The show chose the AJ-SDX900, with its 24p mode and film-like gamma settings, because it most closely approximated the look of film.
Primary acquisition for MTV’s reality series, “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County”, is being shot with Panasonic’s AJ-SDX900 24p/30p/60i DVCPRO50 camcorders.
Seeking to present a documentary look and feel, Hisham Abed, the show’s director of photography, said the AJ-SDX900, with its 24p mode and film-like gamma settings, was chosen because it most closely approximated the look of film.
The show is broadcast in the letterboxed 16:9 aspect ratio, while HD lenses were used, providing a significant increase in sharpness. This made long lens close-ups pop and the background fall off in a more film-like manner, Abed said.
“Laguna Beach” is also using Panasonic AG-DVX100A mini-DV 24p cameras for some insert shots or for situations that may be too dangerous for the AJ-SDX900s, such as skateboarding sequences.
For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
