Panasonic introduces upgrades to AG-AC160A and AC130A, newest generation of AVCCAM HD handheld camera recorders

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 15, 2012) -- Panasonic has announced the AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A, upgraded versions of its newest professional AVCCAM HD camera recorders. Improved functionality in both camera recorders includes expanded focus assist and “turbo-speed” one-push auto-focus function; the AC160A also incorporates acquisition in the 1080/60p and 1080/50p HD recording formats (PS mode).

Expanded focus assist enables the AC160A and AC130A to zoom in on the picture to check focus in addition to the conventional focus-in-red focus assist. The turbo-speed one-push auto-focus capability ensures that the camera recorders quickly attain focus. The addition of 1080/60p and 50p recording (PS mode (maximum 28Mbps)) to the AC160A is of especial value to worldwide customers in broadcasting, sports and scientific analysis, where this mastering-quality format is rapidly proliferating.

The AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A will be available in May at suggested list prices of $5,095 and $4,195, respectively. Current AC160 and AC130 owners can purchase this suite of upgrades for $300. The 60p/50p upgrade for AG-AC160 is free and can be performed by the customer. The turbo-speed one-push auto-focus and Expanded Focus Assist upgrades require a hardware change and this need to be done at a Panasonic Authorized Service Center.

The AC160A and AC130A incorporate high-sensitivity 1/3 type, full-HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS imagers to capture native 1920 x 1080 resolution images, with a new, wider 22X HD zoom lens, the longest in its category. Key features include two SD Memory Card slots for relay or simultaneous recording, compatibility with Panasonic’s new SDHC full Class 10 UHS-1 (Ultra High Speed) Memory Cards, an enhanced viewfinder and LCD display, and DV recording. The higher-end AC160A also includes such top production features as variable frame rate recording in 1080p, Linear PCM audio, HD-SDI output, and switchability between 59.94Hz/50Hz.

For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

Panasonic Solutions for Business
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About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.