Panasonic Intros AW-HE40H/S PTZ Cameras With Power Over Ethernet+ and IP Integration

Panasonic has introduced the AW-HE40 line of cost- effective, integrated full HD PTZ cameras, with advanced features including Power over Ethernet+ (POE+) and IP-live video monitoring.These pan/tilt/zoom cameras incorporate newly-developed 1/2.3-type full HD MOS sensors and Digital Signal Processors (DSP) for high sensitivity, high resolution and superior video capture in a wide range of shooting conditions.

The HE40 will be available in two versions, the AW-HE40H with HDMI output, and the AW-HE40S with HD/SD-SDI output. Both versions will be available in black and white models. The AW-HE40H will be available in January 2015 with a suggested list price of $3150.00; the AW-HE40S will be available in February 2015 with a suggested list price of $4150.00.

The new cameras are designed to produce great results in a variety of applications that require high-quality video and precise control—such as conference video, event capture, staging, distance learning and houses-of-worship. Thanks to their precision 30X optical zoom lenses, wide field of view, smooth PTZ functions and exceptional image quality, HE40 cameras are ideal for demanding remote production and IMAG use. With IP-Preview transmission and control, and support for PoE+ (which allows power to be supplied via a LAN cable), the HE40S/H also offer the flexibility needed for easy installation and management.

In addition to a 30x optical zoom, the HE40S/H also feature a 1.4x digital extender to capture crisp close-ups even in large auditoriums and lecture halls. The HE40S/H deliver an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 54dB (F4/2000lx, minimum illumination, .35 lx), 1000 TV lines of resolution and 16-axis color matrix control for precise camera “painting” and matching. Audio input and embedding is also available via a switchable, stereo MIC/LINE input.

An optional upgrade will be available in July 2015 that will add production-quality, full HD streaming, USB-video capabilities, and in-camera HD recording to the cameras’ already impressive range of capabilities.

The HE40S/H already include many innovative standard features developed to expand the capabilities of professional video system users. In addition to Panasonic’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) and advanced Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), an ingenious High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode helps to produce very good video even in extreme contrast and lighting conditions. For shooting in virtually total darkness, the HE40’s Night Mode makes it possible to automatically switch to the capture of high-quality, HD monochrome video with the use of an (optional) IR illuminator in the 850nm range, making the camera ideal for reality show production, sleep lab research and staging support.

The HE40S/H cameras incorporate the versatile IP/Serial/Web control system and IP pioneered in Panasonic’s AW-HE60 series cameras. IP, RS-422, RSN/A232C in/out interfaces are included, and a built-in Web-server enables both Browser control and IP-live preview and setup of up to 16 cameras. Serial and IP control is available using Panasonic’s AW-RP50N, AW-RP120G controllers and AK-HRP200G paintbox, as well as appropriately programmed systems from Crestron, AMX, Winnov, and other manufacturers. A new Freeze-During-Preset function can be enabled to store and display a video still-frame during preset recall and camera movement to improve the viewer experience during rapid on-air moves or in single camera use.

The HE40 cameras, with POE+, full IP remote control, and IP-live preview, enable simpler integration, easier remote production and engineering, and lower cost for multiple location systems. IP monitoring is displayed in 16:9 at up to 30fps in VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240) using either M-JPEG or H.264 encoding. Multi-view monitoring of up to 16 cameras in a single Browser window is available in M-JPEG mode only. Remote IP-live video monitoring of HE40 series cameras is also available on mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android tablets and phones.

The HE40 cameras incorporate a highly-accurate pan-tilt head (with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of –30° to 90°) that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, enabling the capture of both slow and fast-moving objects without excessive vibration and bounce. The cameras deliver many international HD signal formats including: 1080/59.94p/50p (HE40H only), 1080/59.94i/50i, 1080/29.97p/25p, 1080/29.97PsF/25PsF, and 720/59.94p/50p.

Other key features include three-step gamma correction and seven-step chroma level adjustment for exceptional creative control, up to 100 pre-set memories for rapid and precise shot recall, an electronic shutter with synchro scan, and built-in tally light for remote studio use. The cameras’ included ceiling mount attaches with a simple turn-lock mounting mechanism to facilitate quick and easy installation. The HE40 series cameras can also be used with Panasonic’s cost-effective optional outdoor housings.

Presentations Available From Digital Cinema Society’s “Mett The Varicam 35” Event
Panasonic announced that full presentations from the recent Digital Cinema Society’s “Meet the VariCam 35” event are now available on DCS’s web site, www.digitalcinemasociety.org/new-streaming-videos.

Speakers at the event, held earlier this month at Panavision World Headquarters in Los Angeles, included Cinematographer and Digital Cinema Society President James Mathers, Doug Leighton of Panasonic, Michael Cioni of Light Iron, Sarah Priestnall of Codex Digital, and special guest Theo Van de Sande, ASC, who recently shot a pilot for Amazon with the VariCam 35 and gave his initial impressions of the camera.

The VariCam 35’s superb image handling in multiple formats ranging from pristine 4K RAW to more practical 4K, UHD, 2K, HD and ProRes capture formats make it an unparalleled tool for high-end filmmaking, commercials and episodic production as well as live 4K events. The camera/recorder is equipped with a Super 35mm MOS image sensor and offers a choice of codecs — Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA family and Apple ProRes 4:4:4:4 and ProRes HQ. It offers 14 stops of dynamic range to provide full control over the widest lighting conditions. Plus it has native ISOs of 800 and 5000, and other non-native ISOS can be set in-camera.