Kessler
The traditional video camera is not dead, according to Panasonic, who launched 4 new cameras at NAB. Here's a run-down of some of the announcements:
AG-HPX250 Camcorder
First compact camcorder to ship with AVC Intra! Full-sized 1920x1080 1/3" x
3 CMOS sensors, variable frame rates, 10 bit 4:2:2, writes to P2 cards, 21X
zoom lens, Genlock input, HDSDI & HDMI out. I see this as a response to the
Canon XF305 and Sony EX1. AVCIntra has a lot of fans, so its good to finally
see that codec in a smaller camera at an affordable price point. Panasonic
claims the new sensor rivals 2/3". Shipping Fall 2011 for around $6500.
AG-AC160 & AC130 Camcorders
For those who don't need AVC Intra, these two cameras share the same front
end as the HPX250 (same sensor and lens) but record the AVCHD codec to
inexpensive SD cards. The AC160 adds variable frame rates, HD-SDI out, and
is switchable between PAL and NTSC. Both cameras are due to ship in Fall
2011, with the AC160 around $5500, and the AC130 around $4000.
BT-300 Pro Plasmas
So many people are using plasmas now in their edit suites instead of
traditional broadcast monitors, and Panasonic is coming out with a line of
plasmas with pro features. Waveform, blue-only, over and under-scanning, pro
calibration tools, and 3D-ready. Will ship in 42" or 50" sizes in October
2011. Pricing TBA.
AVC Ultra
And what would NAB be if there wasn't any new codecs announced? Panasonic
previewed the up-coming AVC Ultra, taking the acclaimed AVC Intra to a new
level. Capable of 4K 4:4:4. At lower resolutions, Panasonic claims HDCAM SR
quality at a much smaller bandwidth.
For more information, videos and photos:
http://www.panasonic.com/promos/nab/2011/
