By technical editor Matt Allard:
Panasonic unveiled the AG-DVX200 at NAB earlier this year. Many people were expecting a direct replacement for the ageing AF100, but Panasonic instead chose to go a different route. The AG-DVX200 is the world’s first 4/3 sensor, 4K/60p capable camcorder with an integrated zoom lens. The camera features a Leica branded Dicomar 4K 13x zoom lens and a sensor with a claimed 12 stops of dynamic range – made possible by the VariCam style V-Log L processing. The camera can also record up to 120fps in Full HD.
The fixed lens ramps from F2.8 to F4.5 and has a full-frame 35mm equivalent of 28mm to 365.3mm (in Full HD). While the lens features an impressive reach, I’m concerned that it isn’t wide enough for a lot of applications. The minimum shooting distance is 1.0 m from the front lens. The lens also incorparates optical image stabilisation. The camera’s gain settings can be changed from 0 dB to 24 dB (in 1 dB steps) and there is also a S.Gain setting that will increase this to either 30 or 36dB if really needed.
At NAB Panasonic representatives were non committal on whether the camera would record 8bit or 10bit internally, and whether it would be 4:2:0 or 4:2:2. I have since been told that the internal recording will be done in 8bit 4:2:0, which is a little disappointing. I was hoping to see at least 8bit 4:2:2, as one of the benefits of having a camera like this is not having to make it heavier by adding an external recorder. If you do want to record externally via the SDI the camera will output either 8bit 4:2:2 or 10bit 4:2:2 (switchable inside the menu). Unfortunately it appears that if you want to record 10 bit 4:2:2 externally then internal recording will be disabled. The HDMI output of UHD/59.94p/50.00p is limited to 8 bit 4:2:0. I would be a bit concerned about shooting in V-log L internally and only recording in a 8bit 4:2:0 colour space.
The AG-DVX200 is still a potentially interesting camera for documentary, news and event shooters. With 4K capability, built-in ND filters, proper audio inputs and a fixed lens it is certainly a camera that can be used in shooting environments or situations where a changing lenses isn’t practical. The camera should also be a good match to the GH4, which would offer users an useful combination. Competition comes in the form of the latest Sony cams like the RX10 II. That model features integrated zoom, ND filter, internal 4K recording, add-on XLR audio and a slightly smaller 1 inch sensor, but all for around $1300.
We are still yet to see any footage from the AG-DVX200 and we’ll reserve final judgement until we’ve seen footage from a production camera. The AG-DVX200 is scheduled for release sometime in October this year.
Key camera features:
Newly developed F2.8 LEICA DICOMAR 4K lens.
13x zoom, 4K (4096 x 2160) 24p: 29.5 mm – 384.9 mm
FHD: 28mm – 365.3 mm(35 mm film equivalent).
Beautiful Bokeh effects from a 4/3-type, large-format sensor.
12 stops of imager latitude faithfully recorded by new V-Log L gamma curve.
Variable Frame Rate with a maximum of 120 fps (in FHD resolution).
IR shooting capability.
5 axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer.
Intelligent Auto Focus, Custom Auto Focus.
Variety of Manual Focus Assist function.
ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64).
3 rings for independent Zoom, Focus, Iris control, mechanical zoom.
4.3 inch touch screen type LCD (Approx. 2.76 Mil dots).
0.39 inch high quality OLED viewfinder (Approx. 2.76 Mil dots).
Battery cover for great handheld shooting experience.
Camera Remote control support.
The VFR (variable frame rate) recording frame rates are as follows:
When [SYSTEM MODE] = 59.94 Hz
• 60p mode: 2, 15, 30, 40, 55, 58, 60, 62, 65, 75, 90 and 120 (frames per second)
• 30p mode: 2, 15, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 (frames per second)
• 24p mode: 2, 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 120 (frames per second)
When [SYSTEM MODE] = 50 Hz
• 50p mode: 2, 12, 25, 33, 45, 48, 50, 52, 55, 62, 75, 100 and 120 (frames per second)
• 25p mode: 2, 12, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 37, 50, 62, 75, 100 and 120 (frames per second)
A full list of the specifications can be found here: ag-dvx200_spec copy
