WEVA NEWS MINUTE: Panasonic's HVX200 Up Close
February 13, 2006
Secaucus, NJ - Billed as the worlds first hand-held, high-definition solid-state memory camcorder, Panasonic's AG-HVX200 ($5,995) now shipping, offers the versatility of HD and SD recording (from DVCPRO HD to DV).
The new HVX200 has 16:9 native imagers, and can record 4:3 video in three standard definition modes: DV and DVCPRO (which are 25 Mbps) and DVCPRO50(50 Mbps/4:2:2).
WEVA NEWS MINUTE producer Bruce Himmelblau talked with Panasonic and captured video of the camcorder's key function elements. To Watch - Click Here! (Allow for QuickTime download.)
The HVX200 can shoot in DVCPRO HD at 100 Mbps in 1080i or 720p, recording onto P2 cards or an outboard hard drive. The NTSC models allow you to shoot in 24p and 24pA.
The P2 cards mount like a regular hard drive from a NLE system's point of view, which eliminates the time-taking task of digitizing footage You can also record variable frame rate footage in 720p mode and internally dub this footage to DV.
You can shoot on MiniDV tape as well as P-2 cards, or record onto an outboard drive like the Focus Enhancements FireStore FS-100.
The FS-100 is a palmsize DTE (Direct-to-Edit) recorder that can provide 90-100 minutes of HD content in 720p or 1080i modes. In DVCPRO50 it will record 200 minutes, and in DV or DVCPRO it can offer 400 minutes.
The AG-HVX200 supports four channels of PCM 48K 16-bit audio via 2 XLR connections in DVCPRO HD, and DVCPRO50; 2 channels in DVCPRO and DV. DV tape can also record 32K 12-bit signals for 2 channels live and 2 for dubbing later.
The LCD size is 3.5." Resolution is 210,000 pixels. There are two focus assist modes available. One will zoom in on the center of the picture and give a 2X zoom of that image so you can check focus even while recording. There is also a peaking circuit to aid in determining proper focus.
The AG-HVX200's 4:3 viewfinder displays a 16:9 image in letterbox, which allows you to view vital camera operating information in areas above and below the image. With its pre-record function, the AG-HVX200 starts recording from the moment it's switched on.
HVX200 Features At-A-Glance:
True high definition image quality with low-compression DVCPRO HD intraframe recording
Multiple formats: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable
High definition recording formats: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p (variable frame rates)
Standard definition recording formats: 480/60i, 480/24p, 480pA, 480/30p
CineSwitchTM technology for variable frame rates in 720p mode: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60fps
1/3" 16:9 native high-sensitivity progressive 3-CCD with 1080/60p scanning
New DSP with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit internal processing for unprecedented accuracy
16:9/4:3 switchable for standard definition recording, 16:9 native for HD
Wide angle Leica Dicomar HD lens with optical image stabilizer (motorized/manual mode switchable)
High resolution 235,000 pixel .44" electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 90 degree tilt and detail function (for easier focusing)
High resolution 210,000 pixel flip-out 270 degree 3.5" LCD display
Thumbnail display for easy searching and file information
Auto/manual focus with focus assist (even during recording)
Cam-driven manual zoom
13X zoom range: focal length = 4.2 to 55mm (35mm equivalent: 32.5 to 423)
Advanced gamma functions and eight gamma settings including two CineGammaTM modes and NewsGammaTM mode
Advanced image adjustments: color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temp, knee points
Two ND filters: 1/8, 1/64
82mm filter diameter
Two P2 card slots with hot swap capability
Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds in HD, 7 seconds in SD), one shot, and interval recording functions
Mini-DV tape transport for DV recording
Internal downconversion and frame rate conversion from HD source recorded on P2 cards to Mini-DV tape
48kHz 16-bit 4-channel PCM audio (2 XLRs with phantom power)
Built-in stereo microphone (unidirectional microphone optional)
Audio dials and flexible input selection
Analog component (Y, Pb, Pr) output
Composite input/output
S-Video input/output
Standard IEEE 1394 interface
External recording to FOCUS FireStore FS-100 via IEEE 1394 streaming
Host mode for transferring previously recorded content on P2 cards to an external hard drive via IEEE 1394
Compatible with nonlinear editing systems from Apple, Avid and Canopus
USB 2.0
SD memory card slot for sharing scene files
Remote control for zoom, record (start/stop)
Remote control for focus, iris control
SMPTE timecode reader/generator with timecode matching with multiple cameras via IEEE 1394
SMPTE color bars
Three programmable user buttons
Six pre-set scene files (user programmable)
Shot marker function
Slow, synchro and high speed shutter
White balance with auto tracking white function
Trigger and zoom control on upper handle grip
Ultra-tough magnesium alloy chassis
Supplied accessories include CG-AD54SE/1B Lithium-Ion 7.2V / 5400mA snap-on battery, AG-B15 AC adaptor/battery charger, microphone holder, component video cables with RCA-BNC adaptors, remote control, shoulder strap and instruction manual
For more information visit Panasonic
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