Panasonic showcases the latest broadcast and professional AV solutions at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2015 in Las Vegas, NV from April 13 to 16, 2015.
In this show, Panasonic showcases higher-definition image cameras in high mobility, and customers, especially professional camera persons, can create images with enhanced reality. Panasonic contributes to realize “A Better Life, A Better World” with these 4K solutions.
4K Handheld Camcorder (AG-DVX200)From 4K AV solutions to the VARICAM 35, Panasonic is highlighting its vast range of broadcast technology at the show this year. At a press conference on Apr. 13, the company announced several new products that focus on high quality and efficiency of cinema production such as the 4K companion camera (AG-DVX200) for the VARICAM series, and broadcasting by P2 HD series. Additionally, Panasonic is introducing P2 Cast, a cloud-based news production system that accelerates news gathering, especially in breaking news situations.
At NAB, it was also announced that the award winning LUMIX GH4 will have a firmware update (Ver.2.2) available later this month, enabling recording anamorphic video content. Unlike complex digital post processing needed to achieve the classic Hollywood look, many effects that have become so popular with anamorphic film capture can now be achieved optically in the LUMIX GH4.
With these multiple announcements, Panasonic aims to strengthen its professional AV solutions by utilizing its capabilities in the AV and IT technology space.
Highlights of Panasonic at NAB 2015
4K Solutions
4K is gaining ground as a production format at an ever increasing pace. And as industry leaders Amazon and NETFLIX have shown, 4K is becoming an important business differentiator.
With more than 500 units shipped worldwide, the VARICAM 35 and its high-speed model, the VARICAM HS, gain converts daily. U.S. rental companies like PANAVISION, CLAIREMONT, ABEL CINE, DAUFENBACH and more have VARICAMs out on projects.
The VARICAM 35 opens the door to new solutions with its multi-format production friendly workflows. From in-camera color grading and 3D LUTs for on-set pre-visualization to its dual native ISO’s, the VARICAM 35 offers unique functionality to DPs and producers.
In addition to the VARICAM 35, Panasonic has unveiled its AG-DVX200 4K large-sensor, 4/3″ handheld camcorder here at NAB 2015. The DVX200 will offer many top-end features including 4K/60p* recording, a 13X optical zoom and a V-Log L gamma curve (12 stops of latitude, target). The AG-DVX200 will be available in Fall 2015. * UHD (3840×2160) resolution, when 60p mode is selected.
Panasonic also introduces the AK-UB300 4K multi-purpose camera, ideal for remote studio, weather and traffic reporting, image magnification and sports implementations. The UB300 is equipped with a one-inch MOS sensor that outputs a UHD signal up to 3840×2160/59.94p/50p with the ability to simultaneously output HD (up to 1080/59.94p/50p). The AK-UB300 will be available in the Winter of 2015.
As well as innovation of products, Panasonic will focus on the function of Panasonic Hollywood Lab as a hub for film professionals.
Workflow Innovation
Panasonic introduces P2 Cast, a cloud-based news production system that leverages the network features of the company’s next-generation P2 HD camcorders with AVC-ULTRA recording — the AJ-PX5000G, AJ-PX800 and AJ-PX270. P2 Cast integrates these camcorders’ network capabilities so content uploaded to the cloud is immediately available for reviewing and editing.
The service has been tested for the past several months by major international and domestic broadcasters, including Time Warner Cable NY1 News, the cable network’s 24-hour news channel in New York City. “We’ve been successfully using P2 Cast with some of our PX270 ENG cameras, with the result that our producers are able to see breaking news in near real-time,” said Gerry Gallagher, Director of Remote Operation. “The real proof-of-concept for us happened while covering a recent explosion on the lower East Side. Before the trucks arrived, before the CNG gear was on the scene, we could see what was happening without disturbing our shooters, download clips and begin writing the story. P2 Cast is giving us eyes on the ground into news as it’s happening.”
P2 Cast is immediately available in the United States and Europe on a free trial basis through September 2015, at which time the service becomes chargeable.
Wearable POV Action-cam
Panasonic also announced the HX-A1 (A1) wearable, ultra-compact, POV action camcorder that is so lightweight (at 1.6 ounces or approx. 45 grams) that shooting hands-free is nearly imperceptible. This allows for longer periods of recording exciting scenes in Full HD. The A1’s rugged structure keeps water and dust out and protects against impact and cold temperatures. Whether you’ll be getting wet while rafting or snowboarding and skiing in the freezing cold, the A1 is the ideal choice for any adventure thanks to its high durability. Another feature is shooting in total darkness. Using an infrared (IR) light source (commercially-available) and an IR filter for night mode (included in packaging), you can capture video in caves with no light or nocturnal wildlife at night.
For additional Panasonic NAB news, visit us.panasonic.com/nabpress. For more information about Panasonic broadcast & professional AV products, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast
