Press release from Panasonic
Panasonic Australia has announced the AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A, upgraded versions of its newest professional AVCCAM HD camera recorders.
Improved functionality in both camera recorders includes expanded focus assist and “turbo-speed” one-push auto-focus function. The AG-AC160A also incorporates acquisition in the 1080/50p and 1080/60p HD recording formats (PS mode).
Expanded focus assist enables the AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A to zoom in on the picture to check focus in addition to the conventional focus-in-red focus assist. The turbo-speed one-push auto-focus capability ensures that the camera recorders quickly attain focus. The addition of 1080/50p and 60p recording (PS mode (maximum 28Mbps)) to the AG-AC160A is of special value to worldwide customers in broadcasting, sports and scientific analysis, where this mastering-quality format is rapidly proliferating.
The AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A incorporate high-sensitivity 1/3 type, Full HD 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS imagers to capture native 1920 x 1080 resolution images, with a new, wider 22X HD zoom lens, the longest in its category.
Key features include two SD Memory Card slots for relay or simultaneous recording, compatibility with Panasonic’s new SDHC full Class 10 UHS-1 (Ultra High Speed) Memory Cards, an enhanced viewfinder and LCD display, and DV recording. The higher-end AG-AC160A also includes such top production features as variable frame rate recording in 1080p, Linear PCM audio, HD-SDI output, and switchability between 59.94Hz/50Hz.
The AG-AC160A and AG-AC130A will be available in Australia in May at $5494.00 RRP (including GST) and $4528.00 RRP (including GST) respectively. Current AG-AC160 and AG-AC130 owners will be able to purchase this suite of upgrades. The price of the upgrade suite will be announced closer to the release date.
The 60p/50p upgrade for the AG-AC160 is free and can be performed by the customer. The turbo-speed one-push auto-focus and Expanded Focus Assist upgrades require a hardware change and this needs to be done at a Panasonic Authorised Service Center.