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Panasonic Debuts AG-HPX171 Solid-State P2 HD Handheld Camcorder (12/5/2008)

Records in 20 HD and SD Formats, Offers Benefits of a Tapeless Workflow
AG-HPX171

At the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, Panasonic today unveiled the new AG-HPX171, a fully solid-state P2 HD handheld camcorder. A full production-quality tool, the solid-state handheld camcorder enables high-definition and standard-definition recording, the widest zoom lens in its class, and an HD-SDI interface for connection to a baseband production and distribution infrastructure, all in a lightweight 4.2-pound body.

Fully solid-state, the two-slot HPX171 is a 1080p-capable camcorder that offers the compelling advantages of P2 technology including: no moving parts (unlike tape-, hard disk drive-, or disc-based systems); instant random access to recorded HD or SD content; a faster IT-compatible, file-based workflow; and the ability to operate in harsh environments with resistance to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.

Building on the success of the AG-HVX200, the HPX171 is equipped with three advanced 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs and a high-performance digital signal processor with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing to deliver broadcast-quality, independent frame recordings. The HPX171 offers a 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens with a 28mm wide angle setting (the widest in its class) and a cam-driven manual zoom for smooth, easy, and precise operation. For added flexibility, the camera provides auto or manual focus and iris.

The multiformat camera records in 20 HD and SD formats, in a variety of 1080i and 720p formats in DVCPRO HD, in 576i in DVCPRO 50 and DVCPRO, and in 576i in DV. It's switchable between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. The HPX171 offers a 20-step, frame rate selection in 720p mode for variable-speed shooting in the 12-fps to 60-fps range to acquire fast- or slow-motion in-camera effects. For added creative flexibility, professionals can select from a variety of advanced gamma functions and settings including a CineGammaTM mode.

With its two P2 card slots, users can record up to 64 continuous minutes of the highest- quality DVCPRO HD video using currently available 32-GB P2 cards. Record times will double with the release of Panasonic's 64-GB P2 card this fall. Other user-friendly recording modes include hot swapping for non-stop recording, loop record, pre-record, interval, and one-shot recording. A time/date stamp function makes it ideal for use in law enforcement environments.

The HPX171 is equipped with an HD/SD-SDI output standard for live feed productions as well as for editing and monitoring. It also has IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces for fast P2 content transfer into NLE systems, and offers a composite output, component output (mini D-terminal), and a time-code setting via IEEE 1394. The camera features a built-in stereo microphone and two-channel XLR audio input terminals supporting a 48-V phantom power supply with a selectable mic/line, and manual audio level volume (-two-channel). Other convenient operational features include clip preview on the camera's 3.5-inch color LCD monitor, instant recording startup, scene files, assignable user buttons, focus assist, and a camera remote function.

The AG-HPX171 will be available later this year and will be covered by Panasonic's five-year limited P2 HD warranty.*

*To lower total ownership costs, Panasonic offers a five-year limited warranty (Panasonic Broadcast's normal one-year basic warranty plus an extended warranty for years two through five).

www.panasonic-broadcast.com

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