Any expected panasonic updates for DVC30?
 

That model have been out for sometime.. I wonder if panasonic is going to update it soon? like adding true 16:9 mode and better frame mode???
Any news from panasonic???

DVC30 Vs. GS400???
 

I'm planning to purchase one of those models soon and have a few questions:
- How is the horizontal and vertical resolutions of both cameras compare in the different modes (4:3 interlaced, 4:3 frame, 16:9 interlaced and 16:9 frame)?
- I understand that frame mode of DVC30 gives poor resolution .... how about recording in interlaced then deinterlace it to frame mode on PC via video editor... would that give better resolution (may be comparable to GS400's frame moe)?

I think the DVC30 is the better cam of the two, but isn't there a huge price difference between them?
I think DVC30 is leaning more to the prosumer models where the GS400 is leaning more to the consumer models.

for image quality as a whole, the GS is actually a lil better, however for Image control, the DVC is much like a DVX100..

also the DVC is NOT full res 16:9 as is the GS, but the GS does not give you the type of configurations, zoom range, wider field of vision, focal control, look and physical feel of the DVC.

Of the 2, if i was to be only shooting home stuff, id go the GS, but for semi pro or any type of "project" use where i would be seen in public with it, id go the DVC

the frame mode cant get any better.. unless you jump to DVX level with true progressive scan...

as for 16:9, i doubt it..

I would agree with Peter for the most part. However, I thinK the DVC30 has a superior image. I have used both side by side and own the DVC30. Although the GS 400 is a great cam for spur of the moment shooting and I would own it if that was the type video I shot. Everything seems to be a compromise. I am not estatic about the DVC30 auto white balance which to me leans towards a bluish image. However, to overcome I use manual white balance using warm cards which is probably the best way to shoot video for most subjects IMO.

Regards,

Mark

DVC30 $200 Rebate
 

For those thinking of buying one.......getting to be a heck of a deal for them now!

Image Stabilization of the DVC30-How good?
 

I'm debating between the DVC30 and and DVX100. I know which is the better camcorder but I'm not sure I can afford the DVX100 and also have questions about the practicality re my travel videography (maybe too heavy).

So I might settle for the DVC30.

BUT, I need good image stabilization (I have a slight hand tremor and also hate traveling with a tripod). I know it's good in the DVX100. But how is it for the DVC30? Is it the same mechanism as the DVX100?

Any input greatly appreciated.
Any other advice also welcome.

Thanks.

DVC30 Image Stabilization is VERY good!
 

I recently bought the DVC30 and I'm very please with the camera. Not only is the image stabilization good but the video quality including low light is incredible.

I think the stabiliser on DVC30 is on the weak side. I'm very happy with picture quality but wish the stabiliser was better. I played with a Canon XM2 before buying and the stabiliser on that was great. Ultimately I bought the DVC30 for its ergonomics

yeah, i saw that at BH, i think im ordering mine tomorrow or the next day, i cant wait

Frame Grabs (DVC30)
 

I purchased a DVC30 a few days ago and shot some footage today (7:50PM).

***30P, 16:9 (sharpness -3)***

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_1.jpg

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_4.jpg



<Zoom capability>

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_5.jpg
1X Zoom

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/gallery/dvc30_6.jpg
16X Zoom

Congrats on the new cam purchase!

What became of the MX5000?

They look great...I cant wait for mine to get here

Hi Tommy, you still remember me? :)

I now use the MX5000 as my 2nd camcorder for weddings.

http://www.dvuser.co.kr/zboard/data/...nic/MiniDV.jpg
(MX5000: 30P, 16:9)

DVC30 ND filter
 

Can anyone explain how and when the "automatic" ND filter in the DVC30 is activated, and what the density is?

The Operating Instructions book only mentions it under specifications as: "ND filter - Interlocked with iris, ON/OFF switched automatically."

Is anyone using a screw-on ND filter on their DVC30? What density?

Douglas

I don't know for sure, but suspect it's like the internal ND filters on many (if not most) newer design small chip cameras. My PDX-10 has the same sort of thing, although Sony doesn't even admit its existence.

The idea is to force you to shoot in the lens' "sweet spot" around the neighborhood of f4. As you decrease the iris opening in manual control you rather quickly reach a point where the iris stops closing and the camera automatically drops in progressively darker internal ND filters. The camera probably "lies" about this also (at least the PDX-10 does). It will say you're shooting at f11 for example, but in reality you're at (maybe) F5.6 plus an ND filter.

Tom Hardwick may have a few words on this topic, it's one of his favorite features ;-)

Douglas,

Having an automatic ND filter on the DVC30 is about the only thing I don't like about this cam. I shoot a lot around water and snow where manual ND is a must. My solution was a set of ND screw on filters at various strengths. The DVC 30 uses 43mm filters so cost is reasonable. I use Hoya filters strength x2 and x4 and am a happy with this solution.

Regards,

Mark

Turning on DVC30 when in Film Mode
 

If I power on my AG-DVC30 when it has previously been set into the psuedo-film mode (Scene Mode 4) it nearly always starts up with the LCD and viewfinder flickering and recording also comes out flickering.
If you change it back out of this scene mode and then back in everything is OK again.
Anyone experienced this or know why it happens or how to avoid it?

See if hitting the reset button cures the trouble. It will reset your camera to defaults but then set it up in film mode again and turn it off and on. It might not flicker then.

I'll try that.
If I power on when it is set in any other Scene File it is fine.
It just seems to be Scene File 4 that is has problems with, as if it is taken by surprise that it is in Frame mode.
If I swap into scene file 4 from another when already powered on it never does this flickering it is purely when I power on when it is already selected.

DVC30 suitability for training videos.
 

Hi Gang,

Longtime reader, first time poster (to this particular forum portion).

I have the opportunity to produce four 15 minute training videos for a co-worker/friend of mine.

He is a police officer and does training for private security firms. The videos would cover such elements as use of force training, arrest powers of private security personnel, private security and the criminal code, etc.

I had intended to use a DVX 100a but wonder if the DVC30 would be suitable for such a venture.

I ask because the DVC30 would put more money in my pocket for other equipment like better quality shotgun & wireless mics, a production monitor for my editing station, etc.

So what's the opinion?

Would the DVC30 give me solid footage? I can always get a DVX100a down the road.

FYI. I've been "filming" (yeah, I know. Indulge me ;-) ) local dance recitals and have quite a bit of time on rental GL2s and editing and the DVC30 paired with another would save me travelling to Toronto to rent my equipment.

This would be my first "corporate" gig and hopefully an in to similar work in the future.

Please note that I have a full-time job and that I do the video work as an outlet for my creative side. Simply put. I love creating, shooting & editing and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Thanks for listening.


sincerely,


ian

Brand New DVC-30 with Hot Pixel
 

I just got my brand new DVC-30 and I've noticed a hot pixel right in the middle of the screen when I gain up. I am a little bummed.

How common does this seem on the DVC-30? B&H said they will exchange it with no problem, but I'm afraid of getting another bad one.

Has anyone else had experience with this problem?

Luck of the draw. Take B&H up on their offer. The alternative is to take it to an authorized service center to remap/program out the hot pixel or replace the CCD - under warranty.

Hi Ian,
I see no one has responded to your question. Yes, the DVC30 would be an excellent choice for training videos. Actually, you could use the Panasonic GS400 and get high quality video if you wanted to save a few more bucks.

Hi Guy,

Thanks for the info. This is good news.

I don't think I'll go with the GS400 though as I'll also be doing dance recitals and I need the added control and features that the DVC30 provide.

Thanks again.

sincerely,



ian

Still not fixed.
 

I tested this over the weekend and annoyingly it is very erratic. Sometimes when powering on the camera it is fine but more than 50% of the time it will start up flickering. I have found the quickest way to stop it is to change the File Scene back to File Scene 1 then back to 4.
Very annoying though as it means you can't start filming in Psuedo-Film mode quickly.

I just sent mine back for a hot pixel, but while I had it I tested this out for you and mine definitely did not do that. I could start up in film mode all the time.

Replacement DVC-30 is here! LOVE IT!
 

First of all, I have to say that B&H is one of the classiest, best customer-focused on-line stores around. They exchanged my bad DVC-30 even though they could have sent me to Panasonic since it was a manufacturer's defect. I sent in mine overnight on a Wednesday morning; Friday morning my new camera arived.

I am so impressed with the video. I thought my PV-GS200 looked good, but this video I shot today looked so nice!

I struggled with the DVC/GL2 choice. I'm glad I stuck with the DVC!

Robert,

Did you upgrade from the GS200 to the DVC30? Or do you know have both cams? I'm thinking about moving from GS400 to DVC30 but I really like the high-res 16:9 on my GS400.

Wide angle & macro adapter for DVC-30
 

Is anyone using a non-Panasonic wide angle adapter on their DVC-30? Exactly what model do you use, and how do you mount it? My main gripe with the Panasonic AG-LW4307 43mm 0.7x Wide-Angle Converter Lens is that it has no front filter threads. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=215130&is=REG)

I tried mounting a "generic" wide-angle converter in the store, using a step-up ring, but the step-up ring wouldn't fit on DVC-30, due to the bayonet mount for the sunshade. What brand of step-up ring is deep enough to reach the 43 mm threads without being blocked by the bayonet mount?

The salesman said the wide angle adapter doubles as a macro adapter. Is anyone using a macro adapter (aka achromatic diopter) on their DVC-30?

I could get along with the Panasonic wide-angle converter, if I could fit a clamp-on sunshade or matte box on it. Is anyone actually using the Panasonic converter with a clamp-on sunshade or matte box?

raynox hd 6600
 

I am using a raynox hd 6600 wide angle adaptor on my dvc 30. It is available in 43mm threads to attach directly to the camera without any other adaptation and has 72mm front threads for use with filters if desired.

I have only used this lens minimally so far. I mainly use it when I am shooting skiing and snowboarding videos. This winter I will be using it daily. From what I have shot and from screen grabs I found on the net I am very happy with the performance vs. price for the lens.

Thanks Nathan. I haven't seen Raynox lenses in Denmark yet, but at $99 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=227155) it might be worth "importing" one from B&H. Can you use the full zoom range with the Raynox?

I did upgrade from the 200. I notice no difference between the resolution in 4:3 or 16:9 on the DVC30, which I can't say for the 200.

I read a post somewhere where someone looked at screen grabs of the DVC30 in 4:3 and 16:9 and there was no noticeable loss in resolution even when blown up 2X it's size.

The difference in optics is incredible!

No Interval Recording?
 

So I might finally suck it up and buy a DVC30 and I noticed that it does not have the interval recording capability that the GL2 has. Is this true? It's not a HUGE deal but I really like doing time lapse videos. Is there any way to get around this or to do it manually (other then simply speeding up hours and hours of tape)? What a bummmer.... Thanks for feedback.

Problem with focus on DVC30
 

Hi!

Sometimes my DVC30 has problems to get a proper focus when auto focus is turned on. Sometimes when auto focus is on parts of the image "vibrates" and when i turn auto focus off it looks perfect.

Does any body else have problems with DVC30's auto focus?

/Roger

I've only had my dvc30 for a short time but I see there is an interval recording - you set it between 0.5-2 seconds. It records for the preset time then pauses. You have to manually start it again.

Every autofocus can have these issues, depending on many things. Most common culprit is low light or contrasty light, but subject mattter can also cause problems.

Thanks for your input Bob, but this happens indoors and/or outdoors when the light conditions are good. I have compared my DVC30 with a DVX100 and the DVX100 had no problems to focus on the same object at the same time and light conditions.

EDIT:
I have also compared my DVC30 with my old DX100 and the DX100 has no problems to focus and no problems with parts of the image that "vibrates" when using auto focus.

/Roger