Panasonic adds 4K camera head, remote camera control

Panasonic has added a 4K, broadcast quality, micro camera to its range of ultra-compact Industrial Medical Vision camera heads. The new camera head offers 4K imaging through an incredibly compact camera head (27 x 30 x 42mm) and opens up 4K broadcasting in testing settings such as nature documentaries, which require discreet and compact recording equipment.

Featuring a 1/3’ 3MOS imaging sensor the camera allows brilliant colour reproduction with low power consumption. Low-light shooting is also capable due to the high sensitivity, F8~9 camera head which has a signal to noise (S/N) ratio of 54db.

Panasonic Product Manager, Patrick Linder, said, “Whether it’s providing striking footage or miniscule technical detail, the new camera head makes it possible to shoot in ultra-high definition in previously unreachable locations. It goes to show that bigger isn’t always better.”

Beyond broadcasting, the small but powerful 4K camera head is appropriate for a number of medical and industrial applications as well.

In addition, Panasonic is set to launch a new remote camera accessory which allows camera navigation through a tablet device.

The Control Assist Camera(AW-HEA10) is set to launch in March 2015 and enables quick and easy remote camera control, allowing the user to simply tap on the tablet screen where they want the camera to point.

The system speeds up long, remote camera movements and works in collaboration with joystick control, which could then be used to make small adjustments to the remote camera’s position.

The quick ‘tap’ technique means action won’t be missed by slow camera control, while using IP image transmission also allows the user to roam with the tablet, seeing areas out of view from the cameras.

Non-camera specialists can effectively control navigation with the system, opening up a variety of applications in conferencing and education. The easy operation means there is no need for specialist camera support, reducing costs and allowing more organisations to utilise a remote camera facility.

Panasonic partners VidiGo make software compatible with the system. VidiGo Live is an application used widely by radio stations to have ‘visual radio’ content online. Peter Ijkhout CTO, VidiGo, said, “The key to any successful, new workflow is how easy it is to use, you always hope for intuitive use by a non-technical operator.”

“The Tap Camera System, as an add-on to the Panasonic pan and tilt remote cameras, and our user interface shows how, when two companies work together, this can be achieved. I am very excited to be able to show this at IBC, we think this camera workflow will change the way people work with remote operated cameras,” he said.