Panasonic’s 2010 announcements centered around the adoption of AVC-Intra and their affordable 3D camera, the AG-3DA1 with the most interesting announcement being their 4/3″ sensor AG-AF100.
Naturally Panasonic reminded us of their leadership in IT-based workflows and I was surprised to be reminded that it’s been 7 NABs since the release of the first P2-based camcorder. This year they focused on the adoption of AVC-Intra with new partners and their affordable AVCCAM format recording to SD media.
A new AVCCAM shoulder mounted camera has been announced for delivery later this year: the AG-HM80. Featuring full raster 3 Mpixel sensors with recording to AVCCAM or SD DV the camera has interchangeable lenses, optical image stabilizing, a manual focus ring and user assignable controls. Naturally 24P native recording at 1080 and 720 image sizes is supported along with typical video frame rates and it features Dynamic Range stretch for better control of mixed light situations and Cine-like gamma. With a full range of inputs and outputs including HDMI, USB 2, composite, component and 1294 for the DV signal, the HM80 includes a 2 year warranty in it’s recommended price of just $2895.
However, the most interesting announcement was the large sensor AG-AF100 expected to ship later this year. Featuring a 4/3″, 12.1 Mpixel sensor, support for professional audio I/O, the AF100 records to all four AVVCAM modes to SD/SDHD or the new SDXC cards in dual slots. While the price was not announced it is expected to carry an MSRP of around $6000 and a street price a bit lower.
Along with the camera announcements were a new P2 studio deck, the AJ-HPD2500 and a 3D production monitor due September 2010.