The new AJ-HPX600 is Panasonic’s first upgradeable camera, built to answer customer complaints that every year their cameras were superseded by new technology.
It is “backwards and forwards compatible,” said Nigel Wilkes, UK Group Manager for Broadcast. It comes with AVC-Intra 100 (as well as DV and DVCPRO formats), but users will able to add 50Mbps Long GoP recording and AVC-Ultra at 200Mbps as they become available. The camera has a single 2/3-inch CMOS sensor “with very good low light sensitivity”, a gigabit Ethernet network connection and will be able to do variable frame rates (1-60fps at 720p and 1-30fps at 1080). The mid-range camera will cost about £14,000 and ship after IBC.
“It’s the lightest shoulder-mount camcorder on the market, weighing in at 2.8kg,” he added. Users will also be able to add WiFi to allow mobiles and laptops to view clips, whether live or a previous clip while the cameraman is recording another.
Panasonic is bringing out a new micro P2 card (using the SD card form factor) that will be able to record 200Mbps. It will fit into a P2 card adapter and ship in February. – David Fox
9.C45, 9.D35, 9.D40
