Panasonic intros new pan-tilt-zoom camera

Panasonic’s AW-HE100 multi-format HD/SD camera will be introduced at NAB and provide sports broadcasters an integrated pan-tilt-zoom mechanism with a unique ergonomic-design. The camera supports 1080i, 720p and 480i formats and can simultaneously output both HD and SD signals.

The camera features three progressive one-third IT CCDs, a 14-bit A/D converter, and a 19-bit digital signal processor to produce incredibly clean, high resolution images in a wide range of lighting conditions and environments.

The HE100 incorporates a broadcast quality HD 13x auto/manual focus zoom lens with a fast f1.6 maximum aperture, and wide-angle focal length of 4.2mm (35mm equivalent: 32.5mm). The integrated PTZ unit has a highly accurate True-Servo pan-tilt head that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, with an exceptional range of 350 degrees (pan) and 250 degrees (tilt). Able to smoothly follow a wide range of both slow and fast moving objects without visually distracting vibration, the camera delivers a maximum pan/tilt speed of 60 degrees a second. The unit operates in virtual silence, with a noise rating of NC30 (at 30/s motion), NC35 (at 60/s motion).

The AW-HE100 comes standard with a variety of outputs including HD/SD analog component and composite video and is equipped with RS-422 connectivity for precise remote control. An optional HD/SD SDI card is available for critical production applications. Other valuable standard features include programmable auto-image flip, three-step gamma correction, seven-step chroma level adjustment, up to 100 pre-set memories, electronic shutter (1/120 to 1/2000 a sec) with synchro scan, tally light, a ceiling mounting bracket, and an easy -to-use wireless remote that controls up to four HE100 cameras.

The AW-HE100 can easily be integrated with Panasonic’s AK-HC1500 convertible HD camera and SD convertible cameras, and is compatible with a wide range of professional RS-422 control systems including Panasonic’s pan-tilt controllers such as the AW-RP555, AW-RP655, and AW-RP400 (with the AW-IF400), to provide control from remote distances of up to 3,280 ft. The HE100 can also easily be controlled via a desktop or laptop computer.

The HE100 weighs about 14.3 pounds and can be surface or ceiling mounted. The HE100 will be available in April at a suggested list price of $8,790. Optional accessories include an AW-HHD100 SDI output board, which provides two HD/SD-SDI outputs (BNC) for HD/SD switching.