By Ben Wolf ("Panasonic AG-DVX100B", from cnet.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

CNET editors' review

The Panasonic AG-DVX100B may well be the last and best semipro DV camcorder ever built. No, I'm not predicting an imminent apocalypse, but rather the approaching obsolescence of high-end standard-definition (SD) video cameras. Sony, Canon, and JVC have all released HD cameras in the sub-$10,000 price range, and Panasonic has introduced its long-anticipated HD version of the DVX, the HDX200.

So why did Panasonic bother updating the groundbreaking and still category-leading DVX camera? Apparently, new manufacturing regulations dictated a redesign to eliminate lead-containing components; while they were at it, the Panasonic engineers decided to implement about 20 improvements, ultimately earning the redesign its B designation. If you own the earlier AG-DVX100 or AG-DVX100A, you probably won't opt to upgrade to get the relatively modest set of improvements the new model offers. However, if you're looking for a new or additional standard-def camera, the Panasonic AG-DVX100B represents perhaps the greatest value to date.The Panasonic AG-DVX100B looks almost identical to its predecessor; its most noticeable change is its darker Black Sapphire color. That's a good thing, as the AG-DVX100 camera has an extremely well-thought-out design.

In essence, the AG-DVX100 series combines a Handycam-like form factor with the full complement of external professional controls and connections usually found only on bigger, shoulder-mounted cameras. In many respects, the AG-DVX100B offers the best of both worlds: the light weight and easy handling of a home-video camera and the sophisticated controls of a pro rig.


Audio, zebra stripe, and stabilization controls, among others, are located in the LCD well. Above, there's a little joystick control for menu navigation and playback.


As is typical of a consumer-oriented camera, the AG-DVX100B locates its viewfinder on the back, with the battery underneath. On the left is a flip-out 3.5-inch LCD monitor; on the right are the tape compartment, the zoom rocker, and most of the audio and video connections. Up front is the 72mm-diameter lens, with zoom and focus rings and a removable lens shade. On top, there's a full-size carrying handle with its own zoom and record controls and a stereo mic sprouting from the front. The camera feels well balanced in the hand, and its solidly constructed magnesium chassis is built to last.


Between the lens and the flip-out LCD, you'll find programmable buttons and controls for focus mode, iris, gain, white balance, and neutral density filter.


The professional controls on this model are almost identical to those on cameras costing 10 times as much: The Panasonic AG-DVX100B offers discrete and logically positioned buttons, switches, and wheels for iris, shutter speed, white balance, two built-in neutral-density filters, gain, zoom, focus, left and right audio levels, audio monitor level, phantom power, image stabilizer, zebra stripes, frame rate, and more. You can control each of these functions quickly and directly without needing to explore time-wasting menus or automation. The camera even offers three user-assignable buttons, enabling you to directly control three functions that you could otherwise access only through menus. Very smart!


On the back, next to the battery, there are jacks for headphones and a new wired remote.


Besides the usual complement of audio and video connectors, the AG-DVX100B offers a pair of balanced XLR audio jacks. These are a necessity for working with professional mics and mixers, but most MiniDV cameras require accessories or jury-rigged adapters to interface with this gear.

The Panasonic AG-DVX100B shares its predecessor's excellent Leica Dicomar 10X zoom lens. The lens is particularly notable because it is quite wide, eliminating the common need for a wide-angle lens adapter. The lens can be zoomed manually and has focal-length markings on the barrel. You can also focus it precisely using the focus numbers displayed in the viewfinder. Those doing event or nature videography may find this lens a bit short for their needs, but telephoto adapters are available to extend the focal length.


With the Scene File dial on the back, you can select six user-programmable sets of image parameters.


Now for what's new with the camera's layout. Panasonic has made subtle but significant improvements to the already excellent viewfinder and flip-out monitor. Both are now slightly higher in resolution (increased from 200,000 to 210,000 pixels in the LCD, 180,000 to 230,000 in the viewfinder), and both now show the full overscanned image. The ability to see the overscan is particularly useful for Web video, which lacks television's slight underscan (cropping). Under the flip-out LCD, a new Display button makes it easy to toggle the onscreen graphics on and off. Perhaps to enable audio playback when the flip-out LCD is closed, the speaker and VCR-record buttons have switched places. A new 1/8-inch Focus/Iris port lets you connect an optional wired control--a major convenience for studio shooting.

The only other change to the camera's controls is a general ruggedizing. The audio-level and scene-file knobs are surrounded by bumpers even more prominent than those on the Panasonic AG-DVX100A, making them almost impossible to accidentally adjust. The tripod socket has been beefed up with a replaceable metal plate, but I wouldn't mind seeing it further professionalized with a pair of 3/8-inch holes. The flip-out LCD hinge has been reinforced and stiffened.

Though barely visible from the outside, the entire tape-transport mechanism has been strengthened. This last feature comes at a slight loss in convenience: while the older versions of the DVX had only a single cassette door, the Panasonic AG-DVX100B incorporates the more common double-door system, in which the user must close the inner door and wait for the tape to retract before closing the outer door.

My only lingering complaint about the design--albeit a minor one--is that the clever joystick used to control menu and VCR functions is a bit too tiny, making it difficult to control accurately.The Panasonic AG-DVX100B retains all the features that made the original AG-DVX100 such a revolutionary camera. First on the list are the great progressive-video modes: 30p and two types of 24p, in addition to standard 60i (interlaced video). Without getting too technical, the important thing to know is that 24p video goes a long way toward giving digital productions a cinematic look as opposed to the look of a soap opera; it also makes for a superior film transfer. These are especially important issues for producers doing narrative projects on DV, and the Canon XL2 is presently the only other competitively priced standard-definition camera offering this capability.


The Panasonic AG-DVX100B interfaces with professional mics and mixers via a pair of built-in XLR ports. No other camera in this price range offers cleaner sound or easier interfacing with pro audio gear.


The other two other areas in which the AG-DVX100 broke new ground were audio and image control. No other camera in this price range offers cleaner sound or easier interfacing with pro audio gear, reducing the need for separate audio-recording devices such as DAT or MiniDisc recorders. The AG-DVX100B still provides state-of-the-art image control with its array of six Scene Files, each of which includes rich, user-customizable menu settings for gamma, color matrix, detail, chroma, pedestal, setup, and other parameters.

With the AG-DVX100B, Panasonic improves on the features of the AG-DVX100 and the later AG-DVX100A. In addition to the overscan and the increased resolution described in the Design section, the viewfinder and the LCD can now display an anamorphic (squeezed) 16:9 image in the correct letterboxed proportions. This feature is essential when shooting anamorphic material, as it is very difficult to properly compose shots when they appear vertically distorted. And with wide-screen content becoming increasingly popular, this feature will only become more important. It is worth noting that while the Panasonic AG-DVX100B does not have chips optimized for 16:9 shooting, it can nonetheless capture excellent wide-screen content.

While on the subject of viewfinders, I'd like to request a pro feature that hasn't yet trickled its way down to the DVX: adjustable guidelines. These are very helpful for the situation many videographers find themselves in these days: having to shoot one aspect ratio while "protecting" for another. Now that the AG-DVX100B shows the full overscanned image, guidelines would also be very helpful in delineating a typical underscanned area.

Because of its echoing sound when you're shooting progressive, the headphone-monitoring circuit has been an area of considerable frustration for users of the AG-DVX100A. Panasonic has addressed this weakness in the B model with a new menu option: the monitoring circuit can now be switched to either live (no delay) or tape (delayed, echoing sound).

There's good news for those involved with multicamera productions. The Panasonic AG-DVX100B enables the transfer of scene-file settings and time code over FireWire. Formerly difficult, if not impossible, syncing up and matching multiple cameras is now easy.

Miscellaneous improvements include a slower middle-zoom speed, more colorful menus, and an end-search function that now works in camera mode as well as VTR.

Finally, one feature present in earlier versions of the DVX has been lost in the AG-DVX100B: interval recording, used for time-lapse photography. Apparently, this feature is incompatible with the new tape transport.In almost every regard, the Panasonic AG-DVX100B performs identically to its capable predecessor. It has particularly responsive zoom and focus controls for a MiniDV camera. No other camera in this category offers a real mechanical zoom control or such precise mechanical focusing.


While not one of the Panasonic AG-DVX100B's strong points, battery life has been improved somewhat by a 5,400mAh battery that lasts for about four hours of real-world use.


The automatic focus, the white balance, and the exposure work very well, although this camera deserves to have its functions controlled manually. It is worth noting that the autofocus mode is so sluggish in the progressive modes that it is only marginally useful with fast-moving subjects or rapid camera movement.

The Panasonic AG-DVX100B's audio quality is as good as it gets in a MiniDV camera. Though the built-in stereo mic is said to be twice as sensitive as the one on the AG-DVX100A, experienced users know not to rely on camera mics for critical sound. If it is necessary to attach a higher-end mic, the camera can easily accommodate this addition with its supplied mount.Due to an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the Panasonic AG-DVX100B offers slightly cleaner (less noisy) low-light video than that of its predecessor. This is significant, as it's only in low light that the DVX's image quality trails the competition's.

In producing standard interlaced video in reasonably well-lit conditions, this camera does as well as any standard-def prosumer camera, capturing sharp video with accurate colors and good latitude.

When it comes to cinematic imagery, the AG-DVX100B offers the best available value in a standard-definition camera. In this reviewer's opinion, the 24p mode can produce video--and video transferred to film--rivaling that of projects originated on 16mm film. If you're looking for a better 24p SD camera, the next significant step up is Panasonic's 24p SDX900, which costs seven times as much!

Beyond these general comments, the Panasonic AG-DVX100B's sophisticated image controls make the usual remarks about image quality irrelevant. Want a cold image? Dial it in. Rather warm it up? No problem. More or less detail in the highlights or the shadows? More or less sharpness? You name it--this camera can give it to you.

By Matthew Sutton ("great video camera", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

I was torn between Sony and Panasonic (the Canons seemed to have many recurring complaints especially with the decks), and after reading several reviews became gradually partial to the Panasonic, before ever having used one, based on customer loyalty and consistently glowing testimonials.

Well I've never used the comparable Sony's, JVC's, or the Canon XL2 (some limited experience with the GL2), but as best I can tell without personal comparison Panasonic DVX100B does in fact deserve all the great reviews.

The image quality is excellent and in many cases looks about as good as broadcast TV video (nonHD), and the camera allows a tremendous amount of image control--manual focus ring, aperture (iris), gain adjustment, shutter speed, zebra control for overexposure, white AND black balance adjusting, daylight filters, etc. The electronic viewfinder can even be focused via simple diopter. There are six preprogrammed, but customizable, settings for image control so the user can simply dial in whatever setting they need based on the shooting/lighting conditions. So, for example, you shoot occasionally under weak flourescents lights--you adjust the white balance and the gain and the detail level accordingly, save it as a particular "scene file"; whenever you return to that same location or a similar shooting environment, you can click over to the saved settings in an instant and start recording. The first four are factory set for video 60 frames; the last two are 24 fps for a more film-like quality, which this camera handles beautifully.

What actually sold me on the Panasonic DVX100B, in terms of hardware, were the two XLR jacks--comparably priced models didn't seem to offer this. The XLR jacks allow the user to attach professional shotgun mics and bypass the mediocre factory one, taking fuller advantage of 16bit 48khz stereo recording. I use a fairly inexpensive AZDEN mic and the improvement in sound quality is tremendous. If you were willing to invest in finer mics the audio quality would be better still. Having two XLR inputs means that in addition to recording live audio (like a mic) you can also mix in input from another pre-recorded source--all in the Panasonic DVX100B!

The Panasonic DVX100B lens by Leica is also impressive--it is a bit wide and is not interchangeable (although I believe there is an adaptive telephoto for $$$). I prefer shooting wide but if you have need a wide selection of lenses or don't enjoy the look of wide angle look to Canon.

The drawbacks are minor--the Panasonic DVX100B is rather cumbersome--and would certainly be tiresome for handheld use as it isn't designed for shoulder-mounted use. I shoot almost exclusively indoors with a tripod and so neither of these issues are relevant for me. Also irrelevant for me are reviews I've read which have indicated lackluster battery performance--again shooting indoors I always have it plugged in and thus haven't noticed any battery problems. The little menu joystick control button used to toggle the menu screens, as well as the VCR playback options, can be frustrating when you're tired, but that is an extremely trivial concern really.

Panasonic DVX100B is expensive, even in the $1500+ prosumer class it tends more to professional range, but I feel it is a great value considering what a fine piece of equipment it is and the wealth of features it offers. It is much much more than enough camera for the consumer and probably a little more than I need actually--I've used mine for a few months and I'm still learning how to wring better and better shooting from it. Once you've used it for a while it becomes clear why this particular model maintains a devoted following. If I have to replace Panasonic DVX100B--provided I can afford to--the next camera would definitely be a Panasonic and probably be its big HD brother the HVX.

By The Footclan "RamboNITES" ("Best in Class", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

The DVX100b is cheaper than the XL2 but you get more features. Aside from the compact and built in XLR ports, you get an optional flip out view finder which the XL2 doesn't offer. If you are looking for a non HD camera i would suggest going with a camera that has an optional 24p because you'll be getting your money's worth and it is a awesome feature to have...

By DarthLuker "Sam" ("Purchasing my second one as I write this review", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

I bought my first DVX100b around May-June 07, and my second this April of 08. Impressed enough to buy a second one. But really this camera is a well rounded DV camera. Its about as good as you can get with out going HD. The shots are solid as well as the quality of image. It does not take much to learn the controls, yet in no way is it consumer level technology. Between the white balance controls, the light gain levels, and the 3 filter settings this camera can adapt to a wide range of settings. The color and clarity of the image is brilliant but where the DVX100 really impressed me was in low light conditions. I am a wedding videographer and I was terrified of the reception because theres usually very little lighting and the footage looks black. The DVX100b can keep a good quality image while in very low lighted settings. The only problem I really had was when I first used it, it was difficult to keep a steady shot. Still with practice over time it becomes easy to hold and have a steady shot. Above all this camera is freindly for those who have never used a pro camera before, and customizable enough to fit even the best of professional videographers. I recommend this camera to any videographer out there, I especially recommend this camera for those that are beginning and need a camera that can hold you together until you get your style down.

By Dan R. Reynolds ("best pro camera for features, quality & money!", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

This is my 4th DVX100 (all still in operation BTW) and I like the updated features and the new tape loading mechanism. The quality is superb and the handling balance is what I've become accustom to with this camera. This camera is still viable for any work performed today and should be a very usable camera even when HD penetrates more i the market, If you are making a decision on a dependable pro video camera with durable features, this is the one to choose hands down!

By J. Knowles ("Great camera and image quality", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

Lit and shot properly, the footage from Panasonic DVX100B in 24P mode can come very close to 16mm film. Panasonic DVX100B is a fantastic camera for the price, and this new B model has worked out a lot of the kinks from the earlier models. For those of you looking at the XL2, it's true Panasonic DVX100B does not have an interchangeable lens (although wide-angle and telephoto adapters are available) but the camera feels more compact and robust, with more features (like XLR) built right into the camera body vs. external attachments.

By Marcus W. Stidham "BIGMANCDS" ("Proud Owner Of the Panasonic Dvx 100a (This guys little brother)", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

This is the camera you need to shoot videos, movies, commercials, shorts, weddings, sporting events, family gatherings, and just about everything else in between. I own several formats of movie cameras both video and film and have worked with just about every brand and type of Prosumer and normal grade camcorders around and this is by far the best thing since film. It can look any way you want it to, if you know what your doing, and have a few extra bucks for attachments and learning booklets and or dvd's. Nobody said making movies was easy, but its the greatest job a person could ever have or dream for. This camera records 16:9 similar to but less than HD quality but with a great film look. If you buy the panasonic anamorphic adapter it adds the ever so famous dof look that every movie has. Over all this is the best digital 24p film quality movie camera for under $5000.

By M. Beckett Sr. ("From a real newbie....", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

I am a complete newbie to video and I love Panasonic DVX100B. I had a tough choice to make when it came to spending this kind of $$ for a camera purchase. This one was reviewed very well on all the websites I checked (and I checked quite alot). The positives were echoed so often that I went with it over the others. I am quite pleased even though my learning curve still goes on. The picture qualitiy is excellent and I am learning to shoot better. The downside is I still have not received the DVD that came along with my purchase. The said it would take up to 8 weeks and I guess they intend on making it 8. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and can only say good things about the Panasonic DVX100B and the support and information about the camera and how to use it available on the net.

By Terry Pick "Expert Mom!" ("Excellent camera, proven track record!", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

I'm not going to rant on & on about all the features & how they compare to ALL the other models, you will go NUTS trying to keep each models pros & cons straight in your head & get dizzy after a while!! LOL I know I did!
After TOO much research, I broke down & finally bought this camera & let me tell you, we have been nothing but pleased in that decision! One of the key deciding factors, besides the most 'BANG" for the buck, was ALL the online user help groups with very active forums & myriads of artcles & info to ANY question that a new user could EVER need! We have had it for a year & we have yet to call Panasonic with ANY questions, as they are readily answered by a quick post or search on the dvx user forums! I am currently looking for a good fluid head for our camera as my son wants to film hunts this year & bought a tree arm, but the 503 Mafrotto, is proving to be elusive,as it has been discontinued , but happens to be the one my son "NEEDS" wouldn't you know!! LOL

Anyways, I highly recommend this for the new (or experienced!)
"PRO" filmaker, It's been a 100% POSITIVE experience for us! Hope this helps...

BTW, I know HD is the new wave of the future & the ultimate way we will eventually switch over to, but not until the prices come WAAAAYYY down!

By Robert J. Doremus ("great proffesional camera", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

Panasonic DVX100B suprised me with how good it was, i knew it had been used in tv before, and in a few films, but i had no idea what i had gotten myself into. the image quality on this is beyond anything else. and the built in microphone does wonders. only flaw i have about it is the zoom. Panasonic DVX100B comes with a 10x optical zoom. which is still nice, and i dont know how much more zoom i really need, but it would be nice to have 20x. but for the price you pay. you cant go wrong

By R. Ownbey "brightdrum" ("This is a great camera.", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

Did I mention this is a great camera. With HD being available to prosumers makeing dvds... wait, that won't happen for a few years yet. So, without HD available to prosumers makeing dvds Panasonic DVX100B is the camera to go with today. It is very sweet. It will give you the look of film especially with the Magic Bullet software you can send off to get for free upon purchase of the camera. Also a free DVX user book to send off for. The progressive scan on Panasonic DVX100B put interlaced video to shame. Clear picture. Compact compared to the Canon XL cameras.
Look pro, both its picture and its structure, feels pro, and is pro. From the Panasonic web site you can see that out of all of the cameras they sell this one is #3 on the list. The next one up is basically this camera with an HD option and costs twice as much. The next one up from this costs about 10 times as much. Everything else falls by the way side. Did I mention this is a great camera? Get it if your serious about videography.

By Ien Chi "that film guy" ("Excellent all-around camcorder", from amazon.com panasonic dvx100b reviews)

I've used Panasonic DVX100B camera for 3 years and it has not failed me. With its 3 ccd chips, picture quality is outstanding. The ability to save presets is practical, and the camcorder offers multifarious choices for the versatile types of shots one would like to achieve. Panasonic DVX100B is perfect for some higher quality filmmaking, which is what I used it for. If you don't believe me, watch a film I've made with it: [...]
The film also shows decent performance in lower light situations by the Panasonic DVX100B.
I'm moving on to hd, but I really don't think there are better sd cameras out there that offer true 24p/30p at such high quality picture. The only possibly negative thing is the mic, but almost all internal mics on camcorders aren't that good anyway.
Overall, highly recommended. Excellent gains for the price.