2.2M 2/3" 3-CCDs Team with AVC-Intra to Delivers Near D-5 HD Quality Images

Here at NAB, Panasonic revealed its new AJ-HPX3000, a five-slot P2 HD camcorder capable of producing full-raster 1920 x 1080 high definition images, the highest HD recording quality in a one-piece camcorder.

With its built-in AVC-Intra intra-frame compression, the AJ-HPX3000 shoulder-mount camcorder can produce near D-5 HD recording quality, in addition to offering industry-standard DVCPRO50/ HD content compatibility for high-end productions including episodic television, filmmaking and commercial production.

The ultra-premium AJ-HPX3000 uses three high-density 2.2-million-pixel CCDs, 14-bit A/D conversion and has 12-pole matrix color correction function to produce stunning 4:2:2, 10-bit 1920 x 1080 HD images. Its AVC-Intra recording capability comes standard and is offered in two switchable modes ‘100Mbps mode for near D-5 HD quality and 50Mbps for shooting situations where superior HD quality is required but high bandwidth efficiency is a key consideration. The camera is 60/50-Hz switchable for use around the world and offers superb 1080 recordings in DVCPRO HD in 30p, 60i, 50i and at 24p (over 60i) and 25p (over 50i), as well as SD recording in DVCPRO50.

Equipped with five P2 card slots and flip-out, 3.5-inch color LCD monitor, this P2 HD camcorder combines high performance with the functionality of highly-reliable, solid-state P2 technology ‘ including no moving parts like tape or disc-based systems, immediate access to recorded digital content and an overall faster IT-based workflow. Using five 16GB P2 cards, professionals have extended recording time of 200 minutes in AVC-Intra 50 at native 1080/24pN, 80 minutes in AVC-Intra 100 for 1080/60i, 50i, 30pN and 25pN, and 80 minutes in DVCPRO HD. Recording time will double with the release of Panasonic’s 32GB P2 card at year’s end.

The AJ-HPX3000’s superb performance is assured by innovative picture-enhancing technologies. A Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) function compensates for registration errors and minimizes lateral chromatic aberration in lenses. A variety of advanced gamma settings, including VariCam’s noted Film-Rec mode, provides filmmakers great versatility when shooting. The AJ-HPX3000 achieves a high F10 sensitivity at 2,000 lx (at 1080i) and a minimum illumination of .064 lx (at +56db gain-up).

The AJ-HPX3000 comes standard with professional input/output options including industry-standard IT interfaces such as IEEE 1394A for high-speed file transfer, line recordings and uploading to nonlinear editing systems. Additional features such as genlock input for HD Tri-Level Sync or VBS input use, SMPTE time code, 2-wheel optical filters (ND and CC) and an optional HD/SD-SDI input for external line recording make the AJ-HPX3000 a very flexible solution for professionals looking to benefit from the efficiencies of a solid-state IT-based workflow while mastering with high-quality, full HD content.

The camera’s P2 HD technology brings key operational benefits including instant recording startup, clip thumbnail view for immediate access to video content on all cards, and a host of recording modes including continuous, card selector, hot swapping, loop-record, pre-record, one-shot and interval. For added convenience, scene file, programmable user buttons, user menu and focus assist functions are also included.

P2 HD core products offer solid-state high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and interoperability with leading NLE systems.

The AJ-HPX3000 will be available in September 2007 at a suggested list price of $48,000 including a 5-year limited warranty program.