Feb 19, 2009 - 9:27:58 AM -
Panasonic has really outdone themselves with this new AG-HPX301E HD Camcorder. With it's 10 bit 4:2:2 frame and 2.2 megapixel imager. This is welcome to many videophiles and should be an exciting camcorder to use.
Incorporating an innovative, low
profile shoulder mounted design, the 1/3” AG-HPX301E P2 HD camcorder
offers the flexibility of interchangeable lens but comes standard with
a 17x HD Fujinon lens.
The AG-HPX301E imager incorporates advanced 1/3”
2.2-megapixel 3-MOS technology to acquire full native resolution HD
images. With a redesigned optical block and a high-precision prism
bonding technology, these advanced 3-MOS imagers provide exceptional
image quality while minimizing any flare and chromatic aberration. A
new 20-bit digital signal processor (DSP) also enhances the HPX301E’s
image performance. The solid-state 1/3” HPX301E offers the security of
a five-year warranty program (1 year + 4 additional years with
registration), ultimate quality and flexibility in an affordable,
full-size HD camcorder.
“The HPX301E establishes a new benchmark for
performance within this price range” said Nela Pertl, European Provideo
Product Manager at Panasonic Professional & IT Systems Europe
(PBITS). “It not only captures full native 1920 x 1080 HD resolution,
but it allows professionals to record at a quality level that no other
camcorder in this price range can equal. Superseding the compromise of
8-bit, long GOP, 4:2:0 recording, the HPX301E provides master-quality,
10bit, 4:2:2 individual frame capture using our award winning AVC-Intra
codec. Video professionals will immediately realize that this camera is
in a field of its own.”
Delivering the impressive quality of AVC-Intra 100 and
AVC-Intra 50, the HPX301E also records individual frame images in
100Mbps DVCPRO HD and in standard definition in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and
DV, which provides faster workflow and less degradation in
multigenerational rendering.
The AVC-Intra 100 and 50 codecs let you record in a
choice of HD video formats like Pal and NTSC frequencies. Moreover, it
records also in SD frequencies in interlinear and progressive mode. The
camera also supports 1080/23.98PsF output (via HD-SDI) for use in
high-end movie production. The output of the camera can be set for down
conversion or cross-conversion with letterbox, 4:3 crop or squeeze.
The HPX301E’s interchangeable lens design gives video
pros the flexibility to utilize a wide range of broadcast and
production HD lenses. The camera is equipped with numerous popular
features including Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) to maximize
lens performance, built-in scan reverse for use with film lenses, a
Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function to help compensate for wide
variations in lighting, a waveform and vector scope display, and two
focus assist functions – a picture expanding function and a focus bar.
For added creative flexibility, the HPX301E also has
variable frame rate functions for creating fast and slow motion
effects. In 720p mode, a user can choose between 20 variable frame
steps between 12p and 60p. Because the HPX301E records images at the
frame rate set in the camera, users can preview the speed effect right
on the spot, without using a frame rate converter. When working with
the camera’s advanced 1080/480 24pA mode, users have the option of
using 2:3:3:2 pull down, which allows most nonlinear editing systems to
easily extract 24 frames on ingest.
Equipped with two P2 card slots and new 64GB P2 cards,
the HPX301E offers recording capacity that exceeds that of tape based
camcorders. The HPX301E offers all the benefits of a faster, file-based
P2 HD workflow including recording features like instant recording
startup, clip thumbnail view for immediate access to video content on
all cards, and a host of time-saving recording modes including
continuous recording, card slot selection, hot swapping, loop,
pre-record (three seconds in HD and seven seconds in SD), one-shot and
interval recording. The camera also features an SD memory card slot for
saving or loading scene files and user settings, or proxy data
(optional AJ-YAX800G Proxy board required).
The HPX301E has advanced gamma functions offering six
shooting scenarios, including the popular Cine-Like Gamma modes found
on Panasonic’s popular VariCam camera, which gives recordings the
characteristic warm tone of film recordings. A scene file dial on the
side of the camera provides quick access to six pre-loaded settings;
the dial can also be programmed with user-defined settings.
The camera’s interfaces include two SDI outputs
(switchable between HD/SD-SDI output), video output (down-converted SD
video only), IEEE 1394, USB 2.0 interface compatible with host mode,
time code input/output (with built-in SMPTE time code
generator/reader). Additional features include, Genlock input,
4-position ND optical filter controls, DC power input, color bar
switch, three XLR audio jacks (one in the front, two on the rear),
wireless microphone slot (2-channel UniSlot wireless receiver
compatible) and programmable user buttons.
The HPX301E can also be used as a studio camera. It is
equipped with a remote control terminal (RCU) for use with the optional
AJ-RC10G Remote Control Unit and compatible studio remote control
systems.
At eight pounds, the HPX301E’s lightweight,
well-balanced design and ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use.
All operation switches, volume controls and card slots are on the left
side for easier operation. The HPX301E is equipped with a widescreen
1,226,000-dot LCOS color viewfinder and a widescreen 921,000-dot
3.2-inch LCD color monitor. Its power consumption is low at only 18
watts.
The HPX301E will be available in March at a suggested list price of 9.500 € RRP.
