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The New AJ-5DX9OO Camera Is Rugged, Versatile, And Loaded With Features
In all my years of shooting, I don't remember ever seeing or using a camera that was as well thought-out and versatile as Panasonic's new AJ-SDX900. Solid, rugged, easy to figure out (for the most part), the AJ-SDX900 with 2/3-inch 520,000 pixel 3 CCDs lives up to the advanced billing from Panasonic and then some.
While this camera is not HD, it comes packed with more features and options than a fully loaded Cadillac. The SDX900 features Cine-Like gamma correction, 24p or 3Op mode, four scene files, four channel digital audio, and of course, the ability to shoot on DVCPRO 50.
According to Jan M. Crittenden, business manager for Panasonic's DVCPRO50/25 line, "the demand for the camera is unbelievable. This is by far the most successful launch of a DVCPRO product that we have ever had. We are really pleased by the response to the unit."
Now let's go over some of the basics that make this camera an outstanding choice for shooters.
Some Basics Specs
After I pulled the camera out of the road case (yes, a hard road case is an option), the first thing I noticed was the heft of the unit. Now I know a lot of you would wince at a camera coming in at around 16 pounds but that weight is actually a blessing when shooting. For all of you ENG shooters, you know how smooth you need to be when shooting handheld. That has always been one of my biggest sticking points on some of the smaller cameras. Great images and specs, but the ergonomics are all wrong.
According to freelance videographer Doug Jensen, "I have been shooting for years and I can honestly say this is one of the most balanced cameras I have ever picked up. At first I was a little unsure of where the weight was going, but when I got the Anton on, it was almost dead on."
I agree. I shot all handheld and never was in fear of getting in over my head when pulling some pretty extreme angles. (Ok, maybe just once when I was shooting over a creek and almost fell in. But maybe that was me not...