What's new in cameras for ENG

This report compiles some new features presented during NAB 2008 in cameras and other equipment for the acquisition of news content.

Panasonic P2 with greater options
Panasonic presented the AG-HPX170, a new handheld camcorder from solid state with P2 technology. This camera can record on more of 20 SD and HD formats within tapeless workflows. It also has one of the widest zoom lenses and a HD-SDI interface for connection to productions and systems baseband distribution.

The HPX170 can work in 1080p and offers the advantages of P2 technology such as the absence of moving parts present in tapes, hard disks or disk-based systems, access randomly instantaneous to content recorded in SD and HD, a faster, IT-based workflow (technologies) of information) and the ability to work in environments adverse with resistance to extreme temperatures, shocks or Vibrations.

Built on the basis of the AG-HVX200, the HPX170 is equipped with 3 new 1/3-inch CCDs, 16:9 and conversion 14-bit A/D and 19-bit processing for recording of independent frames with broadcast quality. Comes with a Leica Dicomar 13X lens with 28mm wide angle and zoom manual for smooth, easy and precise operation. The camera also provides automatic or manual focus and iris for greater flexibility.

This multi-format camera records in 20 SD and HD formats, in one variety of formats 720p and 1080i in DVCPRO, 480i in DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO, and in 480i on DV. Can be switched between aspect rates 16:9 and 4:3. HPX170 offers 20 frame rate options in 720p mode for variable speed recording in the range of 12 to 60 frames per second for high or low acquisition speed as camera effects. For even flexibility larger, a wide variety of functions can be selected and gamma specifications including CineGamma mode.

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With two P2 card slots, users can record up to 64 continuous minutes of the highest quality DVCPRO HD using the 32 GB P2 cards already available on the market. This capacity will double with the new 64GB P2 cards in the coming months. Other easy recording modes include hot swapping for non-stop recording, loop recording, intervals and recording of a take. The date and time stamping function makes it ideal for use in legal environments.

The HPX170 comes equipped with HD/SD-SDI output for live productions as well as for editing and monitoring. Has also IEEE1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces for fast transfers from P2 content to NLE systems and offers a composite output and by components (mini D terminal) and code information time via IEEE 1394. It includes a stereo microphone and two XLR terminals for audio input supporting 48 V of power with mic/line selections and manual audio volume for two channels.

Other convenient operational features include the review of clips on the camera's 3.5 color LCD viewfinder, instant recording boot, scene files, buttons user assignable, focus assist and camera function Remote.

The AG-HPX170 will be available in the second half of 2008 with a 5-year limited warranty granted by Panasonic.