Panasonic DV PROLINE AG-DVX100A Camcorder - Black

I have had experience using the DVX100A since back in 2004, the cinema like abilities you have with such a camera always caught my attention. Even after HD came out I was always very satisfied with the various settings one could take advantage of in the menu. I have to admit, since my purchase, I have been working with the Panasonic HMC150.
The HMC150 is an HD model that saves to miniSD, the log and transfer in and of itself in FCP is a time saver, and the picture qualify in comparison to the standard def of the DVX is incomparable. Unfortunately, I bought the camera prior to truly experiencing the crispness of HD.
Since I do not have access to HD editing software at my home office, the DVX100A will continue to be most useful and a joy to work with. It has pro audio xlr inputs which I thoroughly enjoy and was one of my primary reasons for the purchase.
Panasonic has to be one of my favorite brands, beyond SD, I would definitely recommend spending a little more for the HD video if you can get editing and hard drive to support the format.
Also, it is very important that you ask about the equipment that comes with the camera as well as the number of hours on the camera. My camera had over 500 hours, hence the reason I paid less, but I worry that a head cleaning or replacement is required in the near future. The equipment I received were not as described, one battery would not hold a charge, and the external power adapter for the camera was incompatible. Ask lots of questions, if the seller doesn't provide a thorough explanation or answer questions, forget about it, not worth your time, money or hassle.

The Camera was as discribed but please notice that this particular type of camera has a lot of noise from the Auto Focus. I hope that I will be able to remove the noise in some editing program. You hear the noise clearly indoor in a silent room. It will not be a huge problem outside with all the background noises.

Mostly you wouldn't use the on board microphone in productions with a high end camera like this. For documentaries where you move around with the camera alot you need to have the auto focus on, but as I metioned before I think that there are tools that can remove the noise in postproduction. If not in Final Cut Pro that has a noise removal tool.

I'm giving it an excellent rating overall as the picture quality is exceptional and it has a host of features, but after owning two of them and renting another, plus what I've seen advertised here on eBay, it seems as though they may not be the best as far as build quality.

One of mine had problems with the XLR inputs and another one I had had issues with the automatic focusing. I did a lot of research before making my purchase of the cameras originally and I still stand by my decision, but I would warn against buying one without any kind of warranty.

Also, if you do buy a used one, check to see what kind of tapes have been run through it in the past. Some tapes such as Sony use a wet lubricant while others such as Panosonic use a dry lubricant. I've hear that if you use one for an extended period of time and then switch to another without any kind of head cleaning along the way, the two lubricants can mix, cause a chemical reaction and gum up the system.

And last...don't bother buying one of the anamorphic lens'. I've used them on two different cameras and the picture quality didn't increase any significant amount that was noticed by my editors as well as myself and the inaccuracy of the way it is attached (you eyeball it when you screw it on) makes it hard to line it up perfectly.

Bottom line...
Get one with a warranty or at least an inspection period.
Check to see what brand of tapes have been run through it.
Save your money and don't buy the anamorphic lens.
And last, but not least, I agree with another one of the reviewers...beware of purchasing one new or used through a Brooklyn dealer as I've seen quite a bit of junk come out of those places.

havent had alot of time to check this out but ive had friends who use this and thats why i bought it. this particular camera is in clean condition and everything works so far... ibought this becuase i need a new (used) camera for a documentary im shooting on pdx metal after reading the reviews on other brands the Panasonic s won out...i also used them at cable access and while at community college in video intern program
a really pro camera with manual that is going to take me a few days to memorize... i haven't had to read this type of manual since the film school days 12 years ago

as of early 2007, the DVX100a isn't the first in line of great prosumer cameras. It's place there has been usurped by the upgraded HD version, the panasonic hvx200 (or something like that). But, I've worked with this camera on many high-end productions and the results are truly remarkable and beautiful. the optics are excellent, the control over shutter and iris and everything else is top notch. This is an A list camera and the prices are falling because it's not considered "the best" right now. So, it's really a gem of a camera that will have a place in production for a while to come. Of course the draw back is no HD, which will become an increasingly significant drawback for professionals. but for me, who makes indy docs, it's fantastic.