Panasonic unveils details of AG-HPX170 P2 camera

Panasonic
Broadcast’s new AG-HPX170 fully solid-state P2 HD handheld camcorder will be
available in late September at a suggested list price of $5,695, which includes
a 16GB P2 card in the box along with The HVX and HPX Book by Barry Green.
Building on the AG-HVX200’s phenomenal success, the HPX170 features HD and SD recording,
the widest zoom lens in its class, and an HD-SDI interface for connection to
baseband production and distribution infrastructure, all in a lightweight
4.2-pound body.
Fully
solid-state, the two-slot HPX170 is an ultra-mobile HD/SD camcorder that offers
the compelling advantages of P2 technology including no moving parts, unlike
tape, hard disk drive, or disc-based systems. It also offers 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.
The
camera is available in 20 HD and SD formats, the HPX170 records in a variety of
1080i/1080p and 720p formats in DVCPRO HD, 480i in DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO, and
480i in DV. It is switchable between 16:9/4:3 aspect ratios.

The
HPX170’s 1/3″ progressive 16:9 3-CCD imager offers a signal-to-noise
ratio, lower noise and smear and better low-light performance. Its digital
signal processor with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing assures
high-quality recordings necessary for broadcast and top-level production.
Because the HPX170 scans the initial image at a native 1080p/60, images
maintain the highest quality possible across conversions.

For
shooting versatility, the compact P2 HD handheld comes with a wide 3.9mm – 51mm
(equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm lens) 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens (the widest in
its class). Precise zoom and focus operation is assured with features like a cam-driven
manual zoom ring, 10X digital zoom, manual focus ring and aperture control, as
well as valuable HD focus assist functions including histogram, 2X center blow-up and a Focus Bar. It also has built-in waveform and vectorscope
display features. The camera’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), as a 60p/60i
feature, automatically suppresses blown highlights and dark shadows. In
addition, an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function automatically corrects
blurring so images remain crisp and sharp.

For the
ultimate creative flexibility, the HPX170 offers an expanded 20-step frame rate
selection in 720p mode for variable-speed shooting in the 12fps to 60fps range to
acquire fast- or slow-motion in-camera effects. Professionals can select from
six advanced gamma modes including CineGamma, which produces the warm tones
characteristic of film recordings.

The
HPX170 has two P2 card slots, so users can record up to 64 continuous minutes
of the highest quality DVCPRO HD recording using currently available 32GB P2
cards. Record times will double with the release of Panasonic’s 64GB P2 card in
the fall. Other recording modes offered are hot swapping for non-stop
recording, loop record, pre-record, interval and one-shot recording. New
functions have been added to the User buttons including last-clip delete, Pre-Record,
and the variable frame rates can be toggled through. A time/date stamp function
makes the camcorder ideal for use in law enforcement and legal environments. An
enhanced metadata input features a software keyboard to add key data about the
shooting environment.
The
HPX170 records four channels of uncompressed, 16-bit digital audio for superb audio performance.
It is
equipped with an HD/SD-SDI output standard for live feed productions as well as
for editing and monitoring. It also has a 6-pin locking IEEE 1394 interface and
an USB 2.0 interface for fast P2 content transfer into NLE systems, and offers
a composite output, component output (mini D-terminal.) The camera also
features a built-in stereo microphone and two-channel XLR audio input terminals
supporting 48V phantom power supply and is switchable between mic and line.
Manual audio level volume is offered on two of the channels.

Other
convenient operational features include SMPTE time generator/reader, clip
preview on the camera’s 3.5″ color LCD monitor, instant recording startup,
shot marker, text memo, six pre-set scene files, the ability to load new
settings into the camera via an SD card slot, three assignable user buttons, and
remote control of zoom, rec, focus and iris.

The
AG-HPX170 is backed by Panasonic’s five-year limited P2 HD warranty. This
warranty is unprecedented in cameras at this level.