Even though not very significant, but noticeable. I do not know how Pana implements this, but according to JVC:

"the 12-bit A/D allows direct digital input to the DSP without passing through analogue pre-gain and pre-knee circuits, eliminating signal degradation"

This feature is also available on the GY-DV300, aka Streamcorder. I would suggest that do a direct footage comparison with the rests, like PD, XL & DVX100 to see the difference.

DVX100A U.S. availability and pricing late December.

''They [Panasonic Broadcast Japan] announced this product at InterBEE in Japan, and we'll show it at DV Expo West in December,'' said Jim Wickizer, a spokesperson for Panasonic Broadcast US. ''What they are announcing in Japan is the same product that we're going to be bringing to the United States. We're not ready to announce pricing or availability. There will be an announcement on pricing and availability on the model in late December.''

Hey if you guys find out if Pany is going to offers upgrades for existing users can you guys make sure to tell me thanks!

Well if Panasonic fixes the audio delay problem in 24P mode, it would be another great upgrade.

Panasonic plans no upgrade path for current DVX owners.

Frederic:

Thanks for the info - are you getting this from Panasonic directly?

For those folks who are current DVX100 owners (like myself), you might want to wait before you upgrade to the DVX100A. Canon is aggressively promoting rebates on the XL1S ($500 US) and GL2 ($250 US.) I received two emails from Canon yesterday on the subject. For sure, that tells me that they have a lot of these cameras in inventory, but what is suggests is that they want to dump that inventory to make room for new models.

For my money, the current DVX100 is better than either Canon, even without interchangeable lenses, and the DVX100A looks to be be even better. However, the next generation from Canon looks like it's coming "real soon now." If you don't need to buy a new camera immediately, you might wait a bit and see what they (and JVC and others) have up their sleeves between now and NAB 2004.

Best wishes,
Len Feldman
Riverbend Entertainment

Give me 16x9 or give me death!

Won't Century Optics new anamorphic adapter work on the new dvx100a as well?

Canon's going to have to come up big now to beat this one...

havnt you heard.. canon doesnt make pro-sumers anymore.

then what do they make ???

Nice little handy cams. And Digital elphs and Rebels. nice little cameras. Oh they make a damn good inkjet printer as well.

so i guess you are anti canon... well different strokes for different folks... ;-)

no way man the XL1 was a fantastic camera, I love Canon. I just got sick of waiting for the XL2... oh about 5 years ago.. and now adays besides looking pretty cool the camera is completely outdated.

It obviously is not a priority for Canon at all... but hey who knows, maybe tommorow the xl2 will come and fall down on my head from the lords above.

But.. to make my point, I am not anti-canon at all, I own at least one product from every product group they sell.

yea i understand the waiting thing... i have been on that train for about 4 years now... hopefully soon canon will release that xl2... sorry to assume that about you... it just sounded that way...

peace

hey no problem... it takes alot to offend me. :)

I think its gonna be a big year 2004 for pro-sumers....

You gotta admit, Panasonic are making Canon look very unresponsive. The technical achievements announced by Panasonic point to what a fantastic camera the XL1 derivative could become. I just hope Canon add true widescreen as well. Like everyone else I'm waiting, waiting, waiting, but Canon better hurry or else Panasonic will steal a vast number of potential sales (including mine).

Jim

I think the basic problem with the XL1/XL1s is it's basic design (note I owned an XL1 for almost 3 years).

The interchangable lens feature is great and quality glass abounds for it, from Canon and others (mini35, Optex etc). However, given the limitations of DV format and interlaced images, the Canon glass/lens issues is not the biggest design improvement possible in DV cameras.

The areas are:

(1) Progressive scan. Ironically, the Canon's frame mode eliminates interlace problems but takes away 33% of precious DV resolution. Panasonic realized this and the DVX100 has no peer.

(2) Capture flexibility: Canon only offers 60i and 30fps frame mode. Panasonic offers 24P, 30P and 60i. JVC offers several DV and HD rates. No wonder JVC and Panasonic command mind/press share.

(3) Image control (especially to deal with limited latitude of DV). Panasonic and JVC (Pro-DV Cams) far outstrip Canon's limited controls.

(4) 16:9 image capture: This is still the holy grail. Sony and Panasonic have the only solutions in-cam but neither offers it with full-rez progressive & the rest have to go anamorphic or JVC HD, with it's mixed bad of high resolution and problematic artifacts.

To me, if Canon want to regain respect, they will need to at least offer full progressive scan and 24/30p. To get leadership, they will have to get image control and 16:9 in the package.

I think they should really have a three camera levels:

Entry prosumer: GL2 series
Medium prosumer: XL2 series (XL1 with 24/30p and image controls)
High prosumer/low end pro (XL2 with true 16:9).

Steve:

I agree with you completely. The Canons were first-rate cameras when they were first released, but if it wasn't for the XL series' interchangable lenses, I think that the production community would have completely abandoned them by now. However, the fact is that, as a company, Canon has superb technology; one only has to look at what they're doing in digital still cameras and consumer camcorders to see that they know how to build world-class products.

Everything I've seen and heard leads me to believe that between now and NAB 2004, there's going to be an explosion of lower-cost HD products announced by all the major vendors. No matter how much you like the DVX100A, it's at best an incremental "life extender" for the DVX100 design. It still doesn't have true 16:9, let alone HD, and it doesn't have interchangable lenses. As I said before, if you need a camera and the DVX100A does everything you need, then by all means buy it now (or buy a DVX100 after the A ships and save a lot of money.) But, if you can wait as long as April, then wait and see what arrives at NAB.

Best wishes,
Len Feldman
Riverbend Entertainment

<<<-- Originally posted by Len Feldman : Steve:
But, if you can wait as long as April, then wait and see what arrives at NAB. -->>>

Unfortunately, annoucements made at NAB are usually just that, annoucements. Take Sony's track record for example, if they annouce something at NAB, it will most likely only be available in Q4 of 2004.