Panasonic AG-HPX300 P2 HD, first affordable 4:2:2 10-bit HD camcorder

Captures in single frame AVC-Intra at 2.2 native megapixels and variable frame rate. It can be used for both ENG and study.

Both for work on the shoulder and in the studio, Panasonic has launched the AG-HPX300 P2 HD camcorder on the market at a price below 9,000 euros. Capturing AVC-Intra 4:2:2 at 10 bit and native 2.2 megapixels, its imager incorporates advanced three 1/3" 2.2 megapixel MOS technology to acquire images with native fully HD resolution. With a redesigned optical block and high-precision prism fusion technology, these advanced imagers provide exceptional image quality by minimizing any glare or chromatic aberration.

The new AG-HPX can record in AVC-Intra, AVC-Intra 50, DVCPRO HD and standard definition (DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV), and in AVC-Intra 100 and 50 mode it can work with native 24p/30p modes in Full HD with HD-SDI output.

In studio configuration, the HPX300 can also be used as a studio camera, being equipped with a remote control terminal (RCU) for use with the optional AJ-RC10G remote control unit and compatible studio remote control systems. Later this year, Panasonic will launch a custom studio setup system for the HPX300 that will include the AG-BS300 base station, AG-EC4 control extension unit (ECU) and AG-CA300 camera remote control adapter.

At just over three and a half kilos, it is a camcorder with a lightweight, well-balanced design, with an ergonomic handle and with all volume controls and card slots on the left side for easy access. The HPX300 is equipped with a 1,226,000-dot LCOS widescreen color image finder and a 3.2-inch, 921,000-dot widescreen LCD color monitor. In terms of consumption: quite an achievement, just 18w.

The AG-HPX300 P2 HD is sold with a Fujinon 17x lens, although it can work with any interchangeable lens.