Recording Formats

During NAB 2001 the presentation of solutions for video recording was made. These video cameras were part of a new generation of digital technology that offered interesting alternatives due to the variety of their formats.

This year will be the debut of Panasonic's AJ-HDC27A camcorder . The first digital model of this class for the acquisition of images in 720 lines, 60 frames and progressive sweep for HD (High Definition). The first model of this camera was delivered in the United States to NASA. It is a model of compact size, light in weight and under power consumption. It has three 2/3-inch CCDs to achieve an effective resolution of 1280x720 within the on-chip lens system, which provides F10 sensitivity at 2000 lux.

It uses 1/4-inch high-density HD DVCPRO tapes that allow the acquisition of 46 minutes of high-definition images of very good quality, with 720 effective sweep lines on a recording cassette that uses a ratio of 100Mbps. Its circuits deliver a 16-bit digital processing signal (DSP) for better performance in image quality recording, ensuring a highly stable signal that tolerates and handles temperature and vibration changes.

Panasonic will also launch the AJ-HDC24A HD Cinema Camera. It is a digital camera for high definition that offers a multiframe solution for progressive sweeping designed expressly for commercial production applications, music videos, documentaries, television episodes and some film production applications. The AJ-HDC24A HD records 24 frames progressively (24p) as well as 60, 12 and numerous other speed options. Images from this camera can be transferred directly to cinematic film avoiding unnecessary conversions of bit rates that can affect image quality and introduce foreign artifacts.

Another of the new cameras that become part of the new range of products for acquisition is the Ag-DVC200 model from Panasonic. It is a camera of the DVPROLINE line configured with 3 CCD of 1/2 inch. It supplies 800 horizontal lines of resolution and high sensitivity from F11 to 2000 lux and excellent response in low light conditions up to 0.5 lux. It uses standard DV tapes that allow you to record up to 276 minutes without changing cassette. It offers a standard frame for bayonet lenses in 1/2 inch. Its design is aimed at the production of sports and long-term events. In addition to this, it is equipped with an IEEE 1394 digital interface.

Finally, Panasonic will present its ultra-compact camera AW-E300S DSP (Digital Signal Processing) with a separate optical system, which joins the line of convertible cameras of this company. This model allows the ccD to be mounted separately from the camera for a wide range of military, professional video and industrial image production applications. The optical system can be located at a distance of up to 10 meters from the camera head. It offers a standard 1/3-inch C-mount and an RS-232C interface. It delivers 800 lines of horizontal resolution and can work in minimum lighting conditions up to 1.5 lux.

HITACHI will introduce two new versions of its low-cost HDTV cameras. They offer simultaneous outputs for HDTV and NTSC with capacity for 1080i, 480 and 720p. One of them designed for studio applications has a FIT chip and a smaller one for small stations and field production has an IT chip . The two cameras are portable and will have studio configuration options. They perform a digital process of 2,200,000 pixels per CCD, constant operation in HDTV 16:9 format, TVL 1200 resolution and sensitivity to 2000 lux in f 8.0.

This house will present at NAB the CAMCORDER MODEL HDW-750 HDCAM. It is a camera with particular characteristics that offers a flexible solution for HDTV acquisition operations in medium and high quality. It is a very compact and lightweight camcorder but at the same time of great robustness and high degree of reliability, elements common to this line of products. The HDW-750 can deliver downconverted output signals (using an optional kit) as well as offer HD-SDI signals without the need for an external adapter, a feature that adds much more flexibility and versatility to the acquisition work in HDTV. Additionally, Sony will present this year, the HDW-730 model, designed exclusively for 1080/60i acquisition on HDTV.

The Philips Broadcast Cameras division will show its complete line of SDTV cameras that incorporate Panasonic's DVCPRO recorders, the LDK 200 Triax camera and the LDK 23HS MKII super slow-motion camera.

The Philips LDK 23HS MKII super slow-motion model has become the standard for this application in recent years and this year incorporates new improvements that will help raise that level such as the flicker compensation system for artificial light sources.

For its part, the LDK 200 camera, which completes the Triax family of cameras for production, adds this year a modular base station with additional functions and excellent dimensions.

The LDK 6000HD series of high definition cameras has the HD-DPM+ sensor. This CCD sensor, with 9.2 million pixels allows native selection between 1080i and 720p. The HD base station offers HD and high-quality SDTV outputs simultaneously. This series introduces the new Triax HD that uses the standard Triax links that allow the reuse of the wide Triax base installed worldwide.

LDK 7000HD is the series of cameras for digital cinematography with native progressive reading ratios common to film applications such as 1080p24, p25 and p30. At 720p, it provides frame rates that enable slow-motion applications. In addition, it offers aspect ratios greater than 16:9.

Designed for intensive use in all classes of studio applications and many other outdoor broadcasting applications, the 1707 12-bit digital triax camera model enables the production of high-quality images because their processing is entirely digital, from acquisition to transmission over triax cable.

The 1707 digital triax camera model is available in Sportcam and Microcam versions. The Sportcam version offers the same performance and functionality as traditional studio models. Its concept allows great flexibility and a quick way to convert from a portable configuration to the configuration for study or for field applications with a 17 cm (6.7") monitor. Its flexibility is increased thanks to the possibility of adapting long zoom lenses equipped with different mount systems by simply changing the front panel.

Microcam is a model based on the body of the model 1707 with the CCD block mounted remotely (up to 100 meters away). This configuration provides a very compact camera head that allows for shots that would be impossible to achieve with conventional portable cameras. This module can be mounted back into the camera body for use as the portable model 1707.