Posts Tagged ‘Panasonic’

PANASONIC INTRODUCES LUMIX DMC-GF1

by editorialstaff | September 3rd, 2009

panasonicReprinted from a Panasonic press release

Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*.  The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.

For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix

Panasonic announces 3 new cameras

by tomskowronski | July 27th, 2009

It has been interesting to watch new and innovative cameras explore the world of video. Panasonic announced 3 new cameras today, 2 of which capture full HD!

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series, which pursues excellence in both design and function.  The LUMIX FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics* - encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body.

In addition to its unique design, the FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies.  With a fast AF, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds, the FP8’s fast response catches even the most fleeting shots.  Panasonic’s iA, a popular feature on LUMIX cameras, now includes POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S.  The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved POWER O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos. Read the rest of this entry »

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES LOWER PRICING

by editorialstaff | July 22nd, 2009

panasonic

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release

Initially previewed at NAB for $3,199, Panasonic’s professional AG-HMC40 AVCCAM handheld camcorder will begin to ship in August at a significantly lower price, widening its appeal to a much larger customer base, the company announced today. Panasonic also announced that shipments of the new HMC40 camcorder will come initially (from August 2009 through March 2010) bundled with free EDIUS Neo 2 video editing software (Retail Value: $199).

Compact and lightweight at 2.16-pounds, the HMC40 is a versatile HD camcorder with high-quality AVCHD recordings, high-resolution still photo capture, and professional audio capabilities for a wide range of applications and markets including schools, government agencies, event videographers, web designers and more.

The HMC40 will be available at the end of August, with the free Edius Neo 2 non-linear editing software package (for Windows PC only), at a suggested list price of $2,295.

Panasonic 3D Camera

by tomskowronski | June 29th, 2009

blog-1When we hit NAB, there was this feeling in the air that the new & the future will be 3D. Panasonic actually revealed their take on the issue at NAB, and recently I was thinking about how impressive this technology actually is. So I thought that I’d mention the prototype they announced as the Panasonic “3D Full HD” camcorder.

It’s looks crazy and it shoots crazy but will it work?

According to Panasonic, the camera will operate by placing two cameras side by side into a single chassis. Most 3D movies are generally done by mounting two cameras together, so this would be a slight variation with the same idea. The video from both camcorders are then linked together and exported as 3D video.

So I’m not entirely certain if this is a new technology that I’m interested in seeing get developed. Why to be honest? Why should I? What benefit does 3D have? I feel like there is no point, but who am I really… Just a guy that shoots video every single day.

Panasonic Announces Two New AVCHD Camcorders

by cfulton | June 9th, 2009

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Panasonic today announced the release of two of the world’s lightest*, High Definition (HD) camcorders – the HDC-SD10, which uses an SDHC/SD Memory Card as recording media, and the Twin Memory Type HDC-TM10, which records onto both an 8GB** Built-in Memory and an SDHC/SD Memory Card. Each model weighs just 0.5 LB, yet its compact body design has a high-powered 16x optical zoom capabilities and advanced features to produce beautiful 1920 x 1080 Full-HD videos.

The 16x optical zoom of the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 is supported by the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) function – an essential element to achieve clear zooming, as it minimizes the hand-shake that often impairs video quality while zooming. Panasonic’s Advanced OIS detects and corrects for hand-shake around 4,000 times per second and works with the high-powered optical zoom to produce clear, stable zoom shots. The new Active mode also extends the hand-shake correction range to allow the shooting of clear, crisp images while walking or moving.

“We recognize that users are looking for camcorders that capture high-quality, High Definition video, but they also want something lightweight that has advanced, yet easy-to-use functions,” said Chuck Kirkman, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the SD10 and TM10, we’ve made it easier to record HD video with features such as Advanced O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and the Pre-Rec function, all which maximize shooting results and minimize common issues like blurring.”

As with most Panasonic camcorders, the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 both feature the iA (Intelligent Auto)*** function, which automatically sets the most suitable Scene mode according to shooting conditions. These include Advanced O.I.S., Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results. Both camcorders are also equipped with AF/AE Tracking (Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Tracking), which automatically tracks a moving subject for consistently beautiful images. This feature maintains the focus and exposure even if the subject moves or turns to one side.

Other features of the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 include:

- SDHC/SD Memory Card Recording – The SDHC/SD Memory Card not only brings significant advantages to smaller and lighter camcorders, but it also differs from a hard-disk drive in that it has no transport mechanism, making it highly shock-resistant and enabling faster recording starts.

- Twin Memory Recording – Relay Recording (HDC-TM10 Only) – The HDC-TM10 records Full-HD images onto the built-in memory or an SDHC/SD Memory Card (optional), and features a Relay Recording function. When the built-in memory is full, this function automatically switches the recording media to the SDHC/SD Memory Card to provide uninterrupted recording. Video data that is recorded using both media types can be merged inside the camcorder and saved to an SDHC/SD Memory Card.****

- Touch Screen and Handy Function Buttons – Both models feature a touch screen that lets users operate a variety of functions by simply touching an icon displayed on the LCD. This allows intuitive operation without having to look away from the subject.

- 1.9-sec Quick Power-On The power turns on and off by opening and closing the LCD. This start-up allows users to save battery power by keeping the power turned off when the camcorder is not in use, while making sure that unexpected shooting opportunities are not lost. The power-saving Eco mode***** automatically turns the power off when the camcorder is not in use for five minutes.

- Pre-Rec – To avoid missing critical shooting opportunities, when the Pre-Rec function is on, the camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. When the Record button is actually pressed, the three seconds immediately prior are added to the beginning of the clip.

- Auto Power LCD This feature automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting conditions.

- Built-in Video Light and Flash Both the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are equipped with a video light and flash for convenience when shooting in dimly lit places.

- Highlight Playback This function is for users who want to view recorded images quickly, as “highlights” can be created and played back according to a set time interval.

- One-Touch Copy of Videos to DVD and Easy Playback with the BN1 DVD Burner To avoid the two-step process previously required to save Full-HD videos from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or built-in memory onto a DVD for playback, the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 feature a one-touch function that makes this process easier.

The HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are both compatible with Panasonic’s VIERA Link to allow quick and easy viewing of Full-HD video content, as well as with the VIERA Image Viewer function on a VIERA HDTV. This allows users to play videos on a large screen by simply inserting a recorded SDHC/SD Memory Card into the SD Card slot of a Panasonic VIERA HDTV******. It provides instant playback of video clips recorded in the AVCHD format in Full-HD quality. Similarly, video recordings can be easily played by using a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ player.

The suggested retail prices of the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are $549.95 and $599.95 respectively. The TM10 will be available in black and silver models, while the SD10 in black only. All models will be available in September 2009.

Looking Back at NAB 2009- Camcorders

by jburkhart | April 27th, 2009

Once again traveling the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, at NAB we made a bee line for the camcorder manufacturers to see what was available in the low end of the broadcast range.

320gy-hm100stJVC was showing off it’s new ProHD solid state GY HM-100 and GY HM-700 camcorders, that record to SDHC cards in native Quicktime format. Both models record in almost every flavor of HD video, 1080i, 1080p, 720p at various NTSC and PAL compatible frame rates. The codec used is 35Mbps MPEG-2

JVC promised to get us a review unit of the hand held GY-HM 100 as soon as they’re off the assembly lines in a few weeks. The GY HM-100 is available within a few weeks at a price point of $3,995, and the HM-700 is on sale now for $7,995.

ag-hmc40angle-wmicaPanansonic announced a hand-held pro model, the HMC 40. This new small format camcorder also records to SDHC cards, but belongs to the AVCCAM line, meaning it records in AVCHD. The camcorder comes with 3, 1/4 inch CMOS sensors, with a maximum bit rate of 24Mbps.

The HMC 40 will be released in August with a suggested price of $3,195. We’re also keen to take a look at it here in the offices, as we really liked their HMC-150 in the same AVCCAM family.

5dmkiiCanon was there showing off some new broadcast lenses, but no updates to their camcorder line were there, unless you include the Canon 5D mark II DSLR, which they showed tricked out in their booth alongside their camcorders.

There were a lot of accessories for this DLSR, including follow focus systems, rails, viewfinders and various audio attachments. There’s no doubt that the DSLR as video camera is here to stay as a category. We’ve got our Canon on 5D mark II on the test bench now.

sonypovSony didn’t have much in the way of new announcements this year, but one thing that did catch our eye, was the HXRMC1, POV camera. It’s essentially an AVCHD camcorder with the lens detached and conntected to the camcorder by a 9 foot cable. There’s all sorts of uses as a second camera with such versatility.

The camera shoots 1080i AVCHD to Memory Stick, and includes a 10x zoom lens, and weighs only 1lb. 1oz, making it possible to stick anywhere. Uses include work as a helmet-cam, or mounted on a boom pole for some extreme POV shots.

Making Videos with DSLR’s

by jburkhart | March 26th, 2009

5dmkiiDigital still cameras have had rudimentary video capabilities for some time. However recent advances in high end models such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1k, Nikon D90, and the Canon 5d mark II have made the idea of creating high-quality video content on a still camera a reality.

For the first time in it’s history Videomaker will review a still camera (Canon 5D mkII) in it’s pages, and we will add the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) as a new category of camcorder henceforth. As you would expect, the focus on the review will be on the video capabilities of the camera, with a brief overview of its still photo functions.

We will focus on using the DSLR in real world shooting conditions, in terms of capacity battery life, audio capabilities and other practical tests. The footage that we’ve seen so far is very impressive, but there are some real limitations to capturing video with DSLR’s at this stage.

In broad strokes, some of the advantages of the DSLR video format are:

  • Full Frame 35mm Sensors create a shallower Depth of Field
  • High quality and relatively inexpensive lenses
  • Integral “film look”

Some of the disadvantages are:

  • Limited record times
  • Poor audio capability
  • Limited video controls
  • Lens zoom and focus not designed for motion pictures, only stills

While still very much in their infancy, I expect that DSLR’s will make great strides in the near future in terms of video capabilities, and will be viable digital cinema cameras after a few versions.

Panasonic AG-HPX300 P2 HD, coming soon

by VideoChick | March 4th, 2009

It looks like a pro broadcast camera, it feels like a pro broadcast camera, but it clocks in at $10,700, which is just the extreme end of the Videomaker market, so there you go. We indy video producers have reached new heights, and the high-end cameras have met us half-way by bringing affordable pro cameras to our market.
Panasonic AG-HPX300 P2 HD camcorder
At a pre-NAB press junket in New York, our press associate, Paul Pierog, got to sit down with a few folks from Panasonic and look over some gear that Panasonic will be showing off in Las Vegas at the annual National Association of Broadcasters convention in April. Among the toys were a P2 Rapid Writer transfer tool for P2 workflow and some HD broadcast monitors, along with this AG-HPX300 P2 camcorder.

The 10-bit 4:2:2 camera has a 17x HD Fujinon lens and such features as waveform and vectorscope, hot-swapping of the two cards, and the output can be set for down conversion or cross-conversion with letterbox, 4:3 crop or squeeze.

Panasonic Ag-HPx170 in Videomaker’s studiosIf you can’t convince your partner, spouse, or bank to pop for the 10-grand, check out the AG-HPx300’s little brother, the Panasonic AG-HPX170, which will only set you back $5695. To find out more about the 170, here’s a sneak peak at the review in the upcoming May issue of Videomaker magazine. To find out more about the 300, read this press release below. Read the rest of this entry »

Panasonic Announces New High-Definition Camcorders

by cfulton | January 9th, 2009

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Panasonic today expanded its 2009 High Definition (HD) camcorder line with six new full-HD models, ranging from introductory to semi-professional. Three new models, the HDC-HS300, HDC-TM300 and HDC-HS250, are more advanced and feature a newly developed 3MOS chip system, while the three other introductory models, the HDC-HS20, HDC-TM20 and HDC-SD20, offer features ideal for first-time users wanting simple but powerful video capabilities.  All six High Definition models feature Panasonic’s first camcorder touch-screen that allows icons displayed on the LCD to be easily operated by touching them with a fingertip.

Read the rest of this entry »

Panasonic Announces New Standard-Definition Camcorders

by cfulton | January 9th, 2009

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Panasonic today expanded its 2009 camcorder line with the addition of two Hard Disk Drive (HDD) models, the SDR-H80 and SDR-H90; and one SD Card model, the SDR-S26 – all of which feature the world’s first and most powerful 70x optical ultra-zoom lens*.  All three models also include an advanced Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) system which helps reduce blur caused by a shaky hand and Panasonic’s proprietary Intelligent Auto (iA) technologies, making the camcorders easy to use.   

Read the rest of this entry »