Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom

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.

This is a superior camera for the money. Simple operation and well constructed. It has a "well built feel" to it and fits well in your hand. The detail of the image is awesome, better than I hoped for. I'm very impressed with the 16x zoom, very nice and clean image.

Don't be fooled by the size of this camera, the quality of the image is beautiful. A lot of camera in a little package. It has 4 built in shooting settings for different situations. It has a low level light option that does a decent job of capturing the scene after dark.

I gave it 4 stars because I didn't like the manual that it came with and the manual controlling for the iris and focus could have been made easier to access and use. The built in microphone does not really pick up the desired audio that well. I recommend picking up an external boom microphone or lapel mic system to supercede the built in mic depending on your application.

If you are in need of a firewire cable to download the video to your computer make sure you pick one of those up as well. The camera firewire port is a 4pin firewire connector.

Buy Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom Now

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

Read Best Reviews of Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom Here

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.

Want Panasonic Pro AG-DVC30 3-CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/16x Optical Zoom Discount?

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.