WEVA NEWS MINUTE: Panasonic's New AG-HMC150 AVCHD Camcorder
May 12, 2008
Las Vegas, NV - At NAB 2008, Panasonic Broadcast unveiled the hand-held AG-HMC150 the newest AVCHD model in Panasonic’s AVCCAM professional line. The tapeless HMC150 offers 1080 and 720 HD recording (at an average 21 Mbps/ Max: 24Mbps) on SD/SDHC cards.
The AG-HMC150 (pictured) features native 16:9 progressive 1/3" three-CCD imagers, enhanced by 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing, and a 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens that offers a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle setting (the widest in its class). The new camcorder follows Panasonic Broadcast’s previous announcement of the entry-level AG-HMC70 AVCHD shoulder-mount camcorder which features native 16:9 progressive 1/4" CCDs, and the one-pound AG-HSC1U palm-sized AVCHD camcorder with HDMI interface introduced last year. WEVA NEWS MINUTE producers Sue Lawson and Bruce Himmelblau talked with Panasonic’s Steve Golub about new AVCCAM developments on-site.
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AVCHD, the industry’s newest long GOP compression standard (jointly established by Panasonic and Sony, is based on MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high-profile encoding (same as Blu-ray players) and supported by over 30 manufacturers.
Multiple Record Modes
The HMC150 records high definition in four recording modes – PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max 24Mbps), HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), HG mode (approx.13 Mbps) and HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps). It captures full horizontal resolution 1920x1080 images at its PH, HA and HG recording modes. The camcorder can also be set to capture 1280x720 images at PH mode. At its 6 Mbps record mode, it captures 1440x1080 HD images for extended HD recording at its lowest bit rate. The HMC150 supports a range of HD formats, including 1080/24p, 1080/60i and 720/60p.
The HMC150 provides auto or manual operation of focus and iris, and automatic optical image stabilization. It also features a range of selectable gamma functions including Cine-like gamma. The camcorder has a 3.5-inch LCD monitor that displays content in thumbnail images for quick viewing.
Extra-Long Record Times
Using just one 32GB SDHC card, videographers can record three hours of full 1920x1080 video and audio at PH mode, four hours at HA mode and 5.3 hours at HG mode. In the HE mode, the camera can record up to 12 hours of 1440x1080 HD content on a single 32GB SDHC card. Panasonic also offers a variety of other SD and SDHC card sizes with Class 6 performance including 16GB, 8GB, 4GB, 2GB and 1GB.
Unlike HDV tapes, SD cards with HD content can be inserted into and played back on a growing number of playback devices including Blu-ray players (like Panasonic’s DMP-BD30), Sony PlayStation 3, and some new Panasonic plasma displays as well as computers with an SD card slot using applications that play AVCHD files.
Videographers can instantly transfer content from the HMC150 to Mac or PC computers with an SD/SDHC card reader or by connecting the camcorder directly via its USB 2.0 interface. Other standard interfaces on the camera include HDMI out, component out (mini D terminal), composite out, remote jacks for zoom, focus iris and start/stop functions.
Audio connections include XLR 2-channel audio input (48V phantom power) with mic/line select, manual 2-channel audio level VR and RCA audio out jacks. The HMC-150 offers waveform monitor display and recording functions such as time/date stamp, pre-record, shot marker, Index, time code/user bits and metadata. Emphasizing the affordability of its AVCHD camcorders, Panasonic says the HMC150 will be available this fall with a list price under $4,500. Visit Panasonic.com for more information.
"Wedding and event videographers can go hands-on with cutting-edge digital video products and technologies this summer at the WEVA 18th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo, August 11-14, 2008 at Orlando Grande Lakes," said John Zale WEVA’s Director of Educational Development. WEVA EXPO 2008, the biggest convention and trade show for wedding and event videographers is open to all industry professionals (WEVA members receive discount registration).
The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, host hotel for WEVA EXPO 2008, is already taking EXPO room reservations. The special discount for all EXPO attendees is only $99/night (single or double). To reserve rooms Click Here and in the "Additional Information" area, checkmark the Group Code box, then enter the code: WEVWEVA. The special EXPO rate is also valid three days before and after WEVA EXPO 2008. Watch WEVA.com for new WEVA NEWS MINUTE uploads, and WEVA EXPO 2008 updates.
About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA)
Founded over a decade ago, WEVA International is the world's largest trade association for professional wedding and event videographers and leads the field with education that's on the cutting-edge of industry developments. WEVA is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers globally through continuing education at events such as Wedding & Event Video Expo 2008 and WEVA's Wide World of Weddings & Events, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, new media, including Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide, plus WEVA NEWS MINUTE videos, WEVA On-The-Air Podcasts, and streaming video on WEVA-TV.
Join WEVA online today to access valuable WEVA membership benefits that can help you succeed in your business, including new opportunities through ImageSpan's LicenseStream and CurbStream programs, plus low-cost Visa/MasterCard Merchant Status, Equipment Insurance, Liability Insurance, new Equipment Financing Program, WEVA NEWS MINUTE videos, WEVA On-The-Air podcasts, and more. Membership also provides opportunities for professional videographer (MPV) accreditation, and system-training at WEVA EXPO 2008 our industry’s biggest international convention and trade show. For more information contact the association at 941-923-5334 or email: info@weva.com |
