PR

Panasonic has announced the AG-DVX200 4K large-sensor, 4/3” handheld camcorder here at NAB 2015. The DVX200 will offer many top-end features including 4K/60p* recording, a 13X optical zoom and a V-Log L gamma curve (12 stops of latitude, target).

Delivering a shallow depth of field and a wide field of view, the DVX200 is the ideal companion camera to the company’s groundbreaking VariCam 35 4K camera/recorder. With an integrated lens design, the DVX200 will excel in independent film and documentary production, as well as event videography.

The DVX200 will be optimized for 4K/HD production, and shares the esteemed VariCam family characteristics of filmic tonality and colorimetry, with natural, subtle rendering of skin flesh tones, and a V-Log curve emulating the natural grey-scale rendition of the VariCam 35. The camcorder will incorporate a newly-developed 4/3” large-format MOS sensor and offer variable frame rate recording up to 120fps in FHD mode, enhancing the DVX200’s utility in sports and VFX production.

The new handheld 4K camcorder will offer an array of professional features including a newly-designed Leica Dicomar 4K F2.8~F4.5 zoom lens (4K/24p: 29.5 mm ~ 384.9 mm, HD: 28 mm ~ 365.3mm, 35 mm equivalent), time-code in/out, 3G HD-SDI and HDMI 2.0 (4K) video outs, easy focus and zooming, and programmable user buttons.

The DVX200 will record 4K (4096 × 2160) / 24p, UHD (3840 × 2160) / HD (1920 × 1080) 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p in either MP4 / MOV file formats. There are two SD card** slots, facilitating backup and relay recording. For professionals working worldwide, the camera’s master frame rate is selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz.

The DVX200’s three manual operation lens rings—13x zoom (Cam driven), focus and iris—will provide a comfortable manual control similar to an interchangeable lens camera, but without the need for actual lens changes. The zoom ring's solid feel and smooth action allow delicate ultra-slow zooming. In addition, the camera’s multi-step zoom control provides fast response and smooth zoom action, yielding the creative freedom every camera operator desires. The zoom control on the handle enables variable speed zoom, allowing fine zoom control even for low angle shots. The DVX200 also features an enhanced Image Stabilizer, including a five-axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer and 4x correction-area Image Stabilizer that produces clear images without blurring, and a micro-drive focus unit that improves focus speed, tracking and capture performance, facilitating 4K focusing and shallow focus shooting.

The new Leica Dicomar 4K zoom lens with F2.8 aperture is an optimal choice for 4K video, with the ability to produce elegant imagery and subtle “bokeh” Also, Leica’s exacting quality standards serve to suppress the occurrence of ghosting and flare to a minimum. Since the DVX200 is an integrated-lens camcorder, there is no need to perform the flange back adjustments or shading corrections when changing lenses. Even with a large diameter lens, the DVX200’s weight and balance have been optimized to facilitate agile, mobile 4K acquisition. With superb center-of-gravity balance, the camcorder will be ideal for such flexible shooting applications as mounting on today’s popular stabilized camera rigs.

The AG-DVX200 utilizes a front element lens / filter diameter of 72mm, a very common size. It is expected that many third party lens accessory manufacturers will announce items such as close-up lenses and other desired options.

The AG-DVX200 will feature next-generation ergonomics, with the battery positioned in the rear so as not to interfere during handheld shooting. The DVX200 comes with a rugged woven carbon,fiber-like finish, and the recording section is distinctively styled with crimson shading.

The AG-DVX200 will be available in Fall 2015 with a suggested list price under $5000.

Why in the world did they not just make the camera have a detachable servo lens that it comes with?!...like an xl2 for example? So Limiting!

DVX100 sold very good many years ago. DVX200 must sell even better. (c) Panasonic logic

Yep, sure, this must be something that I do all the time with GH4 and other m4/3 cameras, continously just adjusting the flange back distance. :D

I have spent more time than you can imagine adjusting flange back distances on many different lenses, and I wouldn't have it any other way. :) Love me those interchangeable lenses.

It does . . . Leica Dicomar 4K F2.8~F4.5 zoom lens (4K/24p: 29.5 mm ~ 384.9 mm, HD: 28 mm ~ 365.3mm, 35 mm equivalent),

But a 14-180 2.8 4.5 lens is pretty good for Weddings!

I can see those people still use EX123/P2 cams (I still see them used at weddings too!) can upgrade to this one, the quality is much more improved.

@matticusmaximus As you zoom in and that lens needs to stop down, these camcorders (generally) gain up to compensate. They can also offer a reasonable smooth servo zoom, built in.

I just keep thinking, (Canon did it back in the day with the xl2) I suppose the larger sensor makes a big difference and they want to keep the size down...oh well, maybe it will pair well with the gh4, or gh5 whenever it comes out...

I just got back from NAB. I especially wanted to see the replacement for the AF100 with 4/3 Sensor and lens mount. Instead they were aggressively pushing the AG-DVX200 4K large-sensor, 4/3” handheld camcorder. They asked and I did not like the red on the demo cameras, I was not exactly impressed with the price performance either.

Instead I left thinking I would buy a 4k JVC super 35 GY-LS300 with MFT mount for all my Panasonic lens. This is the camera, I think that Panasonic could have built a better version but missed the boat.

There will be plenty of AF100 for under $1k. Camera stores are only offering $500 for a trade in.