Panasonic Australia strengthens 4K broadcast line-up with three new cameras
New models include AK-UB300 4K multi-purpose camera and AG-UX180/ AG-UX90 integrated lens camcorders.
Sydney, October 18, 2016: Panasonic Australia has expanded its 4K camera range with a new 4K production camera and two cost-effective high-power zoom, integrated lens camcorders.
The multi-purpose AK-UB300 camera is a 4K box camera equipped with a B4 mount aimed at sports, remote studios, live concerts and aerial shooting. It provides 4K output (3G x 4) and HD-SDI output simultaneously.
Panasonic will also introduce two new professional 4K camcorders, with the UX Series the successor to the company’s AVCCAM Series of professional AVCHD camcorders. The premium AG-UX180 model is equipped with a 1-inch MOS sensor, optical 20x zoom, UHD 60p recording capability and a Leica Dicomar 4K compact lens with a wide 24mm angle, the industry’s widest for an integrated lens camcorder. The standard AG-UX90 features a 1-inch MOS sensor, optical 15x zoom, UHD 30p recording and 24.5mm lens.
Matthew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast and Professional Video, said: “The AK-UB300 is our first 4K box camera and the much anticipated successor to the popular AK-HC1800 and AK-HC1500 HD box cameras. It has a high-sensitivity/low noise large format 4K 1-inch image sensor, combined with an ultra-high quality built-in internal conversion lens – so the AK-UB300 is compatible with 4K & HD B4 mount lenses.
“This combination means that users can get the best of both worlds. They get the look and feel of a large format sensor camera with the convenience of using existing B4 lenses without the need for external adapters. The ability to simultaneously output UHD (3G x 4) and HD-SDI with HD-IP streaming adds to the AK-UB300’s flexibility.”
“Similar to the design concept of the AK-UB300, the large format 4K 1-inch sensor in the AG-UX180/AG-UX90 camcorders combined with long telephoto 20x and 15x lenses respectively make these cameras ideal for newsgathering, sports, music videos, documentaries and wildlife shooting. The large format sensor and long lenses provide an excellence balance between the look and feel of a large format 4K camera with a lens that lets you get the shot whether you are in a small room or out on a sporting field. The new UX series of handheld cameras is perfectly placed to let the operator move to creating professional 4K content.”
Pricing and availability
The new models will be available from authorised Panasonic Broadcast distributors and dealers.
AK-UB300 $38,648 RRP Available Nov 2016
AG-UX180 $5,986 RRP Available Dec 2016
AG-UX90 $3,616 RRP Available Nov 2016
AK-UB300: New 4K multi-purpose camera with simultaneous UHD/HD output
The AK-UB300 4K multi-purpose camera is equipped with a one-inch MOS sensor that outputs a UHD signal up to 3840×2160/50p, with the ability to simultaneously output HD up to 1080/504p.
The AK-UB300 provides the precise camerawork and high image quality required for sports, remote and small-scale studios, weather information, live concerts, aerial shooting and other applications.
The camera uses existing 2/3-inch lenses and features high sensitivity (F10/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB) and dynamic range measured at 600 per cent (-6dB36dB). The UB300 is compatible with Panasonic's comprehensive line of high-performance indoor/outdoor pan-tilt systems, and using IP live remote monitoring, up to 10 cameras can be both viewed and controlled simultaneously from a web browser.
In addition to HD output, the UB300 is equipped with a simultaneous 4x3G-SDI output as standard, and can be swapped with other optional 4K outputs such as optical fiber. Output formats include (in HD) 3G-SDI: 1080/59.94p,50p,59.94i,50i,29.97p,25p,23.98p,24p (Native), 24p (Over 60i), 29.97psF,25psF,23.98psF, 24PsF, 23.98PsF (Over 60i) and 720/59.94p,50p; and (in 4K) 3G-SDI×4: 2160/59.94p,50p,29.97p,25p,23.98p. An HD Cropping feature allows an HD image to be cropped from the 4K picture, and the HD Cropping area can be controlled by a Panasonic remote controller.
Streaming video output will be available from the UB300 in several forms and formats, and at a wide range of transmission speeds. For remote production and video acquisition, four simultaneous streams will be available in either H.264 or JPEG. Video resolutions of up to 1080/60p are available at rates of up to 24Mbps.
The UB300 boasts newly-developed haze-reduction technology, valuable for weather reporting, and incorporates a 2x digital extender zoom, four-position neutral density filter (Clear, ND4, ND16, ND64) and Focus Assist functionality.
New UX Series of Professional 4K Camcorders with 1-inch MOS sensor
Versatile recording
The AG-UX180 supports Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p, 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50p/60p, dual 4K and FHD (via dual SD cards), Infrared and HD super slow-motion (120fps 60Hz/100fps 50Hz). Versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD file formats are supported.
When recording in FHD, variable frame rate (VFR) enables 10-step recording at 2-60fps. The variety of recording modes with selectable image quality, frame rate and bit rate settings respond to a wide range of applications, from education and corporate to sports and web video.
The AG-UX90 supports UHD 30p and FHD 60p recording.
Both models offer two SD memory card slots that support relay/simultaneous/backup recording for enhanced reliability, and also support UHD/FHD dual codec recording for a more efficient workflow.
An enhanced Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S.) provides powerful correction when shooting in UHD/FHD, while the 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabiliser is available in HD shooting. The Micro Drive Focus Unit delivers stable high-speed AF with excellent tracking performance to ensure accurate focusing, with customisable AF settings including speed, tracking sensitivity and area width.
Broadcast-quality capabilities
The AG-UX180 provides operators in live recording environments with the flexibility of 3G-SDI output, allowing cable connection up to 100 metres from mixers or monitors. Time Code Preset allows multiple cameras to be locked and synchronised to simplify post production.
The camcorders’ controls are engineered to meet the needs of professional video recording and include:
AG-UX180 and AG-UX90:
• Master Detail
• 8-mode gamma
• Scene file with six image quality settings
• Three manual rings for zoom, focus and iris control
• 13 customisable buttons
• 3.5 inch monitor with OLED (UX180/LED (UX90) electronic viewfinder
• Interfaces including HDMI output and XLR audio input
• Option for wireless remote control with an iPad and the Panasonic AG-ROP app
AG-UX180 only:
• 16-axis independent colour correction
• Variable ND filter with 1/4, 1/16 or 1/64 settings
• Gain and White Balance adjustable in-camera
• Interfaces including 3G-SDI output and TC PRESET input/output