Panasonic debut shoulder-mount DV PROLINE camcorder

Panasonic have introduced the AG-DVC7, an entry-level DV PROLINE series shoulder-mount Mini-DV format camcorder.
The new AG-DVC7 DV PROLINE camcorder features a shoulder-mount body style, which yields steadier images, delivers a more professional-looking appearance and enhances product security compared to consumer-based palm-sized models.
The camcorder is aimed at education, event videography, sports, and a wide array of other professional applications. It is equipped with a next generation 340,000 effective pixel CCD imager and a large-diameter 15X optical zoom offering high picture quality, and a minimum illumination of 1 lux.
Like all DV PROLINE camcorders, the AG-DVC7 comes standard with an IEEE 1394 digital interface terminal for the transfer of digital video into Macintosh and Windows based nonlinear editing systems. The IEEE 1394 interface also facilitates the direct dubbing of digital video to Panasonic's AG-DV2000 DV format or AJ-D455 DVCPRO format VTRs, and the new DMR-T3040 Professional DVD recorder.
Weighing just 4.62 pounds in full operating condition, the AG-DVC7 offers a wealth of easy-to-use manual functions, including manual focus, manual iris, automatic white balance, program auto exposure (five modes), and Gain Up (0 to 18 dB). The unit's new Picture Effect Function includes WIPE, MIX, STROBE, GAIN-UP, TRAIL, MOSAIC and MIRROR. In addition, its Cinema mode enables wide screen format recording (16:9 letterbox).
The AG-DVC7 records for up to 83 minutes of digital component video (500 TV lines of resolution) with 16-bit PCM digital audio on a Mini-DV cassette. These Mini-DV cassettes can be played back in all Panasonic DVCPRO studio VTRs (using an optional adapter), enhancing the use of DV video in professional applications.
The power efficient camcorder requires only 3.8W (with LCD monitor on), and offers digital Electric Image Stabilization (EIS) to compensate for jitter or vibration-induced distortions. The unit offers a built-in 2.5" rotating colour LCD monitor or 0.5" colour viewfinder.
The AG-DVC7's comprehensive functions include: conveniently-located VCR controls; a handle zoom switch that complements a multi-speed handgrip zoom rocker switch for low-level shooting; S-video, video and audio inputs and outputs; DC input for DC operation; backlight compensation; colour playback; tally light on/off; headphone input; a built-in stereo microphone and external microphone input.
Optional accessories include: 0.7x conversion lens (model AG-LW4307), external stereo microphone (AG-MC15P), large-capacity 2.8A battery (CGP-D28A/1B) and hard carrying case (CCH15).
(SP)