AG-DVC30 USER GUIDEHow to use this superbly mobile professional digital video camera!15The FOCUS button does not have an infinity setting. Auto-focus may be the basic operating mode, but when in the manual focus mode it is useful to have (PUSH) AF+ZOOM (which instantly zooms to the maximum magnification, auto-focuses, and then zooms back to the original field angle) assigned to USER 3. Operation is extremely fast. To USER 2 I assigned EVF DTL, which emphasizes silhouettes in the viewfinder image and makes focusing easier. Finally, I assigned REC CHECK, for checking previously recorded material, to USER 1, right near the zoom lever. I also use this last setting on the AG-DVX100.My User Button AssignmeUser Button 1: REC CHECKUser Button 2: EVF DTLUser Button 3: (PUSH) AF+ZOOMThe handle of the AG-DVC30 protrudes upward somewhat, and the camera-recorder body is well balanced. When I later viewed video I shot while carrying the camera around by the handle, I found that although there was more jiggling than would have been the case if a steadycam were used, the sense of walking through the woods was conveyed well. The shakiness of the picture was not particularly bad, and overall the results seemed quite usable. I think the difference can be ascribed to the well-placed center of gravity when the AG-DVC30 is carried by the handle, as well as to the relationship between the weight of the camera-recorder and the strength of the cameraman.The AG-DVC30 brings new meaning to the phrase "compact and functional." I'd like to have one as a camera-recorder to take with me when I walk around. It can be used in conjunction with the AG-DVX100(A) and a battery pack. In short, the AG-DVC30 is a powerful tool for the documentary creator.It is possible to control the camera just by gripping the handle lightly, without much force. I tried shooting while climbing stairs, and the result was less jerky than I had expected.Shooting On the Move, Holding the camera-recorder by the HandleI used a rain cover to protect the camera-recorder against the elements. It was just big enough to accommodate the AG-DVX100A, so the AG-DVC30 fit easily. As the photo shows, it was even possible to use the rain cover with the LCD monitor extended.A rain jacket for the AG-DVX100 also works with the AG-DVC30.All my gear in total was a tad heavy when carrying a tripod, but there is just no substitute when you want to capture video completely free of jitter.Lightweight TripodThe AG-DVC30 fits right into a small carrying bag. The photo shows a larger bum-bag. The handle makes it easy to take out the camera-recorder quickly, should an opportunity arise. Removing the handle makes the camera-recorder still more compact and easy to stow.Small Enough to Fit in a Carrying Bag
