Panasonic today announced two new proand broadcast camcorders, the 4K Panasonic DVX200, and the HD Panasonic AJ-PX380G for $4,695 and $11,995 respectively. Both cameras represent major upgrades to their older, lower-resolution predecessors.
Panasonic DVX200 4K Camcorder
Adorama price:$4,695
Thirteenyears after the groundbreaking AG-DVX100 was introduced and brought cinematic 24p frame rates to the world of video, the Panasonic AG-DVX2000 is said to be the first 4/3 format sensor 4K/60p camcorder to feature a built-in zoom lens. The camera is fronted by a Leica Dicomar 13x zoom lens (with a 35mm equivalent 28-365mm range), which is matched for optimal performance with the 4K imager. The camera boasts a 12-stop dynamic range, and the ability to capture shallow focus and good Bokeh via the f/2.8 minimum aperture.
Key features
• 4/3 large-format 4K sensor records 4096×2160 images
• 4k frame rate: 24p but up to 60p
• Zoom range 28-365mm (35mm equivalent)
• 12 stops of latitude via V-Log L gamma curve
• Up to 120fps
• IR shooting capability
• 5-axis hybrid image stabilizer
• Intelligent/custom AF
• Manual focus assist
• 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 ND filters
• Zoom, focus and Iris controlled by 3 separate rings
• OLED viewfinder, approx. 1.77 million dot resolution
• Supports camera remote
• Supports 4K, FHD, SD recording onto SD cards
With its attention-grabbing crimson-red body, the camera is designed for both studio and portable production and ENG. Its extensive range of features include a variable frame rate from 24p at full resolution to slow-motion capture at a lower resolution at up to 120fps. The camera is capable of capturing infrared as well as standard images, although an IR illuminator will be a separate purchase.
The camcorder records directly onto SD memory cards in 4K, FHD and SD format in MP4, MOV an dAVCHD, and is capable of simultaneous backup, relay, or dual codec recording onto two separate cards. The camera is compatible with SDHC and SDXC memory cards up to 128GB. The camera’s outputs include 36-SDI, HMI, Composite and USB, and XLR, Camera Remote and USB inputs are also available. Mini and super mini jacks are available to control zoom, S/S, focus and Iris.
Shutter speeds range from 1/25-1/8000 sec, depending on resolution and frame rate, with slow shutter speeds to 1/2 second possible. The built-in lens can accommodate 72mm filters. It supports external stereo microphones via a stereo mini jack. A speaker jack is also available.
The Panasonic DVX200 weighs 5.9 pounds and measures 7 1/8×8 1/2 x 14 23/32 inches.It will be available in September at Adorama for $4,695.
Panasonic AJ-PX380G Camcorder
Adorama price: $11,995
The Panasonic AJ-PX380G is a broadcast, shoulder-type camera recorder that is designed for enhanced network-based workflow but is relatively compact, lightweight and low-priced. It features a 1/3 type 2.2-megapixel 3MOS sensor with a high Signal/Noise rating and high sensitivity. It offers a choice of broadcast-level AVC-Ultra codecs for high-quality results.
Key features:
• 2.2MP 1/3-type 3MOS sensor
• F11 (59.94Hz)/F12 (50hz) sensitivity
• 1080/60p top resolution
• AVC-ULTRA multi-codec family
• Dual-codec recording
• 2 microP2 card slots; simulatneous rec, hot-swap rec
• Wired/wireless LAN, 4G/LTE connectivity, FTP server uploading and streaming
• Rec during uploading
• On-air streaming while recording
• iPad wireless operation included
The camcorder is modular, and is available camcorder only, or bundled with a Fujinon 17x zoom lens and AG-CVF 15G color HD viewfinder. There are SDI and wireless slots for wireless preview and remote operation via a Windows or Mac computer, or via a tablet or smartphone. It supports Rec during uploading, and on-air streaming. Wired or wireless LAN, 4G/LTE and FTP server uplading and streaming are supported. A QoS mode automatically controls bit rate and frame rate to match network conditions, so streaming performance is stable.
At its top resolution of 1080, frame rates range from 24-60p, and there is multi-format recording in 720p. High-quality 24 bit/48 kHz/4-channel audio is supported, and a wireless reciever slot offers mic-in and line-in 2-channel audio recording, and wired remote control is also possible. The camera accepts 1/3-type interchangeable lenses.
The Panasonic AJ-PX380G will be available in a kit including the lens and viewfinder modules from Adorama in September for $11,995.
