Panasonic will debut the new AK-HC3500A studio camera at IBC 2013

An improved version of the previous AK-HC3500 model, the new camera will support 1080/24p and 25p formats and, through an internal 38-bit digital processor (DSP), will offer various image enhancement functions, such as the DRS dynamic range extension function, or the various cinema-style gamma curves (Film-Like 1/2/3, Video-Rec or Film-Rec).

Panasonic will present its new AK-HC3500A studio camera for the first time at IBC 2013, along with a series of optional accessories that will be available from September 2013.

Designed as an improved version of the previous model AK-HC3500, the new AK-HC3500A studio camera incorporates a 2/3 and 2.2 million pixel 3CCD IT pickup device, offering a high sensitivity of F11 (in 1080/50i format). Furthermore, the camera offers an S/N ratio of 60dB and high image quality thanks to the spatial pixel shift technology and the newly developed 16-bit A/D converter.

Using an internal 38-bit digital processor (DSP), the AK-HC3500A offers various image enhancement functions, such as the DRS dynamic range extension function, or the various cinema-style gamma curves (Film-Like 1/2/3, Video-Rec or Film-Rec). The new AK-HC3500A supports 1080/25p, 1080/29.97p and 1080/23.98P formats, in addition to 1080/50i and 1080/59.94i interlaced formats. Thanks to these new features, the AK-HC3500A becomes an excellent tool for television series production.

The new camera's studio setup is completed with the AK-HCU355A Camera Control Unit and the AK-HRP935A Remote Control Panel, which make up a high-end studio system. Thus, uncompressed high definition signals can be sent via fiber optic cable, allowing a distance of up to two kilometers between the camera and the CCU. The CCU supports 4 return signals (HD/SD-SDI) and 2 intercom lines, and is capable of supplying power to the camera.

The system is compatible with the AK-HVF70G studio viewfinder, a compact and lightweight 7-inch LCD monitor, currently available for Panasonic's other studio camera model, the AK-HC3800.

Kunihiko Miyagi, director of Panasonic's Imaging Business Division, said: "Both the AK-HC3800, which stands out for its excellent quality-price ratio, and the renewed AK-HC3500A, offer the highest image quality thanks to the 16-bit A/D converter, allowing us to meet the needs of the diverse users of Panasonic studio systems. In the future we will expand our range of remote camera systems and mixers, and we will to strengthen the portability of cameras to offer convenient live video production solutions.”

The AK-HC3500A will be available in September 2013, coinciding with IBC 2013 in Amsterdam.