Archive for category Panasonic
[NAB2008] Panasonic intros P2HD Varicams 3700 & 2700
Panasonic announced today two flavours of Varicam on P2HD – Varicam 3700 & Varicam 2700.
Varicam 3700
- 1920 x 1080 recording
- <2/3” 2.2 megapixel 3-CCD imagers
- Expected Fall 2008 targeting Feature Films, Episodic TV and more
Varicam 2700
- 1280 x 720
- 2/3 1 megapixel Imager
- Available Fall 2008 targeting Sports, Documentaries,Indie Films, more
Pansonic Press release
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 13, 2008) – Recognized worldwide as the industry’s premier digital cinematography camera, Panasonic’s VariCam HD Cinema has established itself as an indispensable acquisition tool delivering the distinct, prized look of film. Here at NAB 2008, Panasonic takes a quantum leap forward with the introduction of two advanced tapeless VariCam implementations in the new VariCam 3700 (model AJ-HPX3700) and VariCam 2700 (model AJ-HPX2700) P2 HD camcorders.
Much more than a marriage of Panasonic’s popular solid-state recording technology and VariCam capabilities, these new 2/3” P2 HD models greatly advance digital filmmaking with features including master-quality, full-resolution 10-bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra 100 recording; variable frame rates in 1-frame increments; HD-SDI output of 23.98PsF/24PsF; and a multi-gamma function including Film-Rec for the prized VariCam look, which closely matches the latitude of film stocks.
The benefits of P2 HD solid-state acquisition assure exceptional reliability and a faster, file-based workflow in any shooting environment in which the VariCam 3700 or VariCam 2700 is utilized. Moreover, both P2 HD VariCams are backed by Panasonic’s industry’s leading five-year limited warranty*.
A fully solid state implementation of the highly-regarded DVCPRO HD VariCam, the VariCam 2700 offers 2/3” native HD resolution 3-CCDs and produces cinema-quality, independent-frame 1080 and 720 images with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling in AVC-Intra 100. The camera also supports recording in a more bandwidth efficient AVC-Intra 50 compression as well as the ubiquitous DVCPRO HD. Designed for sports, documentaries, independent films and other projects where versatility is essential, the VariCam 2700 offers intuitive operation with advanced gamma setting, variable frame rates (from 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode), as well as two separate HD-SDI outputs.
The new flagship model of the P2 HD VariCam line, the VariCam 3700 offers full native 1920×1080-pixel acquisition and independent frame recording with 10-bit/4:2:2 sampling. The HPX3700 2/3” 2.2 megapixel 3-CCD camera also offers a 4:4:4 RGB dual-link live output to deliver pristine images ideal for composition of visual effects even while recording. Tailor-made for feature films, television episodic and commercial production, the VariCam 3700 records in full-raster 1920×1080 resolution in AVC-intra 100, and records in AVC-Intra 50 and DVCPRO HD as well. Its variable frame rate function has a range from 1fps to 30 fps in 1-frame increments, and it is equipped with three HD-SDI outputs (dual-link plus monitor).
Both the VariCam 3700 and VariCam 2700 are switchable between 59.94-Hz and 50-Hz recording. Five P2 card slots allow continuous recording, card selection, hot swapping, loop rec, pre-rec, interval rec and one-shot recording. With five 32 GB P2 cards installed, operators can record up to 200 minutes in AVC-Intra 100 at 1080/24p, 400 minutes in AVC-Intra 100 at 720/24p, 320 minutes in other AVC-Intra 50 formats, and 160 minutes in other AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD formats. Recording times will double with the release of Panasonic’s 64GB P2 card later this year.
Additional image-enhancing features found in both camcorders include 14-bit A/D processing, Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) to maximize lens performance, Dynamic Range Stretching (DRS) for wide variations in lighting, unique shutter angle settings, built-in scan reverse, and full control of matrix and color correction for precise image matching.
7 benefits of intra-frame compression used in Panasonic Cameras
The below benefits are purely based on the facts said by Panasonic for the codec used in AJ-HPX3000 camera.Why you need to prefer intra-frame compression over Mpeg2 Long GOP ( Group of pictures) used on Sony XDCAM family of cameras .
1. Independent frame recording keeps it simple – Intra is 100% editable on a frame-by-frame basis, without decoding. Intra doesn’t have the GOP processing, decoding, buffer trajectory recalculation, frame assembly and image-quality variability of long GOP.
2. Intra is robust – Panasonic’s intra-frame compression schemes are highly deterministic, high-quality compression processes that are easy to implement in hardware and software. The image holds up better in rendering and multiple-generation copies – a must for Non-linear Editing Systems!
3. Intra is predictable – Video professionals can count on consistent quality, regardless of scene motion content. Unlike long GOP, Intra has zero interaction with adjacent frame content, so impact of processing is consistent, as well.
4. Intra is low latency – Unlike long GOP which experiences a typical processing delay of a 1/2 second or more (more than one second for full encode decode), intra-frame compression latency is typically about one frame – a huge benefi t for live ENG links.
5. Intra is superior for effects and fast motion – Fast action is no problem for an intra-frame codec, making sports or other productions with video effects easier. Long GOP quality degrades badly even for simple effects such as fade to black.
6. Intra is low power – Our Intra codec requires less memory, less processing and generates less heat. This is critically important for battery-powered devices like pro HD camcorders!
7. Intra is the present and the future – It’s the best choice for video professionals because it offers stable, high-quality images in the ubiquitous DVCPRO format family (DVCPRO HD/DVCPRO50/ DVCPRO) and in new bandwidth-saving AVC-Intra, which incorporates advanced, more elegant compression techniques while maintaining frame-by-frame integrity.
Panasonic’s HDC-SD7 smallest HD Handheld camcorder
via Engadget
Panasonic has launched world’s smallest handheld HD Camcorder which record full 1920X1080 resolution in AVCH format. HDC-SD7 is same as HDC-SD5 except the design is vertical held. HDC-SD7 looks to be Japan-only for now with launch date of September 8 for a price of ¥140,000 or about $1,188 exclusive tax.
Image courtesy Engadget.com
Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Camcorder
Panasonic announced their AVCHD version of Camcorder called HDC-SD5.
Features
- Record video in AVCHD format to SD/SDHC memory cards
- 3 1/6″ CCDs
- 560K total pixels with 520K effective when recording video
- 10x optical zoom
- 2.7″ widescreen LCD
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Internal battery compartment which makes it more compact
- HDMI, component, composite, and USB outputs
Highlights
- 1920 x 1080 full-HD recording
- Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
- Leica Dicomar lens
- Pre-Rec function
- Intelligent Contrast Control
- HD Advanced Pure Color Engine
- Wide-angle LCD monitor
Available in September for $999.95. You can preorder in Amazon.
Varicam Alternative Panasonic AG-HPX500
The AG-HPX500 P2 HD shoulder-mount camcorder delivers a unique combination of high-end features never offered in a camcorder in this genre, including production-quality 2/3″ progressive 3-CCDs, DVCPRO HD quality, multi HD and SD formats, variable frame rates, and four independent audio channels. In addition, the HPX500 offers the outstanding benefits of P2 solid state recording including ultra-fast IT workflow and no-moving-parts reliability, which makes the camera ideal for use in harsh environments.
At only 8.2 pounds, the HPX500 features a high-performance digital signal processor (DSP) with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing that handles HD/SD format conversion simultaneously — ensuring spectacular images in all video formats for applications ranging from news acquisition, independent filmmaking, corporate video, sports and much more. To give your productions tremendous flexibility, the HPX500 records in over 32 HD and SD formats. The camcorder records on re-usable, removable P2 cards. With Panasonic’s new 16GB P2 card and HPX500′s four P2 slots, the camera records for 68 minutes of DVCPRO HD; 136 minutes of DVCPRO 50; and 272 minutes of DVCPRO.
• Records in 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p; in 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p; and in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV
• Excellent low-light performance and a high sensitivity of F10
• Equipped with eight gamma modes, including CineGamma, for different shooting situations
• Like the AJ-HDC27 VariCam camera, variable frame rates in 11 steps between 12p and 60p allows undercranking/overcranking for fast- or slow-motion effects
• Users have immediate access to P2 content with clip thumbnail view and advanced recording features including hot swapping, loop record, shot-marking, pre-record functions (three seconds in HD and seven seconds in SD), one-shot and interval.
• Key interfaces include IEEE 1394, USB 2.0, HD SDI/SDI, genlock, built-in SMPTE time code, independent TC-IN/TC-OUT terminals, composite video, analog component and four audio XLR inputs
• 4-position Neural Density filter
• Low power consumption of 22 watts (when 3.5″ LCD monitor and 1.5″ viewfinder are in use)
• 3.5″ color LCD screen (with image flip function) located at rear of the camera
• Chromatic Aberration Compensation function allows the camera to automatically compensate the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration and minimize the circumjacent blur.
• Remote controllable with AJ-RC10G (via 10-pin RCU terminal)
The above information taken from Panasonic AG HPX-500 site
Panasonic HVX200 Camera Accessories
Century’s Pro Series offers professional lens accessories designed to help you go wider, reach further, and move in closer than the lens on your HVX200 allows. Most of Century’s accessories interface directly with the bayonet mount at the front of the lens so mounting and removing is quick and easy.
For more information visit Schneider Optics
16GB P2 card from Panasonic
Panasonic announced today 16GB P2 card for the price tag of $900.00. P2 solid state memory card offers recording capacity comparable to and often greater than tape and disc-based media, but with no-moving-parts reliability.Panasonic’s P2 card is a PCMCIA compatible plug-in card based on ultra-reliable, solid-state memory, integrating four high-performance SD cards like those now used in digital still cameras, and packaged in a rugged, die-cast frame that weighs only 0.099 lbs (45 grams). This convenient card has four times the capacity and four times the transfer speed of a single SD card. The P2 card is reusable and connects instantly with laptops and major non-linear editing systems to eliminate the time-consuming task of digitizing.
The re-usable P2 card is resistant to impact, vibration, shock, dust and environmental extremes including temperature changes.
Recording time on a single 16GB P2 card:
- 16 minutes in DVCPRO HD
- 40 minutes in DVCPRO HD at 24pN
- 32 minutes in DVCPRO50
- 64 minutes in DVCPRO
For 16GB P2 card record times for current P2 models, please click here.
Compatibility
The AG-HPX500 is compatible with the 16GB P2 card. The AG-HVX200 and AJ-PCD20 with serial numbers beginning with E7xxx0001 or higher, are compatible with the 16GB P2 card.
All other P2 HD and P2 models will require a free, firmware upgrade that can be downloaded and performed by the user, or performed by Panasonic for a fee.
For 16GB P2 card compatibility information, please click here.
To download free firmware upgrades for your P2 product, please click here.