NAB 2016: Panasonic Announces New Cameras


Jim Wickizer, Marketing Group Manager at Panasonic takes us on a tour of the new UC3000 and Hi-Def Studio Cameras.

The UC3000’s features include Advanced Focus Assist Functions, shockless Gain (-6~36dB), a User Gamma setting, Black Gamma Correction tracking pedestal, and multi-step Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). The camera reduces skew using a high-speed scan from the MOS sensor. Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS in HD Mode) reduces the blocked shadows and blown highlights in scenes where extremely bright and dark objects coexist, and CAC compensates for chromatic aberration at the lens periphery. High Dynamic Range (HDR) will be supported with a future firmware update.

Output formats of the UC3000 (with UCU500) include HD (3G-SDI): 1080/59.94p,50p,59.94i,50i, 29.97psF, 25psF,23.98psF, 23.98p over 59.94i, 720/59.94p,50p, in 4K outputs include 4K (3G-SDI×4): 3840x2160/59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p and 23.98P, and  in SD, 480/59.94i and 576/50i.

A new Camera Control Unit, the AK-UCU500, provides power up to 6600 feet over hybrid fiber, and outputs 4K signals and HD simultaneously.  Two new remote operation panels, the AK-HRP1000 and AK-HRP1005, both with color LCD readout displays, provide IP controls. A new 9-inch, Full-HD LCD viewfinder is also available.
The fast, high resolution AK-HC5000, capable of high-speed output up 1080/239.76p, becomes Panasonic’s flagship studio model.  The camera incorporates new 2/3” 2.2M 3-CMOS sensors with high sensitivity (F11/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB+), and resolution measured at 1100 TV lines.

Panasonic announced immediate availability of the studio cameras: The AK-UC3000 4K system, and the AK-HC5000, with output of up to 1080p at 239.76p.

Targeted at studios and productions requiring high-end functionality at an affordable price, the UC3000 is equipped with a large, full-UHD resolution single MOS sensor with an internal conversion lens that outputs a UHD signal up to 3840/2160/59.94p, while also delivering superior picture quality in HD. The camera’s B4 mount accommodates the gamut of existing 2/3-inch lenses to maximize customers’ return on their investment in existing lenses, and allowing a wider and more economical choice of glass for sports, concerts and similar applications. The UC3000 also enables shooting with high sensitivity (F10/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB+), high resolution (1800 TV lines/UHD) and a wide dynamic range of 600%(-6dB~36dB).

For more information on Panasonic’s Pro Video line visit their web site here.