P2 Card Recording Brings the IT Revolution to Video Production
Neither tape nor disc, the P2 card is a semiconductor memory device that can hold large amounts of video and audio data. The P2 card's advanced AV technology bring the proven benefits of an IT workflow to broadcasting and video production. Memory card recorders have no drive mechanism, so maintenance costs are much lower. And with their outstanding resistance to impact, vibration, temperature change, dust and other environmental conditions, they offer the high reliability you need in news acquisition and video recording. P2 also transfers data at higher speeds than optical discs or hard drives, so video production is quicker. And P2 files can be transferred as they are - no digitizing required - to nonlinear editors and other network-connectable equipment.

• Supports worldwide HD/SD recording formats at the price of an SD camera-recorder
  
• Advanced P2 technology provides fast, rugged performance plus IT connectivity
  
• 2/3-inch interchangeable lens system
  
• Variable frame rate function
  
• Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)
  
• Four P2 card slots for continuous or Hot-swap recording

Professional HD Quality
Progressive 3CCD and 2/3-inch Interchangeable Lens System for Full-Fledged HD Video Production

2/3-Inch Interchangeable Lens System
The 2/3-inch bayonet mount allows use of a wide assortment of broadcast and professional lenses from a number of companies*. 2/3-inch zoom lenses make it easier to capture the shallower depth of field often used in professional videos.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)
This exclusive technology sets up a conversation between lens and camera which allows for a highly sophisticated algorithm to be deployed which will automatically compensate the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimize the circumjacent blur.

Full screen image (simulated**)	CAC OFF (simulated**)	CAC ON (simulated**)

Progressive 3CCD
The AG-HPX500 series 2/3-inch progressive 3CCD* has a larger light receiving area for higher sensitivity, and achieves an optimal balance among image quality, sensitivity and cost.
The camera process scans at full 1080/60 (or 50) progressive frames a second. It is this initial capture that is the foundation for all of the formats that this camera generates. While the camera does not record 1080P/60(or 50), the signals start there and are either cross converted or down converted to the format being utilized that day.
* The effective image size of the CCD is equivalent to 2/3.2 inches.

Interlace scanning frame image (simulated**)		Progressive scanning frame image (simulated**)

APT for Higher Image Quality
Advanced progressive technology (APT) produces higher total image quality by linking the progressive 3CCD camera system with a high-performance digital signal processor (DSP). In APT, an extremely accurate CCD alignment process is used to offset the pixels on the red and blue channels in both the Horizontal and Vertical directions. This allows for additional resolution to be gained from areas of the green CCD which are non-photo-sensitive. The R, G and B color signals from the 3 CCDs are then sent through a 14 bit A/D converter. Next, a 19 bit DSP performs a highly precise calculation* on the signals to generate 1080/60P (50P) video signals. The signals are then converted into HD or SD format and recorded. By using these progressive video signals, with their excellent vertical resolution, as source signals, a high level of image quality is achieved that would be difficult to obtain by interpolating from interlace scans.
* Called an advanced offset spatial process.

HD/SD Multi-Format Capabilities
Supporting 32 HD/SD video recording formats, the AG-HPX500 series meets professional needs in news acquisition and in the production of TV programming, independent films and other demanding video content. Its versatility allows this content to be distributed worldwide. For 1080i/720p HD recording, the AG-HPX500 series uses the DVCPRO HD codec, with its proven track record in higher end production applications. For SD recording, the AG-HPX500 series multi-codec capabilities let you select from DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV video quality.

Extended Recording with Four Slots for 64GB P2 Cards
The AG-HPX500 series has four P2 cards slots so you can record continuously onto all four in sequence. Using four of the new 64GB P2 cards, you can record up to 256 minutes of HD recording (1080/60i or 720/60p, 4 cards x 64 minutes = 256) or 512 minutes of SD (DVCPRO 50) recording (4 cards x 128 minutes = 512).

48-kHz/16 bit, 4-Channel Digital Audio
The AG-HPX500 series can record full 48-kHz/16 bit digital audio on all four channels. You can freely select the audio source for each channel, choosing from mic-in and line-in. In addition you can control the audio level on each of these channels independently.

Variable Frame Rate
In 720p mode,* the frame rate can be set from the conventional 24p/30p to any of 11 steps between 12p and 60p (or 50p). Like the VariCam, the AG-HPX500 series allows undercranking and overcranking common in film cameras, to create fast-motion and slow-motion effects.
* In 1080 and 480 modes, the frame rate is fixed at 24p/30p (25p in the 50-Hz mode).

Higher-rate shooting produces a slow-motion effect.
This is especially effective for high-action scenes like car chases or crashes, or for scenes to create dramatic impact.
Lower-rate shooting creates a fast-motion effect.
This technique can be combined with a Slow Shutter Speed to emphasize movements, such as flowing water or fast-moving clouds.

Native and Over-60p (50p) Modes
•720p Native Mode: The AG-HPX500 series records images at the frame rate set in the camera. Using the AG-HPX500 series to play back the recording at the normal rate, you can preview the speed effect right on the spot, without using a frame rate converter. Native mode also extends the recording time.
•720p over 60p (or 50p) Mode: The unit can output a DVCPRO HD stream from the IEEE 1394 connector as it records. This lets you produce a backup copy using a connected external hard disk recorder, such as the Panasonic AJ-HD1400 DVCPRO HD recorder or AG-HPG20 P2 portable recorder.

1080/480 24p Advance Mode
When recording in 1080/24p or 480/24p at 60 Hz, the AG-HPX500 series lets you select 24pA (Advance) mode. In this mode, it performs 60i conversion using 2:3:3:2 pulldown, which maintains higher image quality than ordinary 24p (2:3 pulldown) in nonlinear editing*. In 30p and 25p recording (at 50 Hz), the AG-HPX500 series uses 2:2 pulldown.
* For compatibility details, visit P2 compatibility table

Slow, Synchro and High-Speed Shutter
Used with the variable frame rate function, this allows you to create a blurring effect or crystal-clear stop-motion of sports action. The AG-HPX500 series also features a synchro scan function for capturing screen shots from a computer monitor.

Cine-Like Gamma (Eight-Mode Gamma)
Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has equipped the AG-HPX500 series with advanced gamma functions that address eight different shooting scenarios and expand your creative abilities. Included are Cine-Like Gamma, which gives recordings the characteristic warm tone of film recordings, and a News Gamma that's designed especially for news gathering.

HD NORM Mode Image		CINE-LIKE D Mode Image

Scene File Dial
Set this dial for a set of shooting conditions, and later you can instantly retrieve the settings when needed. Six preset files are provided, and you can change any of the six file names and their settings as desired. You can also transfer the setting files to an SD Memory Card for loading into another AG-HPX500 series so the cameras will match.

Shooting Assist Functions
• Three User Buttons: Assign a function to each, and then you can select those chosen functions with pushbutton ease.
• Focus Assist: Facilitates focusing using a very effective histogram display.
• Eight chromatic aberration correction(CAC) files (fixed) and four shading correction files support a variety of interchangeable lenses.
• Color temperature can be adjusted after the white balance is set.
• Rec Review function for easy checking of recorded results
• 4-position optical neutral density filter wheel

Designed for Easy Operation
The position, function, and shape of all switches, dials and terminals have been designed in response to feedback from video professionals to allow quick operation and prevent errors for greater reliability.
• The Audio Rec level adjustment features a push lock function.
• The Audio Input level adjustment (front) can be switched ON/OFF and allocated to desired channels.
• The viewfinder mount allows easy and precise adjustment.

P2 Recording Function
Four Slots for Quick Recording on Reliable P2 Memory Cards

Immediate Startup and Better Data Protection
When you press the Record button in standby mode, the AG-HPX500 series instantly finds a blank area on the P2 card and begins recording. It can begin recording immediately even when you're using it to preview video. In normal use, there is no chance of accidentally overwriting a recording. Recordings will not be erased unless you intentionally delete a file or initialize the card.

Advanced Recording Functions Employing Four Card Slots
In addition to continuous, multiple-card recording, the four P2 card slots of the AG-HPX500 series also enable some useful new recording functions that are possible only with memory cards.
• Card selector: The recording slot can be switched instantly when the unit is in standby mode. Immediately after recording a clip, you can remove the P2 card and use it in editing or transmission. This lets you continue your recording work with much shorter downtime than when changing tapes or discs.
• Hot-swap-rec: You can replace a full memory card with a blank one while the P2 cam is recording onto a second card. Successively swapping cards gives you virtually unlimited recording capability.
• Loop-rec: This function can be specified in length and the camera will continuously record over that area until you push the pause. This allows for a longer record time than pre-record.

Other Versatile Recording Functions
• Pre-rec: While in standby mode, you can continuously store, and subsequently record, up to 3 seconds in HD (7 seconds in SD). In effect, this lets you record footage of the beginning of an event when the beginning is unpredictable, like a whale breaching the surface of the water or the unexpected arrival of a key person. This can give you the confidence that you always have your shot.
• One-shot rec: Convenient for producing animation, this mode records for a set time (from 1 frame to 1 second) each time you press the Start button.
• Interval rec: Recording one frame at a time at set intervals (from 2 frames to 10 min.), this mode is useful for monitoring and special ultra-undercranking effects.

Clip Thumbnail Display

Clip Thumbnail/Data Function
The P2 cam records each recording as a clip (file) and automatically attaches a thumbnail image and file information to it. To preview a clip on the LCD monitor or to check clip data, simply choose the clip you want from the list of thumbnails.
The thumbnail image and file information can also be displayed on a PC (using P2 Viewer*) or nonlinear editing software.
* P2 Viewer software for Windows PCs can be downloaded, free of charge.

P2 Viewer

SD Memory Card Slot
Plug an SD card into the slot provided, and you can save or load scene files and user-setting files. You can create a metadata upload file (produced with P2 Viewer) containing information such as the name of the camera operator, the name of the reporter, the recording location, and text memos on an SD Memory Card, and load it as clip metadata.

System and Interface
Comes Equipped with IEEE 1394, USB 2.0 and HD SDI Interfaces. Allows New Camera Studio System.

IEEE 1394 Interface
The IEEE 1394-compliant DVCPRO (6-pin) output connector lets you output all HD/SD compression streams without decoding.* This means you can connect and use a DVCPRO HD VTR (such as the AJ-HD1400) or AG-HPG20 P2 portable recorder for degradation-free backup recording.
The IEEE 1394 interface also makes it easy to upload data to a Mac-based or PC-based nonlinear editing system. The AG-HPX500 series also provides a host mode that lets you copy P2 files to a hard drive without using a PC.
* Output is not possible in 720p native mode (24pN 30pN, 25pN).

Compatibility with Nonlinear Editing Systems
DVCPRO HD P2 files recorded by the AG-HPX500 series can be used in nonlinear editing systems made by a variety of manufacturers, making it possible for you to produce HD content in native DVCPRO HD. And because the AG-HPX500 series uses the same recording format as the AG-HVX200 or the AJ-HPX2000/HPX2100, the AG-HPX500 series is compatible with nonlinear editing systems that support our other P2HD cameras.
*The latest compatibility test report with NLEs is shown at P2 compatibility table

USB 2.0 Interface
The AG-HPX500 series comes equipped with a USB 2.0 interface. Connect the AG-HPX500 series to a Windows PC, and you can upload files from a P2 card to the PC for nonlinear editing, or to a network server.

HD SDI/SD Down-Conversion Output
The AG-HPX500 series comes equipped with two BNC video line outputs for flexible monitoring or line recording use.
• SDI OUT: Switchable between HD SDI or SD SDI (down conversion). HD SDI output simultaneously backs up recordings to an external digital VTR (such as the AJ-HD1400), 2 portable recorder (such as AG-HPG20) or AVCCAM recorder (such as AG-HMR10) in sync with Rec start/stop.
• VIDEO OUT: Outputs down-converted SD video (composite).

New Camera Studio System
A new camera studio system to support low-cost studio integration. Two BNC cables allow the transmission of high-quality HD digital images, return images, tally signals, wireless mic signals, and genlock signals over a cable length of 100 m maximum. An additional cable is needed to run camera power.* The AG-EC4G Extension Control Unit, enables full control over image adjustments and recording, together with the AG-YA500G VF Interface Box, which enables return video viewing with the AG-HPX500 series viewfinder.
*Power can be supplied only when the AG-BS300 Base Station is driven by an AC power source. A separate power cord is also required between the AG-BS300 Base Station and the AG-CA300G Camera Adaptor.

Remote Control-Ready
The AG-EC4G Extension Control Unit or AJ-RC10G Remote Control Unit* offer both studio use and direct connection to the AG-HPX500 series. This lets you adjust the images and control the camera operation while viewing the monitor.
*The AJ-RC10G can control only functions supported by the AG-HPX500 series. It cannot control unsupported keys or dials.

Multi-Camera-Compatible TC-IN/TC-OUT Terminals
The AG-HPX500 series has a built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader. The TC-IN/TC-OUT terminals are independent, so through-connection is possible. The AG-HPX500 series supports TC synchronous recording using multiple cameras.

Other System Functions and Options
• Analog component (Y/PB/PR) output
• DC power supply for the BT-LH80W 7.9" LCD monitor
• Color bar (full color) and standard audio signal (1-kHz test tone) output
• Multiple battery support, including Anton Bauer batteries

Workflow with P2HD

Acquisition and On-site Storage
The AG-HPG20 P2 Portable Recorder enables easy on-site viewing, backup recording and card-to-card and card-to-HDD file copying. The AJ-HRW10G Rapid Writer can transfer the data files easily and rapidly from P2 cards to the internal HDD in the field. Using a Windows PC or a Mac with P2 Viewer or P2 CMS, it is possible to view files, display properties, perform simple editing, create metadata, edit voice and text memo and copy files*1.

Editing, Production and Archiving
The AJ-PCD35 or AJ-PCD20 P2 drive, and the AG-HPG20 let you use P2 cards in nonlinear editing systems, and HDD units let you use HDD data in the same way*1. There is no need for digitizing, so files can be used immediately as clips. P2 CMS content management software lets you copy P2 files to an HDD while automatically creating a metadata-tagged database to simplify operations ranging from searching and sorting to file copying, backup and archiving. This makes it easy to backup or archive files onto optical media.*2

Studio, Event Recording, and Broadcast Use
Standard SDI (HD/SD) output on the AG-HPX500 series makes it well suited to broadcast and image production use. It is also a great match for the camera extension system, enabling VE style remote operation with an efficient, low-cost configuration.

*1: For details, see "Notes Regarding the Handling of P2 Files Using a PC".
*2: Cannot be used with some types of nonlinear editing systems, PCs, and software.
*3: Conversion to file formats requires authoring or conversion software for the desired format.