Panasonic AG-DVX100

The Panasonic AG-DVX100 is a discontinued video camera released by Panasonic on October 13, 2002. It was notable for being one of the first consumer-grade camcorders to record at 24 FPS (progressive scan), which is the frame rate of a traditional film.^[1][2] This allowed the Panasonic AG-DVX100 to produce film-like quality visual recordings.

Panasonic AG-DVX100

Panasonic AG-DVX100B
Overview
Maker	Panasonic
Type	Digital camcorder
Lens
Lens mount	Fixed
Lens	Fixed zoom lens
Sensor/medium
Sensor type	3 × 1/3" CCDs
Recording medium	MiniDV tape

The camera recorded onto MiniDV cassette tapes, among other standard formats.^[3] The final model of the camera series was released in 2005.^[4]

In the Chinese market, the model was sold as the lesser-known AG-DVC180B, which was functionally identical to the European version of the AG-DVC180E (PAL).^[5]

Technical specifications

The AG-DVX100 series used a 3-CCD imaging system and recorded video at 24 frames per second using progressive scan. This method reduced motion artifacts compared to interlaced video.^[6]

The original version recorded footage in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Later revisions added support for widescreen recording and improved monitoring features. All models used CCD sensors with 410,000 total pixels (approx. 380,000 effective).^[7]

It supported 24P and 24PA recording modes using telecine pull-down methods (2:3 and 2:3:3:2), along with 30p and standard interlaced 60i (50i in PAL). The camera featured "Cine-Gamma" profiles to approximate the tonal range of film.

Audio inputs included two professional-grade XLR ports. For video transfer, the device included IEEE 1394 (FireWire), along with analog S-Video and RCA connections. Additional features included manual/servo zoom, handle-mounted zoom/record control for low-angle shots, and neutral density (ND) filters.^[8]

The camera's built-in ND filters included ND1 (1/8 light reduction, ≈ 3 stops) and ND2 (1/64 light reduction, ≈ 6 stops), providing exposure control without changing shutter speed.^[9]

Use in film and television

The AG-DVX100 series has been used in independent filmmaking and television. Some notable examples include the film November, the documentaries Murderball^[10] and Iraq in Fragments,^[11] the first five seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,^[12] and independent films like The Puffy Chair^[13], The Man From Earth^[14]and Urchin.^[15] A variant with integrated lights was used on the documentary series Ghost Adventures.^[16]