Headphone output on 100A = very noisy

[Guest]

Hi, this is my first post here...

I purchased a 100a camera from B&H at the end of December. I really like the camera and had used the 100 version. The camera I bought is from Batch # 765584 Wave 8.

I immediately noticed that there was a lot of hiss coming from the headphone jack regardless of what type of mic/line setting the camera was on, with the audio out set at about 50%.

After a week of extensive shooting, I found the noise level to be really unacceptable especially when doing interviews. I did a lot of testing with different mikes, settings, headphones, etc. There was still way too much hiss coming out. (In a silent room the audio out sounds like bacon frying in a pan.)

This noise is not being recorded to tape however.

So, I concluded that the camera must be defective and requested an RA and ordered a new camera.

I received the new camera today Batch 77436 Wave N.

It has the same problem which to me, is really not acceptable quality on a professional or consumer level. (My VX-1000, which is 8 years old, is completely silent compared to the DVX-100A.)

I am thinking the only work around is to get a double RCA to stereo mini F and plug the headphones in to this output.

I am debating whether to keep the new camera and wait for Panasonic to fix this release of the 100A. I realize that "improved" audio output levels are one of the apparent improvements of the 100A version but I have to say, this is not an "improvement."

I am curious if others have this problem as well.

 

[m_bass]

Re: Headphone output on 100A = very noisy

I ordered the A from B+H on dec 30th and got it in and tested everything to make sure it worked. I have not had time to shoot anyting on it though. The head phones sound fine on mine. I have it set on the third notch. I did notice a slight hiss if the volume is set to high.

 

[PrestonH]

Re: Headphone output on 100A = very noisy

I have one from batch 76670 N (Ser. #00475). Yes, there is some hiss in the headphone output. I don't find it real objectionable though.

Considering they upped the monitor ouput on the 100A and probably didn't put a lot of attention into the circuit to begin with, I can see how the noise floor of the circuit would be more noticeable.

Fortunately, it doesn't go to tape. In fact, the thing I find most funky is the audio delay that's noticeable while wearing headphones - even in 60i mode.

FWIW, I bought a very expensive JVC D29 camera head a few years ago, new (still in use). You could not use the mic input on the head itself because of the incredible hiss that went to tape - even when nothing was plugged into it. Replaced the audio circuit board twice with no improvement. Had to use the recorder inputs only. Defect or design flaw? No one would fess-up one way or another.

 

[Guest]

Re: Headphone output on 100A = very noisy

I had that problem as well as an echo, it turns out that if I just turned down the head phones using the buttons for vcr out put sound, it is much more tolerable. Have you done that already?

Phoebe Ferguson

 

[clay-walk]

Re: Headphone output on 100A = very noisy

Yes, I have played with the headphone levels. If I turn the volume down, it is obviously less annoying. I have experimented with three different "100A" cameras now and the hissing sound is quite prominent.

I find it pretty unacceptable largely because it is less quality than my 8 year old Sony VX-1000 produces. I expected much better from technology of this day and age but will obviously have to live with it.

I think I will probably monitor my audio out from the RCA jacks just to be safe when shooting something extremely important.

I really want to love this camera but we are off to a noisy start I have to say...