Panasonic & The 'Cost-Effective Camera'

For smaller studios whose projects are held up by continuing budget restrictions, the notion of a hi-end, quality camera system which can produce results yet go easy on the purse strings is always going to be appealing.
The AK-HC3800 studio EFP camera promises “high-quality images with a high-sensitivity 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel IT 3CCD and a newly developed 38 bit DSP (internal video processing circuit) with 16 bit A/D converter.”
It can operate under various image quality adjustment functions, which include image quality compensation functions such as a chromatic aberration compensation (CAC) and scene file settings, in addition to the dynamic range stretch (DRS). Perhaps most significantly, the AK-HC3800 can be combined with the AK-HCU200 Camera Control Unit and AK-HRP200 Compact Operation Panel. Panasonic calls it “a cost-effective easy-to-use optical fibre transmission studio camera system.”
The camera and camera control unit are also able to be connected to facilitate long-distance transmission of video signals over approximately 1,000 metres when power is supplied from the camera control unit.
The camera control unit and remote operation panel are connected by a dedicated cable. Panasonic say future support will allow a LAN cable to be used for an IP connection of these units.
The specs for the AK-HC3800 are as follows:
- The 2/3-type 2.2-megapixel 3CCD camera system offers F12 (2000 lx) sensitivity, low smear, and an excellent S/N ratio of 60 dB (at 59.94 Hz).
- Switchable between 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i HD formats for worldwide use
- The newly developed 16 bit A/D converter and a 38 bit digital signal processing circuit ensure high-quality image processing.
- The DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch) function suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights.
- The Film Rec Gamma and Scan Reverse functions provide powerful support in digital cinema production.
- Features an internal digital extender (x2 magnification)
- 12-axis colour correction, detail, skin tone detail and matrix adjustment
- An SD Memory Card can be used for firmware version up.
Keen to illustrate the budget-friendly nature of this new release, Panasonic have pointed out that the newly developed AK-HC3800 Studio Handy Camera is equipped with a high-sensitivity, 2/3-type 2.2-megapixel 3CCD and a 16 bit A/D image processing circuit.
“By using the AK-HC3800 together with the AK-HCU200 Camera Control Unit and AK-HRP200G Remote Operation Panel that are being released at the same time, an optical fibre transmission studio camera system can be configured at a low cost,” a statement from the company says.
The optical fibre transmission supports uncompressed video signals over a distance of approximately 1.000m between the camera and camera control unit. It is also compact and lightweight, measuring 2U in height and is rack-mountable.
Also furthering Panasonic's push for value for money is the AK-HVF70E; a 17.8cm LCD colour viewfinder which boasts low power consumption despite high resolution and assist functions like focus-in-red and pixel-to-pixel.
Unveiled at this year's BVE was the AG-HPX600 low-power camera recorder, branded as 'future-proof' by Panasonic due to its ability to be upgraded as functionality becomes available.
The camera comes with options such as wireless metadata input, proxy recording, variable frame rates and AVC ULTRA recording.
The HPX600 also features wireless and wired connection ability with Wi-Fi, USB and Gigabit Ethernet.
A Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function has been added to compensate for variations in lighting and its flash band detection and compensation software eliminates this effect.
Nigel Wilkes, Group Manager of PSCEU UK & Ireland, Professional Camera Solutions, said: “The lightweight design and low power consumption of the AG-HPX600 make it the first shoulder mount that’s both easy on the shoulder and energy efficient. “With its innovative lightweight design and upgradeable options, the AG-HPX600 can evolve with the pace of new technology and is an incredibly flexible and cost-effective solution for our customers.”
Aisling Magill, Product Marketing Specialist at of PSCEU UK & Ireland, Professional Camera Solutions added “Panasonic recently launched a AG-HPX600 promo package that offers excellent expandability and future-proof upgradeability, it includes AVC-Intra recording (AVC-ULTRA upgradable) and features software keys to unlock additional functionality such as proxy recording, network functions, uplink support and a variable frame rate, this expandable system lets you add only the functions you need, offering a cost-effective solution for numerous and diverse applications. And if you purchase the package soon you could be rewarded with a free 4th generation iPad as a wireless playlist editing solution."
Panasonic announced on 21 May that for a limited time they are rewarding pro end-users purchasing a Panasonic AG-HPX600 Promotional Package from a participating dealer with a free Apple iPad with Retina display Wi-Fi 32GB - Black (4th generation). Customers are advised to contact their local dealer for information and availability.
business.panasonic.co.uk
(IT/CD)