| Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom | 
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| Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
List Price: $2,899.99
Buy New: $1,900.00
You Save: $999.99 (34%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (11 reviews)
Sales Rank: 20003
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 16
Display Size: 3.5
Maximum Focal Length: 65.6
Minimum Focal Length: 4.1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 7.2
Dimensions (in): 10 x 4.6 x 4.4
MPN: AG-DVC30
Model: AG-DVC30
UPC: 791871302484
EAN: 0791871302620
ASIN: B00028SR0A
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 I love this little camera! Highly recommended. February 21, 2006
23 out of 23 found this review helpful
Strengths: 1. Great price. 2. Very good picture quality. 3. Excellent low light capabilities. 4. Excellent auto-focus. 5. Excellent zoom range and control. 6. Small and light. 7. Small and compact.
Weaknesses: 1. Ok, internal mic. Low audio output. 2. No true 16x9 mode. 16x9 squeeze mode reduces quality.
Summary: I have used this camera on three shoots so far and it continues to surprise and impress me. For the money its an excellent deal. The image quality is comparable to its big brother the AG-DVX100. Didn't think the night modes would be usefull but they can be and can produce some very artistic shots in B&W.
My only disappointment is no true 16x9 mode. The 16x9 modes they have reduces image quality noticably.
I would definitely recommend an external mic. I use the Rode video mic...very sensitive but comparable to the more expensive shotguns. Also, a wide angle lens is a must. The Raynox HD-6600 is an excellent lens for the price and it produces a great soft focus effect at the long end of the zoom range. Also the Libec zoom controller works great on the camera and for creative shots check out the new Manfrotto Fig Rig.
Incredible find after LOTS of research December 1, 2005
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
I checked a lot of camera reviews from many sources and it was hard to find anything better than the DVC-30 for making documentaries, shorts, sketches, and interviews. I tape a lot of live performances as well, and after I figured out how simple it is to adjust the colors and settings, it puts out a great picture. I have a friend with a consumer Sony HD, and he wants to get this camera. The only drawback: The XLR adapter is around $200 bucks, but if you need super high quality sound, it's worth it.
I shot a short horror film right out of the box, and it came out amazing with the true black and white infared. I LOVE this camera.
 Small, but sturdy - excellent low-light capability August 26, 2005
50 out of 50 found this review helpful
This is a great camera for the wedding videographer or other serious amateur or semi-professional. It's well built, has great manual control, and takes super video including good low-light performance. You will probably want the external mic attachment, which lets you use professional microphones without additional adapters and signal processors. Now that the price is well below $2000, it's a great deal. One caveat: If you plan to shoot 16:9 format, this is not the best choice. The Panasonic GS400 handles that much better, and at a lower price. (But the GS400 doesn't have the low-light chops that the DVC-30 has - so you have to set your priorities.)
Plusses:
*Very good low light capability
*Sturdy, metal body construction
*Will take professional external microphones (with optional attachment)
*Unbelievable B&W no-light capability with infrared (short range built into camera; medium range add-on IR light increases range to hundreds of feet.)
*Excellent manual control available via menu AND you can put your favorite four settings on programmable buttons on the camera body for extra convenience.
*Without attachments, the body with built-in mic is small and consumer-like (won't draw attention to itself), not to mention light-weight.
*Lovely video with three 1/4-inch CCD's.
Minuses:
*The Sony 2100 has even better low-light ability
*The 16:9 mode isn't as good as the PDX10 or GS400.
*The still picture capability is only adequate.
*The built-in mic is only average.
Value, Features, Picture Quality March 20, 2005
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
Titles says it all. For the money, the best camcorder hands down. After 2 weeks of intense research and a month of using this camcorder, no regrets.
Great Camera March 15, 2005
25 out of 25 found this review helpful
While the Sony vx2100 does better in low light, this camera holds it's own very well. For the price, it's impossible to beat. Great picture quality, 3.5 inch LCD and solid build quality. Most cameras in this range still have the plastic body, but the magnesium alloy body on the AG-DVC30 is rugged and feels great. I've used it for regular family shooting and filming plays. So many choices on the manual settings. Can't say enough. Here's a great forum for it. http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/f131
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