Panasonic debuts 4K Camera/Recorder, Varicam 35, with new Super 35mm MOS Sensor, AVC-Ultra codecs for 4K

by: cwalsh 3/01/2014

Ultimate image production for cinema and episodic drama; breakthrough modular design enables docking with either 4K or 2/3-in camera head to same recording module...

NEWARK, NJ (February 27, 2014) – Panasonic today unveiled a 4K camera/recorder, VariCam® 35, that incorporates a newly-developed super 35mm MOS image sensor and the company’s AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs. The new camera’s superb image handling in multiple formats including 4K, UHD, 2K and HD make it an unparalleled tool for high-end filmmaking, and commercials and episodic production as well as live 4K events.

With its innovative design, the 4K camera module unit (AU-V35C1) is separate but dockable to the recording module unit (AU-VREC1), which is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new 2/3” camera module unit (AU-V23HS1) (see separate news release). This system flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the s35mm 4K camera and the AVC-ULTRA recorder, providing “box” camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote” camera needs. This common recorder module is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new 2/3” 1080p camera, enabling professionals to switch between s35mm and 2/3” camera heads to best suit their creative needs...

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Panasonic unveils 3rd Generation VariCam HS with 1080P High-speed/Variable frame rate AVC-Ultra recording to 24fps

by: cwalsh 3/01/2014

AVC-Ultra provides 12-bit 4:4:4 acquisition capabilities for critical field mastering and archiving, and efficient 4:2:2 10-bit reordings for documentaries and sports...

NEWARK, NJ (February 27, 2014) – Panasonic today announced a third-generation VariCam® camera, the VariCam HS, that incorporates the company’s AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs and high speed 1080p image capture of up to 240fps to produce extraordinary high-definition imagery for the most demanding documentary, sports or SFX slow-motion applications.

Featuring an innovative modular design, the VariCam HS 2/3” camera head docks with the AVCULTRA recording module to provide the full functionality and ergonomics of a conventional production camera/recorder. This system flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the 2/3” camera module Unit (AU-V23HS1) and the recording module Unit (AU-VREC1), providing “box” camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote” camera needs. This common recorder module is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new s35mm 4K camera module unit (AU-V35C1) (see separate news release), enabling professionals to switch between 2/3” and s35mm camera heads to best suit their creative needs.

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Panasonic introduces AV-HS6000 2 M/E live switcher with advances in operation, functionality and style

by: cwalsh 3/01/2014

34 Inputs, 16 Outputs and four DVEs per M/E; Intuitive User Interface Design...

NEWARK, NJ (February 27, 2014) – Panasonic has announced availability of the new AVHS6000, a powerful, cost-effective 2 M/E switcher with 32 HD-SDI plus two DVI-D inputs, 16 HDSDI outputs, 16 keyers, four independent MultiViewers, expandable clip storage, a Web server and many other advanced features.

The new switcher is configurable to match an expanded slate of production needs through options including a touch-screen menu panel, extra Primatte®* chroma keyers, expandable clip storage, and an SDK for development of a virtually limitless range of customized plug-ins to suit emerging production workflow needs. Easily customizable for diverse workflows, the HS6000 is a great tool for advanced production in house of worship, sports, broadcast, staging, and education.

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Panasonic to begin shipping AJ-PX270, first P2 HD handheld camcorder with AVC-ULTRA recording

by: cwalsh 3/01/2014

Available in March, new handheld delivers AVC-ULTRA's high quality and versatile efficiency; Offers flexible 3G/4G/LTE wireless mobility...

NEWARK, NJ (February 27, 2014) – Panasonic today announced delivery and pricing of the new AJ-PX270, the company’s first P2 HD handheld camcorder with AVC-ULTRA recording. Combining the high quality and incredible efficiency of low bit rate recording and the flexibility of 3G/4G/LTE wireless mobility, the five-pound PX270 provides all the key functionality of Panasonic’s high-end, shoulder-mount camcorder (the AJ-PX5000 with AVC-ULTRA). It also features newly-developed high-sensitivity, low-noise 1/3” 3-MOS imagers to produce stunning pictures, even in low light conditions.

The ultimate news acquisition tool, the PX270 will be equally suitable for a wide range of sports, corporate, education and event applications. The PX270 will be available in March at a suggested list price of $6,495.00.

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Panasonic announces expressP2 card for 4K and high frame rate recording; New expressP2 drive promotes fast transfer of high-speed footage

by: cwalsh 3/01/2014

New 4K VariCam 35 and 2/3" VariCam HS Camera/Recorders will use expressP2 Card

NEWARK, NJ (February 27, 2014) – Panasonic has announced a new generation of P2 solidstate recording media, the expressP2 card, specifically designed to accommodate high frame rate 1080 HDAVC-ULTRA recording (above 60fps) as well as 4K capture. The company’s new 4K VariCam 35* and 2/3” VariCam HS* (High Speed) camera/recorders, both with higher requirements for data handling than prior P2 camcorders, incorporate two expressP2 slots.

The 256GByte expressP2 Card (AU-XP0256A) facilitates the 4K VariCam 35’s recording of 4K video at frame rates up to 120p, as well as the 2/3” VariCam HS’s 1080 HD recording at frame rates to 240fps. In addition, the new expressP2 card ensures high-speed transfer, high reliability and the writing assurance of all P2 frame rates, formats and codecs. The expressP2 card is the same length and width as a standard P2 card, with 1.5x the thickness.

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