Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
- Professional MiniDV format camcorder with shoulder-mount and extra-large handle grip
- 15x zoom lens and up to 750x digital zoom
- Fully automatic and manual focus lens with Digital Electronic Image Stabilizer
- Program AE modes include sports, portrait, spotlight, surf & snow, and low light
- Powered by lithium ion battery; FireWire and S-Video ports
Product Description
340,000 Pixels / Uses MiniDV Tapes / 4-Pin IEEE1394 Firewire Port / 15x Optical Zoom / Microphone / Image Stabilizer
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
I’ll be diplomatic and say this isn’t a bad camera. But I used to shoot a lot of live events and concerts, and with a DVX100 and a DVC80 to choose from, this camera would always get stuck on the lowest priority shot. It’s big, but mostly hollow, so it’s almost as light as a Canon ZR series. In sunlight or other bright light, you’re fine, but in low light you really know it’s a 1-CCD camera. The colors wash out and the picture gets noisy. For a third of the price you could get a consumer level camera (Canon ZR) that’ll shoot nearly as well (if not looking as imposing) while you save your pennies for a 3-CCD model.
Rating: 3 / 5
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
Like the other review said, this is a good starter camera. After being out of the video business for about 5 years I decided to by this camera for a wedding I was shooting. I got it at a great price. There are a few problems though. It’s a little hard to deal with in low light. I have a mounted 150-watt light and it still hard to deal with. If you gain up one it’s kind of grainy. But if you are not doing anything that is broadcast quality then this is a good camera. Since I’m doing low budget wedding this is perfect for me.
Rating: 3 / 5
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
This is a great starter camera if you are thinking about getting into videograghy. This camera will give you the pro look, but it seems to be just a consumer level camera in a pro package. quality seems to be very good however, I have only shot a few hrs of tape so far. if you can come up with an extra $1000 seriously consider a different camera that really is on the pro level.
Rating: 4 / 5
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
I purchased this cam as my first and frontline camera for use in weddings, shows, and other events. To me, it is very lightweight. Picks up the slightest movement. The mic is very sensitive… picks up the noise from your tripod when moving – seriously. As for picture quality, its great when shot outdoors or with strong indoor lighting. Otherwise, in darkened areas or low light venues good luck! Don’t use the internal ‘Gain Up’ feature because it shuts your focus off automatic and you’ll never know if your picture is in focus until you view the tape.
As far as using the camera.. it is very easy to work with. There aren’t many complicated menu screens and limited external buttons. Beware of the ‘photo shot’ button which sometimes can be confused with the ‘record’ button. Why CCD cameras have a ‘photo’ option on a video camera is beyond me – thats what DSLRs are for.
You may want to drill a hole and fill the camera with sand to weigh it down some more (wife’s idea and I agree). It may produce stable pictures.
Rating: 3 / 5
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
I purchased two AG-DVC7 Panasonic camcorder between 3 and 4 years ago, one used, one brand new. I very seldom use them to record direct to tape. We basically set them on a tripod and use S-video to feed in to a video mixer as we records live. The record feature on the camera has been barely used and yet one day last year both of them stopped recording to tape at about the same time. I was advised to press the rest button, this failed. The system stated needs servicing. When I bought these cameras, I paid around $1100.00 for each of these cameras from B&H New York. Just got my repair invoice and Pnansonic wants over 700.00 per unit to repair them!!! You can buy used for less than what it cost to repair one. Beware there is problem is with this product. There is a known issue with these cameras failing to record. You can find complaints online about this problem. The repair cost for this camera makes it by far the worst video product I have ever purchased! This camera is now only worth spare parts!
Rating: 1 / 5
Panasonic Pro AG-DVC7 MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom