User Guide

Body Design, Switches, Connectors,
and Recording Functions — All Built for the Professional
New Lightweight Design with Balanced Grip
The AG-DVX100 introduces a new design that ends the
contradiction between a compact, lightweight body and a stable,
secure hold. The center of balance is located precisely at the
handgrip. Because there's no need for a wide-angle conversion lens,
the weight balance is ideal for comfortable shooting.
The AG-DVX100's short body and light weight — it weighs just 4 lb
(1.8 kg) in operating condition* — means free, easy maneuverability.
Plus, the low-center-of-gravity design and new skeleton lens hood
greatly improve forward vision.
*Camera/recorder with DV cassette tape and supplied battery.
XLR Audio Input with +48-V Phantom
Power Supply
In addition to built-in stereo microphones, the
AG-DVX100 is equipped with two XLR audio
input terminals with a 48-V phantom power
supply for broadcast use. The terminals are
positioned low on the camera to minimize the
possibility of the cables being snagged when a
hand mic is in use. Both input 1 and input 2 can
be switched between line and mic.
Large Audio Dials and Flexible Input Selection
The AG-DVX100 has the same kind of large level-adjustment dials as
DVCPRO camera/recorders. This practical new design incorporates
professional operating features, such as blind touch and easy
visibility, that have been refined over years of use on location.
A switch lets you select built-in mic, input 1, or input 2 for the audio
input of both left and right channels. Auto
gain level control can be turned on and
off, and the input mic level (–50 dB/–60
dB) can be selected from the menu.
Large Viewfinder and LCD Monitor
The large-diameter viewfinder tilts upward a full 100°. You can
move the viewfinder away from your eye and still see it clearly,
making it easy to adopt a comfortable shooting stance with
unobstructed forward vision. The 3.5-inch color LCD shows your
subject in sharp, vivid detail and greatly simplifies menu settings. It
rotates a full 270° for shooting at a wide variety of angles and easy
self-recording.
Recessed Trigger and Zoom Control on Upper Handle Grip
In addition to the lens grip, the upper part of the handle grip contains
both the Rec Start/Stop button and a lens zoom control. This design
assures easy shooting even at low angles or when using a tripod.
The zoom speed can be set to any of three speed levels or off.
Interval Recording and One-Shot Recording
The AG-DVX100's interval recording works much like a time-lapse
VTR and offers exceptionally high quality. Use it to observe the
growth of a plant, monitor progress at a construction site, or for a
frame-by-frame recording effect. Recording times can be set from 0.5
to 2 seconds, at intervals from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
There's also a One-Shot mode — for animation film making — that
records for the set number of seconds each time the Start/Stop button
is pressed.
Built-In SMPTE Time Code Generator/Reader
The AG-DVX100 records an SMPTE-compliant VTC onto the sub-
code area of the tape. Select from DF/NDF and Free Run/Rec Run
modes, and use preset or regen. User bits (UB) are also provided,
letting you record your choice of date, time, TC value, frame rate, or
user data.
External Backup with the IEEE 1394 Synchro Lock Function
The AG-DVX100 comes equipped with an IEEE 1394-compliant 4-
pin DV terminal that makes it easy to upload data to a PC and dub
onto a DV recorder. This terminal also features a new synchro lock
function that allows the AG-DVX100 to remotely start and stop an
external DV device connected to it via a DV cable. Three recording
modes help protect against mistakes: record only onto the external
recorder, record onto both the AG-DVX100 and the external
recorder, begin external recording when the AG-DVX100 tape ends.
Support Functions for Greater Convenience
•End search: Automatically searches for the last recorded portion of
the tape. Convenient when preparing to start the next recording.
•Mode check: Displays a list of the camera settings on the
viewfinder and monitor. Makes it easy to check before recording.
•2-Pattern zebra: Displays an overexposure warning on the
viewfinder and monitor. Select any two levels from among 80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, and 100%.
•Rec check: Plays back the last portion of a recorded passage for
easy checking.
•Index: Enables marking while recording. Convenient for searching
after recording.
•Tally lamps: Provided on the unit’s front and rear menu switchable.
•Audio dubbing: Allows voice-over recording on a recorded tape via
an external mic.
•Line recording: Lets you record a video signal input from an
external source.
•Unlike consumer DV camcorders, the audio is locked to the video
with a PLL circuit.
•Reversible eye cup for left and right eyed shooters.
•Built-in SMPTE color bars
useful for setup.
DV Cable (4P-4P)AG-DVX100 Camera/Recorder DV Recorder (AG-DV1DC etc.)
IEEE1394 interface
(Digital A/V and Remote)