Press Releases

Beijing, China (August 24th, 2011) -- Panasonic Corporation today announced the release of the AW-HE120 (-W: pearl white; -K: black metallic), a new HD integrated camera. An integrated remote video camera with a pan-tilt head, the new AW-HE120 has a compact design approximately 60% both smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the AW-HE100, as well as a more powerful 20× zoom lens and a 2.2 megapixel U.L.T. 3-MOS image capture system with support for Full HD video. In addition to preserving compatibility with remote controllers designed for earlier remote camera systems, the AW-HE120 supports remote operation via an IP connection as well. The camera is designed to be easy to install and is available in two colors, pearl white and black metallic, to match a variety of usage situations.

The AW-HE120 has a 20× zoom lens that covers an extended range of focal distances, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto—32.1 mm at the wide-angle end to 642 mm at the telephoto end (both figures converted to 35 mm equivalents). This optical zoom lens is also supplemented by a 10× digital zoom function. The built-in four-position ND filter (clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64) allows adjustment of the exposure. The imaging elements, also used in Panasonic’s P2 HD series products, are 1/3-type 2.2-megapixel U.L.T. MOS sensors that enable Full HD superior picture quality. A 3-MOS configuration is used to ensure excellent color fidelity. Multiple HD and SD video signal formats are supported: 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/60i and 576/50i. SDI (HD/SD, BNC), analog component (D-SUB 15P) and HDMI outputs are provided. Selecting HDMI output enables the higher picture quality of 1080/59.94p and 1080/50p.

The AW-HE120 is equipped with a high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) used in Panasonic broadcast camera recorder. It processes fine image rendering such as gamma and various detail enhancement functions with exceptional precision. It achieves a low power consumption of 21 W, approximately 48% less than the previous model. It also features a Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that minimizes blocked shadows and blown highlights in scene with mixed contrast. A gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to match the contrast of each pixel, and applied in real time. The images that result are enhanced by a visually wide dynamic range.

In spite of the compact design, the pan-tilt head covers a wide range with a pan of ±175° and a tilt of –30° to 210°. The newly developed pan-tilt driver combines a high level of responsiveness with very exact static precision. An NC (Noise Criteria) 35 level of quietness is maintained. The AW-RP50 remote controller, available separately, allows the recording of up to 100 preset positions. The AW-RP50 can connect to one or more AW-HE120 units over an IP link using a LAN cable (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX, RJ45). A single AW-RP50 can control up to 100 AW-HE120 units. Of course, the AW-HE120 maintains compatibility with other optional devices employing serial and other pan-tilt systems manufactured by Panasonic. This makes the AW-HE120 an ideal choice as a replacement camera for existing systems.

The compact design of the AW-HE120 is approximately 60% smaller and lighter (AW-HE120 weights approx. 3kg (approx. 6.6 lb)) than the earlier AW-HE100. Its attractive appearance is less conspicuous and blends better with the situations in which it is used. It is available in two colors to match a variety of decors. The pearl white model (AW-HE120W) is suitable for settings such as chapels and wedding halls, while the black metallic model (AW-HE120K) is ideal for capturing theatrical performances or events. It has a turn-lock mechanism that allows ceiling mounting in the same manner as a lighting fixture, and its light weight means it can be installed easily by a single person. The control wiring consists of a standard LAN cable, greatly reducing the cost of installation.