Panasonic AG-HMC72

Panasonic Australia will expand its professional AVCHD product line with the introduction of the AG-HMC72 AVCHD camcorder, due for local release in April 2008.

As the industry’s first shoulder-mount AVCHD camcorder, the AG-HMC72 records high-quality 1080i images onto readily available SD/SDHC memory cards.

Like Panasonic’s full production quality solid-state P2 HD recording system, this AVCHD camcorder eliminates the need for a special deck or play-out unit, as well as the time required to transfer content from a tape or optical disc to a PC for editing and content distribution – thus providing hardware and time cost savings. Since the AG-HMC72 uses a standard SD or SDHC card, the recording capacity will increase and media cost per gigabyte decrease as new higher capacity cards continue to be introduced.

Joining the small hand-held AG-HSC1U in Panasonic’s AVCHD camcorder line-up, the AG-HMC72 utilizes the industry standard H.264-based Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video format to deliver crisp HD images. AVCHD delivers twice the recording efficiency of older MPEG-2 codec technologies such as HDV, and it is supported by a growing number of nonlinear editing packages including Apple’s Final Cut Pro Version 6.0.1, Apple i-Movie, Grass ValleyEDIUS Software Version 4.5, Pinnacle Studio Plus 11, Nero 7 Premium Reloaded, Ulead Video Studio 11 Plus and Ulead DVD Movie Factory 6 Plus.

The AG-HMC72 features three native16:9 progressive ¼” CCDs that are widescreen 1440 x 1080 HD resolution images that are ideal for recording, or providing a live feed for weddings, sports recording, concerts, corporate launches or other events. The versatility of the camera means that it can be used by law enforcement agencies for training or surveillance, by schools for use in video production, live staging and documentation, and by broadcasters and newspapers for web journalism. The camcorder is equipped with the equivalent of a 38.5mm to 462mm* 35mm 12X Leica wide-angle zoom lens, one-push auto focus,and integrated Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) that ensures stable images, which are most critical when recording or displaying high definition video. The camera also provides excellent colour reproduction and inherits the exceptional colour rendition of Panasonic’s other professional HD cameras.

The camcorder brings the benefits of solid-state recording to budget-conscious professionals. Like digital still photography, recording onto an SD/SDHC card offers a fast and simple IT-compatible workflow, and ensures ultra-reliable performance because the AG-HMC72 uses no moving parts (unlike tape or disc-based camcorders) in the recording process. The AG-HMC72 is resistant to shock, vibration, temperature change and extreme weather conditions and because it is solid-state, users have instant access to the recorded footage without the need to ingest or digitize. In addition, SD and SDHC memory cards are inexpensive, widely available, and can be reused repeatedly. Since AVCHD records video as digital data files, content can be transferred and stored on affordable, high-capacity hard disk drives (HDD) and optical storage media. Once archived onto HDD or optical media the content can transferred to new archive solutions as advanced technology is introduced in the future.

The flexible camcorder provides professionals with continuous record time for long-form HD video production. With just the touch of a button, users can choose to shoot in one of the camera’s three recording modes – 6Mbps, 9Mbps or 13Mbps. Using the new 16GB SDHC memory card the AG-HMC72 can record for up to 360 minutes (6hours) at 6Mbps quality and up to 160 minutes (2.6 hours) at 13Mbps, the camera’s highest quality mode.

The AG-HMC72′s lightweight, shoulder-mount design facilitates stable shooting and better balance during long recording sessions. The camcorder’s 3-inch 16:9 LCD monitor offers thumbnail display of recorded images so videographers can monitor or delete clips. Professionals can also capture 2.1 Megapixel still images with the camcorder onto the SDHC memory card – even during video recording. The SD card content can be played back directly on a growing number of large HD flat screen displays, front and rear-screen projectors, and PCs that offer an SD card slot with AVCHD decoder software. AVCHD content also can be played back on the Panasonic DMP-BD10A Blu-ray Disc™ Player and other AVCHD-compatible devicesUsing NLE software, content can also be rendered in various formats and delivered on a wide range of media.

Unlike entry-level cameras, the AG-HMC72 offers professional audio capabilities including two XLR Mic/Line switchable inputs with attenuation, +48V Phantom Power, and both Auto & Manual level with Rec level dials. This allows flexible, high quality audio recording using a wide range of wired and wireless microphones and mixers.

Professionals can instantly transfer content from the AG-HMC72 camcorder to Mac or PC computers with an SD/SDHC card reader or by connecting the camcorder directly via its USB 2.0 interface. Other connectors that provide even greater flexibility include HD/SD component and composite (BNCs), HDMI and RCA audio jacks.

The AG-HMC72 will be available in Australia in April 2008. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. Options will include a VW-VBG6 5,800-mAH Battery, VW-W4307H Wide Conversion Lens, and VW-T4314H Tele Conversion Lens.