Panasonic announced that their hotly anticipated AG-HVX200, which also happens to be the world's first hand-held hi-definition camcorder with P2 card support. It will be available starting December 29, 2005.
The HVX200 can take videos in 21 formats, and can record high-definition video in 1080i and 720p DVCPRO HD quality. This just beats the pants off other camcorders. One of the main advantages with the DVCPRO format, of course, is that each frame can be separately edited thanks to the intra-frame compression implemented.
The camera comes with two P2 card slots for storage. A huge plus point with P2 is that there are no moving parts in the recording path making it resistant to environmental conditions. You also have the option to choose DV tapes for storage thanks to the inclusion of the Mini-DV tape drive.
A feature-packed camcorder, the HVX200 allows you to shoot fast or slow action in 720p at different frame rates. Weighing in at just over five pounds, it is housed in a magnesium alloy diecast chassis making it rugged.
The barebones HVX200 is available for US $5,995, while for $6,995 you get the camera and two 4GB P2 cards. If you want a couple of 8GB P2 cards, shell out $9,995. More info is available from Panasonic's website.
Panasonic AG-HVX200 Camcorder Features
True high definition image quality with low-compression DVCPRO HD intraframe recording
Multiple formats: DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, DV selectable
High definition recording formats: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/24pA, 1080/30p, 720p (variable frame rates)
Standard definition recording formats: 480/60i, 480/24p, 480pA, 480/30p
CineSwitchTM technology for variable frame rates in 720p mode: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60fps
1/3" 16:9 native high-sensitivity progressive 3-CCD with 1080/60p scanning
New DSP with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit internal processing for unprecedented accuracy
16:9/4:3 switchable for standard definition recording, 16:9 native for HD
Wide angle Leica Dicomar HD lens with optical image stabilizer (motorized/manual mode switchable)
High resolution 235,000 pixel .44" electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 90 degree tilt and detail function (for easier focusing)
High resolution 210,000 pixel flip-out 270 degree 3.5" LCD display
Thumbnail display for easy searching and file information
Auto/manual focus with focus assist (even during recording)
Cam-driven manual zoom
13X zoom range: focal length = 4.2 to 55mm (35mm equivalent: 32.5 to 423)
Advanced gamma functions and eight gamma settings including two CineGammaTM modes and NewsGammaTM mode
Advanced image adjustments: color matrix, detail, chroma phase, color temp, knee points
Two ND filters: 1/8, 1/64
82mm filter diameter
Two P2 card slots with hot swap capability
Hot swap, loop, pre-record (3 seconds in HD, 7 seconds in SD), one shot, and interval recording functions
Mini-DV tape transport for DV recording
Internal downconversion and frame rate conversion from HD source recorded on P2 cards to Mini-DV tape
48kHz 16-bit 4-channel PCM audio (2 XLRs with phantom power)
Built-in stereo microphone (unidirectional microphone optional)
Audio dials and flexible input selection
Analog component (Y, Pb, Pr) output
Composite input/output
S-Video input/output
Standard IEEE 1394 interface
External recording to FOCUS FireStore FS-100 via IEEE 1394 streaming
Host mode for transferring previously recorded content on P2 cards to an external hard drive via IEEE 1394
Compatible with nonlinear editing systems from Apple, Avid and Canopus
USB 2.0
SD memory card slot for sharing scene files
Remote control for zoom, record (start/stop)
Remote control for focus, iris control
SMPTE timecode reader/generator with timecode matching with multiple cameras via IEEE 1394
SMPTE color bars
Three programmable user buttons
Six pre-set scene files (user programmable)
Shot marker function
Slow, synchro and high speed shutter
White balance with auto tracking white function
Trigger and zoom control on upper handle grip
Ultra-tough magnesium alloy chassis
Supplied accessories include CG-AD54SE/1B Lithium-Ion 7.2V / 5400mA snap-on battery, AG-B15 AC adaptor/battery charger, microphone holder, component video cables with RCA-BNC adaptors, remote control, shoulder strap and instruction manual
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