Panasonic Intros 4K Handheld, Studio, Box Cameras; Debuts News-Production System

Panasonic (Booth C3607) is exhibiting a range of new 4K production products: the AG-DVX200 4K large-sensor, 4/3-in. handheld camcorder; AK-UB300 4K multipurpose camera; and the AK-UC3000 4K-ready studio system.

The AG-DVX200 offers 4K/60p recording, a 13X optical zoom, and a V-Log L gamma curve (12 stops of latitude, target) with shallow depth of field and a wide field of view. It is a suitable companion camera to the company’s VariCam 35 4K camera/recorder.

The DVX200 will be optimized for 4K/HD production and shares the VariCam family characteristics of filmic tonality and colorimetry, with natural, subtle rendering of skin flesh tones. It will offer a V-Log curve emulating the natural grey-scale rendition of the VariCam 35. The camcorder will be available in the fall priced under $5,000.

The company is previewing the AK-UB300 4K multipurpose camera for remote studio, weather, and traffic reporting; image magnification; and sports implementations. It is equipped with a 1-in. MOS sensor that outputs a UHD signal up to 3840×2160/59.94p, with the ability to simultaneously output HD (up to 1080/59.94p).

Also shown for the first time is the AK-UC3000 4K-ready studio system, targeted at studios and productions requiring high-end functionality at an affordable price. It outputs a UHD signal up to 3840/2160/60p while delivering superior picture quality in HD. The camera’s B4 mount accommodates the gamut of existing ⅔-in. lenses to maximize return on investment in existing lenses and allows a wider and more economical choice of glass for sports, concerts, and similar applications.

At NAB 2015, it has been announced that the firmware update (Ver.2.2) for LUMIX GH4 will be available this month, enabling recording of anamorphic video content. Unlike the complex digital postprocessing needed to achieve the classic Hollywood look, many effects that have became popular with anamorphic film capture can now be achieved optically in the LUMIX GH4.

Cox, Meredith Upgrade With AVC-ULTRA Camcorders
In other news, Cox Media Group (CMG) has launched a group-wide upgrade of ENG with three Panasonic AVC-ULTRA camcorders: the AJ-PX5000G, AJ-PX800, and AJ-PX270. CMG’s operations encompass 14 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel. The new camcorders are being implemented on a timetable extending from first quarter 2015 through first quarter 2016. Ultimately, Cox Media will standardize on AVC-LongG25 acquisition.

Meredith Corp.’s Broadcast Group has purchased 30 AJ-PX800 AVC-ULTRA shoulder mounts for ENG operations at its KTVK-TV Phoenix. Panasonic P2 has long been the predominant format throughout Meredith’s 15-station group.

P2 Cast Cloud Service Accelerates Editing to Air
Panasonic is introducing P2 Cast, a cloud-based news-production system that leverages the network features of the AJ-PX5000G, AJ-PX800, and AJ-PX270 and enables content uploaded to the cloud to be immediately available for reviewing and editing.

Newsroom systems can automatically pull back high-resolution video for air from the camera in the field; the video can range in quality from AVC-LongG12 through AVC-Intra Class100, depending on preference and available bandwidth. P2 Cast has been tested for the past several months by major international and domestic broadcasters (including Time Warner Cable NY1 News) and is available in the U.S. and Europe on a free trial basis through September.

On a related front, Panasonic is expanding its strategic collaboration with LiveU with a free firmware upgrade for AVC-ULTRA camcorders. The upgrade enables an integrated camera and live video uplink leveraging the LiveU Central cloud-based management platform so that camera operators can manage a live uplink while shooting video, essential for a one-person remote crew.

New HD Studio and Field Cameras
Building on the success of the AK-HC3800 studio model, the company will introduce the high-resolution AK-HC5000 studio camera, capable of high-speed output up 200 fps. It incorporates new ⅔-in. 2.2M three CMOS sensors with high sensitivity and low noise and is 1080/60p native, suiting it for sports-production trucks and staging/rental applications where 1080i/720p operations must be native and clean.

Panasonic is premiering the AJ-PX380 ⅓-in. AVC-ULTRA shoulder-mount camcorder with comprehensive networking capabilities and dual-codec recording, suiting it to fast-moving ENG operations. The PX380 joins the latest series of Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA camcorders with built-in wireless/wired streaming capabilities and will be available in September priced under $12,000, including supplied lens and viewfinder.

The new A1 is Panasonic’s latest wearable POV Action-cam, weighing 1.6 oz. Its rugged structure keeps water and dust out, making it highly durable. The A1 also shoots in total darkness with an IR light source.

Enterprise-Grade Mobile Computers
Panasonic is showcasing the latest Toughpad and Toughbook enterprise-grade mobile computers, offering power, connectivity, and long-term reliability for professional video applications. They include the next generation of the Toughpad 4K, the first 20-in. tablet with a 4K-resolution display. Now featuring a fifth-generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor, as well as HDMI 2.0 input — and priced within reach of a greater range of businesses — the updated Toughpad 4K standard edition will be available in July. The recently launched Toughbook 54, 14-in. semi-rugged Windows notebook. Available with an Intel Core i7 processor, AMD FirePro M5100 discrete graphics, and a 1080p Full HD display, it features a full magnesium-alloy drop-resistant design with built-in handle and spill-resistant keyboard.

AV Technologies
NAB 2015 is also a showcase for Panasonic’s AV Technologies solutions, including the new PT-RZ12KU 12,000-lumens WUXGA laser projector, which boasts 120-Hz frame-replacement and is compatible with high-frame-rate contents, reducing blur from motion and featuring a contrast ratio of 20,000:1. The new PT-DZ780 Series projector features an extremely quiet fan and outstanding color reproduction.

Also being highlighted are Panasonic’s 4K LED backlit LCD displays (including the 98-in. TH-98LQ70 and 84-in. TH-84LQ70), along with a video wall that leverages a 0.14-in. bezel and 700 cd/m2 brightness through the 55-in. TH-55LFV70. The LED video wall display creates nearly seamless, vivid images across multiple displays for broadcast studio application.