New proposals from Panasonic in camcorders and integrated cameras

Panasonic will launch the AW-HE60S, AW-HE60H and AW-HE2 high-definition integrated cameras, and the AK-HC3800 EFP studio camera, later this year. In addition, the innovative AG-HPX600 camcorder will be on the market at the end of the month.

Panasonic has taken a new step to establish itself as a top-level alternative in studio capture with the presentation of the new AK-HC3800. This EFP camera offers excellent value for money in terms of operability and control, ensuring high-quality images thanks to the high-sensitivity 2.2 million 3CCD, 16-bit A/D converter and newly developed 38-bit DSP.

It incorporates several image quality adjustment functions, such as chromatic aberration compensation (CAC), scene file selection, or dynamic range extension (DRS). With the AK-HCU200 camera control unit (CCU), and the AK-HRP200G remote operation panel (ROP), an image transmission and camera control system can be configured via fiber optics. The new system will support control via IP to make the control of several cameras more flexible.

Additionally, a new 17.8 cm (7-inch) LCD viewfinder, the AK-HVF70G, will be available. Thanks to its simplicity and compact size, it can be used in both studios and EFP applications. The studio system set consisting of AK-HC3800, AK-HCU200, AK-HRP200G and AK-HVF70G will be available at the end of the year.

Stream video from anywhere

Having announced their collaboration at IBC 2011, Panasonic Professional Camera Solutions and LiveU, the pioneer of portable video solutions over mobile networks, have taken a step forward. LiveU has unveiled the LU40 model, a video transmitter enabled for Panasonic's new AG-HPX600 camcorder.

Thanks to the LU40 transmitter, the solution allows you to send live video images over mobile telephone networks. The LU40 communicates with the HPX600 camera, giving the operator an indication of both the status and quality of the transmission in real time.

Integrated cameras

Panasonic has just increased its portfolio of integrated cameras, so popularized by the manufacturer in the production of reality shows, as a support camera or as the main one on typically 24-hour news sets.

The brand now has integrated HD cameras, the AW-HE60S/H and the AW-HE2. The AW-HE60S and AW-HE60H allow image monitoring via IP. From a conventional computer connected to the network, it is possible to reproduce the IP image of the camera, in addition to controlling the parameters and movement of the camera. In fact, there can be up to 14 terminals connected to each camera.

Both camera models are equipped with a 1/3-inch Full-HD MOS sensor and an 18x optical zoom lens. The cameras can offer both HD and SD signals. In addition, they incorporate automatic image quality improvement functions, such as the DRS function to extend the dynamic range of the image, with a better response to both highlights and shadow areas, or the digital hybrid noise reduction function (Hybrid DNR) that suppresses possible residual images in poorly lit scenes.

It is noteworthy that both cameras are also equipped with an infrared “night mode” to capture images at night or in dark areas. They also incorporate pan/tilt mechanisms with a rotation angle of ±175 degrees in panoramic and between 90 and -30 degrees in inclination. On the other hand, up to 100 AW-HE60S and HE60H cameras can be controlled via IP from the AW-RP50 remote control panel. The AW-HE60S and AW-HE60H cameras will be available at the end of the year.

Another alternative is the AW-HE2 model, an integrated HD camera for fixed positions that incorporates a 14 megapixel MOS sensor of size 1/2.33 inch and ultra-high resolution technology that extends the zoom range to 2x. Image cropping functions allow electronic control of pan, tilt and zoom. The camera can be controlled remotely from the AW-RP50 panel, offers an HDMI output and supports different HD/SD output formats, including 1080p progressive mode. The AW-HE2 will be available next December.