Panasonic dropped a few cameras pre NAB Sunday and they still like the 3D flavor mixing it with the P2 format. Check out their 2 press releases.

NAB 2011: Panasonic from Landmine Media on Vimeo.

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Panasonic Cameras On Display at NAB pic from @LuisCaffesse

Panasonic today introduced the AG-3DP1, a 3D twin-lens P2 HD shoulder-mount camcorder with 10-bit, 4:2:2 independent-frame, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording.

“Less than a year ago, Panasonic simplified and lowered the cost-of-entry to high-quality 3D production with the AG-3DA1, the industry’s first fully-integrated, 3D camcorder,” said Joseph Facchini, Vice President of Sales and Product Management, PSC. “Now, the shoulder-mount AG-3DP1 offers a larger imager, 10-bit color depth, AVC-Intra recording to P2 media, and EFP-style shooting to expand the universe of affordable 3D production for live events, sports, documentaries and independent films.”

Panasonic AG-3DP1 Camera

The 3DP1 incorporates two 1/3”, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS 3-chip imagers with enhanced sensitivity and a 20-bit Digital Signal Processor to acquire full production quality, native 1920 x 1080 resolution images. As with the 3DA1, the 3DP1 incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate. The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. Panasonic’s integrated professional 3D camcorders, however, automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.

The 3DP1 records in AVC-Intra 100/50, and is 50Hz/60Hz switchable, an added benefit to producers with global clients. In AVC-Intra 100/50, it records in 1080 at 59.94i, 29.97pN, 23.98pN , 50i and 25pN, and in 720p at 59.94p, 50p, 29,97pN, 23.98pN and 25pN. For creative flexibility, the 3DP1 has variable frame rate recording for creating fast and slow motion effects. In 720p mode, a user can choose from 20 variable frame steps between 12 and 60 frames per second.

The 3DP1 is equipped with dual optical, wide 17X (target) zoom lenses and can record for up to 80 minutes (each) on dual 64GB P2 cards in AVC-Intra 100 1080/24pN. The camcorder offers professional interfaces including dual HD-SDI outs, HDMI (3D compatible) out, and two XLR connectors. It offers genlock and timecode inputs for multi-camera operation. It is also equipped with a remote terminal for focus iris, zoom, REC start/stop and convergence point.

Its 3.2-inch LCD screen provides the option to switch from Left, Right or overlay image display that facilitates reviewing depth information without the need for external tools.

The 3DP1 offers all the benefits of a familiar, fast, file-based P2 HD workflow including such recording features as instant recording startup, clip thumbnail view for immediate access to video content on all cards, and a host of time-saving recording modes including continuous recording, and interval recording.

The 3DP1 has low power consumption and operates on a 12V (Anton Bauer) battery.

The 3DP1 will be available in Fall 2011, and will be supported by Panasonic’s industry leading five-year warranty program (1 year + 4 additional years with registration).


Panasonic introduced two new professional AVCCAM HD handheld camcorders, the AG-AC160 and AG-AC130, which incorporate high-sensitivity 1/3”, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS imagers to capture native 1920 x 1080 resolution images, with a new, wider 21X HD zoom lens.

Key new features include two SD Memory Card slots for relay or simultaneous recording, compatibility with high-capacity SDXC media, an enhanced viewfinder and LCD display, and DV recording. The higher-end AC160 includes such top production features as variable frame rate recording in 1080p, Linear PCM audio, HD-SDI output, and switchability between 59.94Hz/50Hz.

“These new AVCCAM handhelds offer the longer lensing that customers have been clamoring for in a small form factor with state-of-the art, high-bandwidth AVCCAM, Panasonic’s implementation of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high-profile encoding,” said Jan Crittenden Livingston, Product Manager, PSC. “In addition, the AC160 adds the creative flexibility of Full HD off-speed recording and an HD-SDI out.”

The AVCCAM camcorders’ Full HD resolution imager produces stunning 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 AVCHD video at high sensitivity. Because the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec provides a doubling of bandwidth efficiency and improved video performance over the older MPEG-2 compression-based formats, recordings look clean and crisp, even during fast motion, without image degradation or dropouts. Utilizing a 21X zoom lens with three independent adjustable rings for zoom, focus and iris, these new AVCCAM units offer a wide 28mm (35mm equivalent) viewing angle, covering most shooting situations without the need for a wide-angle conversion lens.

The AC160/130 record video in four professional AVCCAM HD recording modes, including the highest-quality PH mode (average 21 Mbps/Max 24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the extended recording HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps), and a PM mode (less than 10 Mbps, 720P only), which is ideal for shooting sports training and web video.

These latest AVCCAM camcorders are among the first to enjoy the benefits of advanced SDXC Memory Card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support. SDXC is the newest SD Memory Card specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB and up to 2TB. With two SD slots for continuous recording, the AC160/130 can record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode, with automatic clip spanning across the two cards. The two slots can also be utilized for simultaneous back-up recording.

At 60Hz, the camcorders support the following HD formats in PH mode: 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98pN, 720/59.94p, 720/29.97p, 720/23.98pN; in HA and HE modes, they record in 1080/59.97i; and in standard definition DV, they record 480/59.94i, 480/29.97p, 480/223.98p. At 50Hz, the AC160 also records in 1080/50i and 1080/25p, in 720/50p and 720/25p, and in 576/50i and 576/25p.

The AC160 offers variable frame rate capability in 1080/23.98pN, 29.97p and 25p, providing users the cinematic expression of higher-end cameras to support undercranking/overcranking for fast or slow-motion effects.

The AC160/130 include such desirable professional features as time code/UB recording; time/date stamp; and two wired remote control terminals (for zoom, focus, iris, REC start/stop controls). The camcorders’ lens system offers useful functions including Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) for smooth stable shooting and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which helps compensate for wide variations in lighting.

Standard professional interfaces include an HD-SDI output (AC160 only), HDMI output (AVCHD only), USB 2.0 (mini B-type), IEEE 1394 output (DV only), and a built-in stereo microphone. The camcorders feature two locking XLR inputs with switches for mic/line, two RCA audio outputs, and +48V Phantom Power capability. The AC160 records two channels of LPCM audio in the PH and DV modes, and Dolby Digital in all HD modes. The AC130 records two channels of Dolby Digital in all modes.

The AVCCAM handhelds offers useful solid-state recording functions including pre-record, interval recording, shot marker and metadata capture. Additional features include waveform and vectorscope display, focus assists, auto focus with face detection, white balance, mode display, zebra display, color bar, tally lamps, 4-position ND optical filter controls, slow shutter and synchro-scan shutter functions, a multi-language menu, and three programmable user buttons. A wireless remote is also included.

For editing or playback, professionals can transfer content by inserting the SD Memory Card into Mac or PC computers or by connecting the camera directly via its USB 2.0 interface. Panasonic recently announced AVCCAM Importer software, a QuickTime plug-in component that eliminates the need to convert AVCHD files to ProRES422 files before editing in Final Cut Pro, which will be available this summer as a free download from the company’s web site.

For easy HD viewing, the camcorders are equipped with a widescreen 1,226,000-pixel LCOS color viewfinder and a widescreen 921,000-pixel 3.45-inch LCD color monitor. Weighing approx. five pounds, the AC160/130 offer a well-balanced, ergonomic design. Power consumption is low at under 12 watts.

The AG-AC160 and AG-AC130 will be available this Fall at suggested list prices of less than $5,500 and $4,000, respectively. Panasonic will support the AC160/AC130 with a three-year limited warranty (one year plus two extra years upon registration)

For more go to Panasonic.

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