Oct 9 2011
Panasonic Australia is set to release a new professional broadcast camera in January 2012 – the AW-HE120. This new HD integrated camera will be available in pearl white and metallic black to match a variety of usage situations.
Mathew Alexander, Product Manager - Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, said: “The new AW-HE120 HD integrated camera is ideal for a wide range of applications from broadcast to auditoriums or concert halls because of its great feature set. It has an improved 20x HD zoom lens and 3 x U.L.T. MOS sensors that produce amazing Full-HD video - all packaged in a compact stylish body that is 60 per cent smaller and lighter than its predecessor.”
“It also steps up its versatility because it is compatible with all our existing remote control systems and supports IP connections. This makes it perfect for upgrading an existing system or starting a new system from scratch. It is also very easy to install,” he said.
The AW-HE120 has a 20X 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 X 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 colour 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), analogue 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 camcorders. 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 per cent less than the previous model. It also features a Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that minimises 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 are 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 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.
Weighing around 3 kilograms, the AW-HE120 is approximately 60% smaller and lighter than the earlier AW-HE100. It is available in two colours to match a variety of decors. The pearl white model (AW-HE120W) is suitable for settings such as chapels and wedding function centres, 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.
The new AW-HE120 will be available in late January 2012 from Panasonic Australia Broadcast dealers, with pricing to be announced closer to the release date.