Barry_Green
Moderator
There have been several threads spread around about user requests for new features on the next Panasonic camera, whatever succeeds the DVX100A (which we have been alternately calling the DVX200, or the HDVX, or whatever).
This post is an attempt to compile a comprehensive wish list, so Panasonic can see at one glance what it is that we want. There's no guarantee that we'll get all (or ANY) of these items, but at least they'll know what we're wishing for!
I'll make it a sticky post and try to keep it up to date.
DVX200/HDVX WISH LIST:
16x9 chipset, switchable to 4:3 (not compromised like XL2 4:3)
16x9 VF and LCD, switchable to 4:3
High-resolution VF and LCD
Preferably B&W CRT VF
Full underscan capability on the VF and/or LCD
High-def resolution, whether HDV or DVCPRO-HD, switchable to DV resolution
4:2:2 color sampling
Firewire output of HD video, for desktop editing. Also component HD output for live HD monitoring
Variable frame rates: at least 24P/30P/60i, but preferably with
VariCam-style variable frame rates. 60P would rule!
While we're switching frame rates, PAL/NTSC in the same unit would be very cool, as would 720/24p, 720/25p, 720/30p, and of course the ultimate: 1080/24p.
Peaking and zebras, available at the same time
Better lens cap (maybe integrated like FX1's)
Timecode generator/reader with TC IN/TC OUT jacks for slaving camera timecodes
Interchangeable lenses with an industry-standard lens mount, maybe B4
Longer reach on the stock zoom lens: 16x would be nice. Keep the same 4.5mm wide-angle, but give us more telephoto.
Magnified focus mode like on the FX1. Zoom in to pixel-for-pixel magnification for easy precise focus in the field.
Larger CCD's. 2/3" would be ideal.
Remote focus control, at least LANC caliber, or through some improved system.
Some cool external controls, like the XL2 promises, for things like custom-tuning the gamma curves or for swapping scene settings, etc.
Audio meters that read out with white/yellow/red.
Fix the audio sync system properly, so there's no echo in the headphones and the audio's recorded in sync on tape. Also upgrade the headphone circuitry so there's no hiss.
Solid-state recording to P2 cards, as well as tape.
Adjustable viewfinder markings for TV safe, 4:3 crop, rule-of-thirds composition, and center cross.
Improved focus/zoom readout in the vf showing zoom millimeters and focus distance-to-subject, switchable to 00-99 readout.
Lockable hard stops for the focus ring. What would be cool is if the focus ring had gear teeth for a follow focus or jib focus motor.
Graphics overlay capability -- a memory card slot where we can load JPG's or TGA's or some other standard form of alpha-channel graphics. That way we can set framing, use masking, add a network "bug" overlay, or perhaps other features all while shooting.
Some provision for remote focus, remote zoom, and remote iris. Give us that control and I can use the camera in a multi-camera switched environment, on the end of a jib arm, etc. It would be really cool if we had a remote controller with dials and LCD readouts on the controller that let us dial in the exact f-stop (calibrated in 1/6 stops or whatever the new camera is), exact zoom setting (in Z00-Z99 format) and exact focus setting (in MF00-MF99 format).
KEEP EVERY FEATURE THE DVX HAS. Don't give with one hand and take away with the other. We love the DVX as-is, please make the new camera as good as the current, plus add more!
Also, compatibility with existing DVX accessories would be cool, a 72mm threaded zoom ring and an identical bayonet on the front would be great for those of us upgrading but wanting to keep our accessories like lens adapters, etc.
Long battery life. The current 6-hour CGR-D54 situation with the DVX is pretty good.
Add auto audio level control. No self-respecting professional dramatic production would use it, but for ENG/news/auto shooting, it'd be a nice addition.
Oh, and keep it affordable, of course. Under $5000, preferably under $4000 MSRP! ;D
This post is an attempt to compile a comprehensive wish list, so Panasonic can see at one glance what it is that we want. There's no guarantee that we'll get all (or ANY) of these items, but at least they'll know what we're wishing for!
I'll make it a sticky post and try to keep it up to date.
DVX200/HDVX WISH LIST:
16x9 chipset, switchable to 4:3 (not compromised like XL2 4:3)
16x9 VF and LCD, switchable to 4:3
High-resolution VF and LCD
Preferably B&W CRT VF
Full underscan capability on the VF and/or LCD
High-def resolution, whether HDV or DVCPRO-HD, switchable to DV resolution
4:2:2 color sampling
Firewire output of HD video, for desktop editing. Also component HD output for live HD monitoring
Variable frame rates: at least 24P/30P/60i, but preferably with
VariCam-style variable frame rates. 60P would rule!
While we're switching frame rates, PAL/NTSC in the same unit would be very cool, as would 720/24p, 720/25p, 720/30p, and of course the ultimate: 1080/24p.
Peaking and zebras, available at the same time
Better lens cap (maybe integrated like FX1's)
Timecode generator/reader with TC IN/TC OUT jacks for slaving camera timecodes
Interchangeable lenses with an industry-standard lens mount, maybe B4
Longer reach on the stock zoom lens: 16x would be nice. Keep the same 4.5mm wide-angle, but give us more telephoto.
Magnified focus mode like on the FX1. Zoom in to pixel-for-pixel magnification for easy precise focus in the field.
Larger CCD's. 2/3" would be ideal.
Remote focus control, at least LANC caliber, or through some improved system.
Some cool external controls, like the XL2 promises, for things like custom-tuning the gamma curves or for swapping scene settings, etc.
Audio meters that read out with white/yellow/red.
Fix the audio sync system properly, so there's no echo in the headphones and the audio's recorded in sync on tape. Also upgrade the headphone circuitry so there's no hiss.
Solid-state recording to P2 cards, as well as tape.
Adjustable viewfinder markings for TV safe, 4:3 crop, rule-of-thirds composition, and center cross.
Improved focus/zoom readout in the vf showing zoom millimeters and focus distance-to-subject, switchable to 00-99 readout.
Lockable hard stops for the focus ring. What would be cool is if the focus ring had gear teeth for a follow focus or jib focus motor.
Graphics overlay capability -- a memory card slot where we can load JPG's or TGA's or some other standard form of alpha-channel graphics. That way we can set framing, use masking, add a network "bug" overlay, or perhaps other features all while shooting.
Some provision for remote focus, remote zoom, and remote iris. Give us that control and I can use the camera in a multi-camera switched environment, on the end of a jib arm, etc. It would be really cool if we had a remote controller with dials and LCD readouts on the controller that let us dial in the exact f-stop (calibrated in 1/6 stops or whatever the new camera is), exact zoom setting (in Z00-Z99 format) and exact focus setting (in MF00-MF99 format).
KEEP EVERY FEATURE THE DVX HAS. Don't give with one hand and take away with the other. We love the DVX as-is, please make the new camera as good as the current, plus add more!
Also, compatibility with existing DVX accessories would be cool, a 72mm threaded zoom ring and an identical bayonet on the front would be great for those of us upgrading but wanting to keep our accessories like lens adapters, etc.
Long battery life. The current 6-hour CGR-D54 situation with the DVX is pretty good.
Add auto audio level control. No self-respecting professional dramatic production would use it, but for ENG/news/auto shooting, it'd be a nice addition.
Oh, and keep it affordable, of course. Under $5000, preferably under $4000 MSRP! ;D
If anyone will hear us though it would be panasonic!
