Panasonic's AK-HC1800N, an HD multi-purpose camera with thee 2/3-inch 2.2-megapixel CCDs, is now shipping. The camera’s native 1920x1080 resolution is reinforced by an advanced single-channel transfer system and spatial offset processing features that reduce aliasing and provides superior resolution. The full 2/3“camera  offers low light sensitivity (F10 at 2000 lx), an infinitesimal smear level of -130dB and a modulation factor of more than 45%.

The HC1800N is ideal for a range of applications from robotic systems for news, traffic or reality television broadcasts, to large venue image magnification for concerts or in houses of worship, to use in special rigs for sports such as a goalpost or goalie cam. The camera provides users with precise image adjustments and control functions for unparalleled creative flexibility, including Panasonic’s exclusive digital signal processor (DSP) technology with a 12-axis color matrix that allows for fine adjustments of hue and saturation. For remote or tower applications, users can activate the camera’s “intelligent” function, which automatically adjusts image level and color temperature settings - such as iris control, variable gain and ND filters - according to changes in the environment.

Other valuable features include advanced color enhancing gamma functions including CineGamma™ curve, which reproduces images that match the look of film, as well as a Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that greatly improves results when shooting high contrast scenes with varying degrees of illumination.

The compact, 3.3-pound camera unit comes equipped with a standard HD-SDI output for flexible operation in remote studio production, sports and tower camera applications. It also features genlock, a mini 15-pin connector for control and power, tally function, iris and zoom/focus controls, motor driven optical filters (Clear, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, 1/64ND), DC 12V operation and a low power consumption of 12 watts.

The HC1800N is compatible with Panasonic’s comprehensive line of high performance indoor/outdoor pan-tilt systems, including the AW-PH400, AW-PH405, the AW-PH650 outdoor pan/tilt head, pan-tilt controllers and camera control units. 

The AK-HC1800N is available now at a suggested list price of $28,000.