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San Francisco Bay Area Video Camera Rental: Panasonic AG-DVX100A 24P DV Cinema Camera The 24P that you've heard so much about stands for 24-frame Progressive mode. That means the camera can capture 24 frames per second (fps)--the same rate as a 16mm or 35mm movie camera running at normal speed--and that each of those frames is captured as a complete image (rather than as two interlaced fields, each with only half the available horizontal lines). Camera with batteries/AC: $175 / day Available Accessories: Marshall, Libec, Cartoni, or Sachtler tripods After the release of Stars Wars Episode II, which was filmed in 24P, this mode caught on with digital filmmakers because it lets them begin with a digital medium, move footage seamlessly into digital postproduction, then transfer it to 16mm or 35mm film for theatrical distribution with even less fuss than using a PAL camera requires. The AG-DVX100 is the only camera in its price range to offer true progressive capture at 24fps; it can also shoot 30fps progressive or 60fps interlaced video. Behind the flip-out LCD, you'll find audio controls and other useful features. Reflecting its broadcast-division heritage, the AG-DVX100 brings a remarkable array of professional features. Among those features are selectable gamma curves for adjusting the tonal characteristics of your image; XLR inputs for connecting professional microphones; phantom microphone power so that you won't need battery-driven mics; two-channel audio-level controls and monitors; scene files to store customized settings for up to six different shooting situations; SMPTE color bars to reference for subsequent color correction (in interlaced mode only); variable white and black settings to adapt to different lighting types; changeable pedestals to set the brightness level that triggers zebra-stripe overexposure indicators; and shutter-speed selections to eliminate the rolling horizontal bands that otherwise mar shots with TVs or computer monitors in them. A wealth of shooting adjustments are easily accessible through physical controls. Other cameras, such as Sony's PD150 and VX2000, as well as Canon's GL2, have some of these features, but the AG-DVX100 simply has more options, including onscreen focus zoom reference numbers. This Panasonic even covers finer points such as a choice of how mirroring works on the flip-out LCD. The only feature that we missed was the ability to boost the gain in progressive mode to lighten a dark shot while retaining the depth of field that we wanted. Gain adjustments can be made in interlaced mode only. There is no digital zoom, and you won't find a flash-media option for capturing high-quality stills, but we don't think that this camera's audience will miss those features much.   In Short... The AG-DVX100 is a Mini DV handheld camcorder that offers a 3 CCD, progressive 24 frame per second capability and automatically converts in-camera to 29.97 video. Designed to offer a frame rate similar to film (but without film resolution). Although it's an excellent 24 fps camera please realize this camcorder is not high definition HD 24P.   The AG100 Features: - 1/3" 3-CCD (IT, 3x 410,000 pixels) DV (mini cassettes only) camcorder with exclusive CineSwitch™ technology. - Outstanding sensitivity: F11 @2000 lux, min illumination: 3 lux (at +18dB). - Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture. - Precision wide-angle Lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings). - Auto/Manual Focus f1.6 with 72mm filter size. Advanced optical image stabilization. - Conventional 4:3 aspect ratio and 16:9 letterbox image capture modes. - Conventional video gamma and Cine-like Gamma operational modes. - 2-ch. XLR audio inputs with phantom power supply (48V) and manual audio levels. - Large centrally located pivoting electronic viewfinder usable for left or right eye. - Flip-out 270° 3.5" LCD panel with superimposed audio metering on both LCD & EVF. - Six Scene Files and Two User Sets. - S-Video, Video & Stereo Audio IN & OUT. - IEEE-1394 FireWire™ interface (in/out) for transfer of digital video/audio to NLE platforms. - Interval (Time Lapse) recording with adjustable record duration and interval time. - Unique pre-cleaning heads and auto head cleaning to maximize reliability. - Well balanced and highly portable: 4.4 pounds in full operating condition.   See a review of this camera, which also has good information about the differences between the 100 and the 100A. For true widescreen image capture, see the Panasonic Anamorphic Lens Adapter. see other cameras/packages