<<<-- 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.