Cameras: News and Updates

Panasonic Announces Pricing, Delivery for AK-HC3800 HD Studio Camera System

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Dec 19, 2012, 07:25

Panasonic has announced system pricing and initial delivery date for its new AK-HC3800 studio camera system, featuring three high-sensitivity 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel IT CCD sensors and a next-generation, 38-bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with 16-bit A/D converter.

The AK-HC3800 and AK-HCU200, AK-HRP200G and AK-HVF70G system components will be available in December with suggested list prices of $30,500, $14,650, $2,455 and $6,995, respectively. The combined suggested list price of under $55,000 makes the HC3800 the most cost-effective studio camera in its class.  

This compact, eight-pound camera incorporates features designed to maximize video production quality and workflow productivity, including chromatic aberration compensation (CAC), comprehensive scene file settings, and a sophisticated implementation of Panasonic's exclusive dynamic range stretch (DRS). The new AK-HCU200 camera control unit (CCU), in combination with the new AK-HRP200G remote operation panel (ROP), delivers cost-effective, high-grade uncompressed video and control via optical fiber. IP control will also be supported with a free firmware upgrade scheduled for release before NAB 2013.  A small, lightweight 7” LCD studio viewfinder, the AK-HVF70G, completes the basic system for high-quality studio and EFP image acquisition.

The AK-HC3800 studio camera achieves a high sensitivity of F11 at 59.94Hz (2,000 lx) and an S/N ratio of 60dB. High definition formats can be switched to allow worldwide use at 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i. The newly-developed 16-bit A/D and 38-bit DSP incorporate Spatial Offset Technology, and an advanced single transfer system provides a high resolution picture (1,100 lines) with less moiré and a vertical smear level less than -130dB. Output of 720/59.94p video will also be supported by the pre-NAB, no-charge firmware upgrade.

The camera's DRS function reduces the blocked shadows and blown highlights in scenes where bright and dark objects coexist, and its CAC function compensates for chromatic aberration at the lens periphery. The low-profile head and low main body design are ergonomically designed for comfortable operation and provide an unobstructed view to the camera operator's right-hand side. The HC3800 is equipped with the Film Rec Gamma function adapted from Panasonic's renowned VariCam HD camera models, and with a Scan Reverse function for cinema lens adaptors. The HC3800 also features an internal digital extender (x2 magnification).

The AK-HCU200 CCU, rack-mountable, lightweight and measuring 2U in height, has two HD/SD-SDI OUT channels and two additional HD/SD-SDI OUT channels that can be used in conjunction with the picture monitor outs. For return video inputs, the CCU is equipped with two HD/SDSDI channels and one VBS (analog composite video) channel. A down converter is also incorporated and an aspect ratio of an HD/SD-SDI OUT can be selected from Letterbox, Crop or Squeeze. Embedded audio is supported for HD/SD-SDI output, and prompter input is provided.

The AK-HCU200 and the AK-HC3500 can be connected via SMPTE 311 hybrid fiber cable over a distance of up to 1000 meters to provide uncompressed video, control, and camera power over a single compound cable.

The compact, 2.9-pound AK-HRP200 remote operation panel provides precise, rapid, and comprehensive control of the HC3800's powerful capabilities.  Scene files, user files and lens files can be stored on SD-HC memory cards. Currently, the HRP200 and HCU200 connect via optional serial cables (e.g. ROP-50M) at a distance of up to 50 meters. The free system firmware upgrade available before NAB 2013 will add IP control communication between the ROP and HCU200, and will also permit the ROP to set-up and control Panasonic PTZ cameras such as the AW-HE120 via IP.

The newly-developed AK-HVF70 7” color LCD compact studio viewfinder delivers superb picture quality with native SWVGA (1,024 x 600 pixels) panel resolution. It is equipped with dedicated controls for contrast, brightness and peaking adjustment, as well as user selectable controls. The compact EVF features a "Focus in Red" function, which highlights the edges of an object in red, and a "Pixel-to-Pixel" function, which allows the selected video to be displayed without resizing. 

Resources:

www.panasonic.com/broadcast