Panasonic unveils its new 4K camcorder AG-DVX200

Capture wide dynamic range at 4K resolutions but with the versatility of a handheld camera and the features of high-end models, including 4K/60p recording, 13X optical zoom, and a V-Log L gamma curve with 12 latitude steps.

As expected, Panasonic has taken advantage of its presence at NAB 2015 to launch the new AG-DVX200 4K camera. With a large 4/3” sensor, the innovative AG-DVX200 is a handheld model with features typical of high-end models, including 4K/60p recording, 13X optical zoom and a V-Log L gamma curve with 12 latitude steps.

This camera provides a great depth of field and a wide field of view, making it an ideal device to operate both as a complement to Panasonic's extraordinary VariCam 35 4K camera, as well as in independent film and documentary productions, or as a tool for videographers specialized in documenting social or corporate events.

Panasonic has designed the AG-DVX200 for 4K/HD productions, so it shares features of the VariCam family such as filmic tonality and colorimetry, a subtle and natural reproduction of skin tones and a V-Log curve that emulates the natural grayscale interpretation of the VariCam 35. The camcorder incorporates a recently developed large 4/3" MOS type sensor and offers a variable rate recording of up to 120fps in FHD, which will be very useful for sports recording and special effects production.

Leica Dicomar 4K lens

The camcorder features a new Leica Dicomar 4K F2.8 ~ F4.5 zoom lens (4K/24p: 29.5mm ~ 384.9mm, HD: 28mm ~ 365.3mm, 35mm equivalent), capable of capturing images with an elegant and subtle “bokeh” effect, in addition to minimizing the appearance of chromatic aberrations and effects such as “ghosting” and unwanted reflections.

This lens allows manual control of the zoom, focus and iris rings, resulting in very comfortable operation, similar to that of an interchangeable lens camera. Thanks to this, the cameraman will achieve a feeling of solidity and softness to achieve ultra-slow and delicate close-ups.

The AG-DVX200 integrates a sophisticated image stabilization system to ensure sharp images free of blur, as well as a micro-focus unit that optimizes focusing speed and performance to ensure optimal results in 4K.

Great versatility

The AG-DVX200 camcorder provides a wide variety of recording options: 4K (4096 × 2160) / 24p, UHD (3840 × 2160) / HD (1920 × 1080) 60P/50P/30P/25P/24p in both MP4 or MOV formats. To facilitate the work of professionals working in different countries, the camera features a useful frame rate selection function between 59.94 Hz (23.98 Hz) / 50.00 Hz / 24.00 Hz.

The design somewhat emulates that of the AG-DVX100, a camera that set a trend for its ergonomics and robustness. For example, the battery is located at the back so as not to interfere during handheld recording. Its finish, with a resistant black carbon fiber-type texture, contrasts with the recording section in a distinctive carmine red.

The camcorder also features timecode IN/OUT terminals, 3G HD-SDI and HDMI 2.0 (4K) video outputs, easy focus and zoom functions, plus a variety of user-programmable buttons. In addition, it integrates two slots for SD memory cards (SD, SDHC and SDXC) to facilitate recording backups and streaming content.

P2 Cast

Panasonic has also advanced at NAB 2015 some details of its cloud-based production system that allows creating networks between AVC-Ultra cameras. Users can immediately upload content to the cloud for review and editing with qualities from AVC-LongG12 to AVC Intra Class100. This solution is already being tested by numerous broadcasters around the world. In line with this project, Panasonic has strengthened its collaboration with LiveU to increase the possibilities of contribution on 3G/4G mobile networks

Cameras for multiple applications

At NAB 2015, Panasonic presents four innovative models ranging from the portable AJ-PX380 AVC-ULTRA for recording and broadcasting news, the 4K AK-UB300 for multiple outdoor uses and the AK-UC3000 in 4K and AK-HC5000 in HD for studio.

An innovative launch from Panasonic during NAB 2015 is the AJ-PX380 portable, shoulder-mount camcorder with AVC-ULTRA technology that offers full networking features and a dual recording codec, making it an ideal tool for demanding news production work.

Panasonic's AVC-ULTRA multi-codec delivers master quality and/or 10-bit low-bit-rate, with 4:2:2 HD recording to meet a wide variety of user needs, from mastering to broadcast.

The AJ-PX380 records in AVC-LongG for sending content to air directly from the location and for workflows when using content transferred over the Internet. The camera offers three different AVC-LongG bit-rates: AVC-LongG50/25 in 10-bit, 4:2:2 quality at a bit-rate of approximately 50/25 Mbps and the most economical, AVC-LongG12, optimized for wireless workflows in the field.

The camera integrates network functions to work with wired LAN, wireless LAN and 4G/LTE connections, which allow streaming transmission and uploading data to a server quickly, easily and at low cost through a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Users will also be able to connect to the camera via WiFi to control, add or edit metadata, view proxies, or view a live stream for monitoring or register to view. In addition, it has a quality of service (QoS) layer that adjusts the data transfer rate according to the available connection, so it uses less bandwidth if coverage is low, which ensures that the streaming quality is always the best possible, a very useful function when using cellular telephone networks.

The AJ-PX380 includes a “Record during Data Upload” function to allow automatic transfer of previously recorded content to an FTP server, meaning that it is possible to continue recording new content, even while uploading video to said FTP. The camcorder is also compatible with the P2 Remote Operation Panel (ROP) app to control it wirelessly from an iPad and modify its settings or operate many of its functions (the app is available for free in the Apple App Store).

Weighing just 2.8 kilos, this camcorder features high-sensitivity, low-noise 1/3" 3-MOS sensors to produce stunning images, even in low-light conditions. With the flexibility of an interchangeable lens, the PX380 can be used with 1/3" to 2/3 lens adapters to use 2/3" zoom lenses. The AJ-PX380 features a wide range of recording modes, including formats 100 Mbps AVC-Intra, up to 1080/60p, 50p.

The camera integrates two slots for microP2 memory cards, one for P2 cards and one more for SD cards. Its connection interfaces include an HDMI output, HD/SD-SDI In/Out, 3G-SDI output for 1080p/60 video, Genlock In/Video Out for multi-camera operation, timecode In/Out, USB 2.0 and USB 2.0.

The AJ-PX380 will be available to coincide with IBC 2015 and will include a Fujinon 17x lens and the AG-CVF15 color LCD viewfinder.

AK-UB300

The 4K camera model AK-UB300 is a multipurpose device that can be used in mobile studios, for weather or traffic information, image enlargement or for applications in different sports. The AK-UB300 is equipped with a 1” MOS sensor that generates a UHD signal of up to 3,840x2,160/59.94p/50p with simultaneous HD output capability (up to 1,080/59.94p/50p).

This camera uses 2/3 inch lenses with high sensitivity (F10/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB) and dynamic range measured at 600% (-6dB ~ 36dB). This model is compatible with the Panasonic line of pan-tilt motion and support systems for indoor and outdoor use.

Streaming video transmission can be done in various forms, formats and speeds. From four channels in H.264 or JPEG streaming and up to 10 simultaneous cameras in IP-Live mode.

Study

Panasonic has expanded its range of studio cameras with two additions: the AK-UC3000 and AK-HC5000 4K system, with quality up to 1080p in 239.76p/200p.

Enfocada para los estudios y producciones que requieren altos niveles de funcionalidad a un precio asequible, el versátil sistema AK-UC3000 cuenta con un sensor que genera tanto una señal UHD de hasta 3840/2160/60p, como una imagen de gran calidad en HD. El montaje tipo B4 permite acoplar la gama de lentes de 2/3”, lo que optimiza la inversión al facilitar el uso de los lentes y filtros existentes.

The AK-HC5000 system is very fast, high resolution, capable of delivering a 1080/200p signal, so it will become Panasonic's flagship model for studio use. The camera incorporates new 2/3″ 2.2M 3-CMOS type sensors with high sensitivity (F11/2000lx), low noise level (S/N 60dB +) and resolution of 1,100 television lines.

Finally, note that Panasonic is collaborating with NewTek to offer full interoperability between the AW-HE130 PTZ and TriCaster systems. Tricaster supports IP control over these multipurpose cameras, accepting direct IP streaming from them.
Como curiosidad, Panasonic ha adelantado que reforzará su presencia en el mercado de las camera action con el lanzamiento de la diminuta HX-A1 que apenas pesa 45 gramos.