Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 11, 2005. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
First announced at NAB, Panasonic is now exhibiting fully functional samples of its AG-HVX200 compact camcorder at IBC at stand 10.431. The device underlines Panasonic’s claim to give customers the greatest possible flexibility in their choice of format. The P2 MiniCam therefore supports both DVCPRO HD (1080i and 720p) at a data rate of 100 MBit/s and SD (DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV). Recording takes place in 1080 50i, 25p or 720 50p, 25p on P2 cards, with two slots available, or via the integrated tape drive in 16:9 on DV media.
Many of the camera’s functions, such as variable frame rates, Cine-like gamma curve or Cine-like Color Matrix for achieving a film look, are based on the AJ-HDC27. In addition to ingesting MXF files into NLE systems, the AG-HVX200 also enables direct access to the data via IEEE 1394 or USB 2.0. Thanks to Instant-On functionality, the camera is ready for operation immediately after it is switched on.
The camera’s greatest disadvantage is still likely to be its restriction to the relatively expensive P2 Cards as recording media. While Thomson Grass Valley is already announcing 35-GByte media in the course of the new Infinity product line (see report), Panasonic is targeting an 8-GByte P2 card for December at IBC. Advertising a 128-GByte version in advertisements in the trade fair newspaper “The IBC Daily” is likely to remain a pure marketing measure for some time to come.
Two 8-GByte P2 cards are included with the AG-HVX200, which is priced below 10,000 euros.
In addition to Avid, Apple and Canopus, Focus Enhancements now also supports Panasonic’s new mini camcorder. The Californians have optimized their FireStore FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder for the AG-HVX200 and intend to offer it from March 2006 for under 2,000 dollars.
Further Links:
- Further Information
