Panasonic AG-DVC30 Mini DV Camcorder

• Camcorder Type: Digital
• Recording Format: Mini DV
• Recording System: PAL
• Recording Speed: LP
• Image Stabilizer: With Image Stabilizer
• Night Shot: With Night Shot
• Audio Format: 12/16 Bit PCM Digital Stereo Audio
• Output Interfaces: Audio (RCA)
• Input Interfaces: Audio (RCA)

Panasonic's AG-DVC30 represents the company's entry into what you could call the prosumer-lite camcorder category. These cameras are a step down from higher-priced, entry-level pro cameras with 1/3-inch CCDs, notable examples of which include Canon's XL2, Sony's PD170, and Panasonic's DVX100A. Cameras in the prosumer-lite category have three 1/4-inch chips and are more compact, simplified.. The AG-DVC30 raises the bar in this category by offering both a broad range of pro features and appealing touches such as a clean IR mode and a handsomely designed magnesium-alloy body. It offers perhaps the most bang for the buck of any three-chip DV camcorder available, making an excellent choice for the serious amateur/prosumer, or as a discreet second camera for the accomplished pro.At first glance, the Panasonic AG-DVC30 looks like a shrunken AG-DVX100A. Like its big brother, the AG-DVC30 has a classic three-chip prosumer camera design: lens and microphone in the front, viewfinder and battery in the back, tape compartment and wrist strap on the right side, and a flip-out LCD as well as most of the controls on the left.

The cassette hatch opens from the top, so you don't have to remove the camera from your tripod when you want to change tapes.

In addition to the primary record button in its usual place at the rear of the camera, there's a second one near the lens.

Using one thumb wheel to adjust the iris, the shutter speed, the gain, the audio levels, and the headphone volume

The AG-DVC30's batteries and LCD are exactly the same as the AG-DVX100A's, as the 3.5-inch LCD is big and bright, and the world doesn't need yet another proprietary battery design. The AG-DVC30's viewfinder is quite similar to the AG-DVX100A's, though its lens and rubber eyecup are significantly smaller. The AG-DVC30 also comes with a larger eyecup, which may be swapped out according to personal preference. The lens and removable hood are also reminiscent of the AG-DVX100A's, but the AG-DVC30's lens diameter is a modest 43mm.

As is the case with many small cameras, the AG-DVC30 combines many connectors. Audio and video RCA jacks are combined into a single minijack, which requires a proprietary cable.

There's an S-Video port, but audio and video RCA connections are combined into a single minijack port. You can attach an optional XLR adapter for compatibility with pro audio equipment.