Press release from Panasonic Australia
Panasonic Australia has announced it will release new Full HD cameras with integrated pan/tilt/zoom in September 2010. Featuring a sleek, compact design, the AW-HE50-series cameras combine outstanding image quality, smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation, and easy integration for superior HD and SD production and video communications.
The remote control cameras are designed for a wide range of uses and are ideal for applications such as educational facilities, auditoriums, legislative halls, broadcasting, weather cameras, and HD Video Conferencing.
The HE50 will be delivered in two versions – the AW-HE50H with HDMI and component* outputs, and the AW-HE50S with HD/SD-SDI and component* outputs plus genlock.
The cameras utilise Full HD MOS sensors (effective resolution 1920 x 1080), along with Panasonic’s exclusive DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch) and Hybrid 2D/3D Noise Reduction processing to produce smooth, sharp High Definition video in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments. Horizontal resolution is a high 850 TV lines and minimum illumination is a low 3 lux.
The cameras also incorporate a high-quality 18x High Definition optical zoom lens suitable for use in large auditoriums and small conference rooms. A 10x digital zoom lets users take advantage of the cameras’ high 850-line resolution to shoot usable video at longer distances.
Mathew Alexander, Product Manager Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, believes this new series will be well-received in Australia due to its versatility and superior image quality.
“This Series is the ideal fit for use in large spaces such as stadiums or for traffic monitoring. With its outstanding image quality in a range of lighting conditions, it is also a great choice for multi-camera systems and demanding applications such as television and cable production, sports video, A/V and conference facilities, houses of worship, and professional staging applications,” he said.
The HE50-series cameras incorporate a smooth and highly-accurate pan-tilt head that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions. The units provide a wide range of motion (+/- 175° pan; -30° to +90° tilt) to enable the capture of a wide range of slow and fast-moving objects without visually distracting vibration or “bounce.” The cameras also provide quiet operation, which is essential for use in videoconferencing rooms, studios, and houses of worship.
The cameras’ innovative Hybrid Noise Reduction function reduces noise without appreciable image latency or loss of resolution by combining 3D and 2D noise reduction algorithms. Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) enables multi-zone digital image processing over a wide dynamic range for exceptional results in difficult shooting conditions. Highlight over-saturation and blocking in dark areas are reduced for more detailed imaging through the application of real-time gamma and knee correction. A new “Flesh Tone” function enables accurate and pleasing reproduction of live subjects.
Other powerful standard features include three-step gamma correction and seven-step chroma level adjustment, essential for multi-camera applications. Up to 100 pre-set memories provide easy, flexible operation, while an electronic shutter (1/100 to 1/10,000 a sec) with synchro scan enables creative video capture to shoot computer screens, fast-moving objects, and high lighting levels. Additional standard features include a tally light for studio use and a ceiling mounting bracket for quick and simple installation.
The units’ lightweight 1.4kg design and simple turn-lock mounting mechanism allows for reduced installation cost and time. As the HE50 cameras support both IP and AW-series RS-422 serial control, they can also be easily integrated with systems using Panasonic’s HD and SD convertible cameras, switchers, and controllers, and with many third party control or automation systems. The cameras can also easily be controlled via computer.
Delivering production-quality video in a very small package, HE50-series cameras are a key component in Panasonic’s first complete Internet Protocol (IP) control capable system. Up to 100 HE50 cameras located in remote locations can be operated via IP by a new remote camera controller, the AW-RP50. To facilitate a virtually unlimited range of applications, the camera will also be controllable via RS-422 serial connection to Panasonic AW series controllers and Panasonic Toughbook and other computers (RS232/422 adaptor may be required). HE50-Series cameras are also compatible with other common third party control systems. The sub-compact AW-HS50 switcher can also be connected to a 50-Series system via IP control for linked HD-video switching and single-operator use.
The HE50H and HE50S support 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/59.94i and 576/50i. Both cameras will be available in September. The HE50H will be priced at $5,610rrp and the HE50S will be $7,464rrp.
*Component is available with the addition of an optional AW-CA20T6 cable. For more information on Panasonic professional broadcast products visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.