Panasonic Introduces The AK-HC3800 New Studio Handy Camera For Broadcasting Market

To be displayed at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition, "IBC2012 (Europe)"

Amsterdam, Netherlands (September 7, 2012) -- Panasonic Corporation will release the new AK-HC3800 studio handy camera and exclusive studio system options in December 2012.

The AK-HC3800 studio handy camera ensures high-quality images with a high-sensitivity 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel IT 3CCD and a newly developed 38 bit DSP (internal video processing circuit) with a 16 bit A/D converter. The camera incorporates various image quality adjustment functions, including image quality compensation functions such as a chromatic aberration compensation (CAC) and scene file settings in addition to the dynamic range stretch (DRS).

The camera control unit (CCU), AK-HCU200, combined with the remote operation panel (ROP), AK-HRP200G, means that a high-grade uncompressed optical fiber transmission camera control system can be configured at low cost. The CCU and the ROP can be connected with the cables. An IP connection with a LAN cable will be supported*. This camera system exhibits outstanding cost effectiveness in terms of both operability and controllability.
A small and lightweight 17.8 cm (7 inches) LCD viewfinder, the AK-HVF70G, equipped with versatile assist functions, will also be available. This simple and compact system supports high-end quality studio and EFP image recording.
The AK-HC3800, AK-HCU200, AK-HRP200G and AK-HVF70G will be available in December 2012 at suggested list price of €60,000 collectively.

This product will be on display at the European International Broadcasting Equipment Exhibition "IBC2012" to be held at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam from Friday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 11.

Description of main features

1. New camera head incorporating a high-sensitivity 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel 3CCD with high image quality
The new studio handy camera AK-HC3800G (Tajimi Connector Model) and AK-HC3800GS (LEMO Connector Model), incorporating a 2/3 type 2.2-mega pixel 3CCD, achieve high sensitivity of F12 at 50Hz and F11 at 59.94Hz (2,000 lx), low smear, and S/N ratio of 60 dB. The HD formats, 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i, can be switched to allow worldwide use.
The newly developed 16 bit A/D and 38 bit DSP (image processing circuit) achieve high image quality. Incorporates the dynamic range stretch (DRS) function that reduces the blocked shadows and blown highlights in scenes where bright and dark objects coexist, such as those viewed outdoors from inside a room. It also features the CAC function that compensates for chromatic aberration at the lens periphery. The low-profile and low main body design is based on that of the renowned higher-grade model AK-HC3500, while providing an unobstructed view to the camera operator’s right hand side. In addition, this camera is equipped with the Film Rec Gamma function based on the VARICAM system and the Scan Reverse function for cinema lens adaptors. It also features an internal digital extender (x2 magnification).

2. When combined with the CCU AK-HCU200 and ROP AK-HRP200G, a low-cost optical fiber transmission system can be configured.
In combination with the compact camera control unit (CCU), AK-HCU200 (Tajimi Connector Model) / AK-HCU200S (LEMO Connector Model) and the remote operation panel (ROP), AK-HRP200G, a high-grade uncompressed optical fiber transmission camera control system can be configured at low cost. The CCU AK-HCU200, compact and lightweight unit measures 2U in height and rack-mountable, has two SDI OUT channels and two SDI OUT channels which can be used in conjunction with the picture monitor outs. For return video inputs, the CCU is equipped with two SDI channels and one VBS (analog composite video) channel. A down converter is also incorporated and an aspect ratio of a SD SDI OUT can be selected from Letterbox, Crop or Squeeze.
The CCU and the ROP can be connected with the cables over a distance of approximately 1,000 m (approximately 1,000 yards). An IP connection with a LAN cable will be supported*. The ROP AK-HRP200G, compact 6U size, can be used to control Panasonic’s convertible camera systems and integrated HD cameras (HD cameras integrated with a rotating table), in addition to this camera system.*
Both the CCU and the ROP are equipped with SD card slots, which can be used for storing various settings or upgrading the program. Due to these functions, this camera system exhibits outstanding cost effectiveness in terms of both operability and controllability.
* To be released in the spring of 2013.

3. One of three electronic viewfinders can be selected, including the newly developed AK-HVF70 19.8 cm (7 inches) color LCD.
The newly developed AK-HVF70 19.8 cm (7 inches) color LCD designed for studio use only weighs approximately 1.8 kg (4 lb) (including the hood). The picture quality is high with a resolution of SWVGA (1,024 x 600 pixels). It is equipped with three function switches, to which a user can assign functions, such as contrast, brightness, peaking adjustments, etc. It has the "Focus in Red" function, by which the edges of an object that has been focused on are highlighted in red and the "Pixel-to-Pixel" function, which allows the inputted video to be displayed without resizing.
For an electronic viewfinder, the 50.8 mm (2 inches) HD monochrome tube type AJ-HVF21KG and the 24.4 mm (1 inch) color LCD AJ-CVF100G can be used in addition to the AK-HVF70G.
* The product specifications and design details are subject to change without notice.