Overview
(AG-AC120)
AG-AC120, which incorporate high-sensitivity 1/3
type, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3MOS imagers to capture native 1920 x
1080 resolution images, with a new, wider 21X HD zoom lens.
Key new features include two SD card slots for relay or
simultaneous recording, compatibility with high-capacity SDXC
media, and DV recording. The higher-end AC160 includes such top
production features including variable frame rate recording in
1080p, Linear PCM audio, HD SDI output, and switchability between
59.94Hz/50Hz.
“These new AVCCAM handhelds offer the longer lensing that
customers have been clamouring for in a small form factor with
state-of-the art, high-bandwidth AVCCAM, Panasonic’s
implementation of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high-profile encoding,”
said Jan Crittenden Livingston, Product Manager, Panasonic
Solutions Company. “In addition, the AC160 adds the creative
flexibility of Full HD off-speed recording and an HD SDI
out.”
The AVCCAM camera recorders’ Full HD resolution imager
produces stunning 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 AVCHD video at high
sensitivity. Because the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec provides a doubling
of bandwidth efficiency and improved video performance over the
older MPEG-2 compression-based formats, recordings look clean and
crisp, even during fast motion, without image degradation or
dropouts. Utilising a 21X zoom lens with three independent
adjustable rings for zoom, focus and iris, these new AVCCAM units
offer a wide 28mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle, covering most
shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion
lens.
The AC160/130 record video in four professional AVCCAM HD recording
modes, including the highest-quality PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max
24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the extended recording HE
mode (approx. 6 Mbps) and a PM mode (less than 10 Mbps, 720p only),
which is ideal for shooting sports training and web video.
These latest AVCCAM camera recorders are among the first to enjoy
the benefits of advanced SDXC media card compatibility in addition
to existing SDHC card support. SDXC is the newest SD memory card
specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB and up to
2TB. With two SD slots for continuous recording, the AC 160/130 can
record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode, with
automatic clip spanning across the two cards. The two slots can
also be utilized for simultaneous recording.
At 50Hz, the camera recorders support the following HD formats in
PH mode: 1080/50i and 1080/25p, in 720/50p and 720/25p,; in HA and
HE modes, they record in 1080/50i; and in standard definition DV,
they record 576/50i and 576/25p. At 60Hz, the AC 160 also records
in 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98pN, 720/59.94p, 720/29.97p,
720/23.98pN and in 480/59.94i, 480/29.97p, 480/23.98p.
The AC160 offers variable frame rate capability in 1080/23.98p,
29.97p and 25p, providing users the cinematic expression of
higher-end cameras which support undercranking / overcranking for
fast or slow-motion effects. The AC160/130 include such desirable
professional features as time code/UB recording; time/date stamp;
and two wired remote control terminals (for zoom, focus, iris, REC
start/stop controls). The camera recorder’s lens system
offers useful functions including Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
for smooth stable shooting and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which
helps compensate for wide variations in lighting.
Standard professional interfaces include an HD SDI output (AC 160
only), HDMI output (AVCHD only), USB 2.0 (mini B-type), IEEE 1394
output (DV only), and a built-in stereo microphone. The camera
recorders feature two locking XLR inputs with switches for
mic/line, two RCA audio outputs, and +48V Phantom Power capability.
The AC160 records two channels of LPCM audio in the PH and DV
modes, and Dolby Digital in all HD modes. The AC120 records two
channels of Dolby Digital in all modes.
The AVCCAM handhelds offers useful solid-state recording functions
including pre-record, interval recording, shot marker and metadata
capture. Additional features include waveform and vectorscope
display, focus assists, auto focus with face detection, white
balance, mode display, zebra display, colour bar, tally lamps,
4-position ND optical filter controls, slow shutter and
synchro-scan shutter functions, a multi-language menu, and three
programmable user buttons. A wireless remote is also included.
For editing or playback, professionals can transfer content by
inserting the SD Card into Mac or PC computers or by connecting the
camera directly via its USB 2.0 interface. Panasonic recently
announced AVCCAM Importer software, a QuickTime plug-in component
that eliminates the need to convert AVCHD files to ProRES422 files
before editing in Final Cut Pro that will be available this summer
as a free download from the company’s web
site. |
