Panasonic AK-HC1800 HD camera innovates with intelligent auto-shading

Sports broadcasters looking for new high-quality HD acquisition options have a new choice in Panasonic’s AK-HC1800 HD multi-purpose camera to be introduced this April at NAB. The new addition to Panasonic’s line of cameras is equipped with 2.2-megapixel 3-CCDs that provide native 1080i video capture for high-level, high definition production.

HD content is output in 1080/59.94i and incorporates an advanced single-channel transfer system and spatial offset processing features that reduce aliasing and provide finer resolution. The camera has a high sensitivity of F10 (at 2000 lx) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 60dB, which ensures images are crisp and accurate.

An attractive feature for sports networks and venues that might mount it in a remote location at an event is an “intelligent” function that, when enabled,
automatically adjusts color temperature response and image settings
such as iris control, variable gain and ND filters according to
changes in the environment.

The HC1800 incorporates a host of innovative technology signature to Panasonic’s multi-purpose camera line, including a 14-bit A/D converter with a 38-bit digital signal processor (DSP) for pristine high resolution images and a 12-axis color correction circuit that allows for fine adjustments of hue and saturation. It also offers professionals advanced color enhancing gamma functions including CineGamma™ curve, which reproduces images that match the look of film, as well as a Dynamic Range Stretching (DRS) function that greatly improves results when shooting high contrast scenes with varying degrees of illumination.

The remote controllable HC1800 is configurable 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 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, 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 HC1800 will ship in April at a suggested list price of $28,000.