Panasonic Launches 080p-Capable Shoulder-Mount Camcorder

Panasonic has announced delivery and pricing for the AG-AC8PJ, an AVCCAM shoulder-mount with enhanced ergonomics and functionality. The AG-AC8PJ, with 1080p recording capabilities, is ideal for shooting weddings, business conferences, documentaries, sporting events (including 720p at 8Mbs, optimal for use with leading coaching analysis systems), exhibits, and government activities.

The AC8PJ will ship in October with a suggested list price of $1450.00. The camcorder's advanced functionality includes a wide angle 28mm/F1.8 lens that allows the operator to fit more people and background into the frame, especially useful in narrow spaces. A powerful 21X optical/50x super-high resolution zoom facilitates shooting scenes that are difficult to access. Intelligent auto (iA) resolution technology enables acquisition at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. A 1/4.5 type high-sensitivity sensor ensures bright and sharp images even in the most dimly lit scenes.

With dual SD card slots and the capability to record on both cards simultaneously, the AC8PJ's Relay Auto Switch functionality provides dependable back-up recording or the ability to switch from one card to the other for extended recording times.

The AC8PJ offers a wide range of recording models including:1080/60p [Max. 28Mbps/VBR], (1920 1080/60p); PH [Max. 24Mbps/VBR], (1920 1080/60i); HA [Ave. 17Mbps/VBR], (1920 1080/60i); HG [Ave. 13Mbps/VBR], (1920 1080/60i); HE [Ave. 5Mbps/VBR], (1440 1080/60i); PM [Ave. 8Mbps/VBR], (1280 720/60p); and SA [Ave. 9Mbps/VBR], (720 480/60i).

Sophisticated professional capabilities include Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which helps compensate for wide variations in exposure in a contrast heavy scene, from light to dark; and a Focus in Red function that shows the sharp edges of a subject in red, making it stand out more easily, allowing a shooter to find focus even faster in some situations when manual focus is in use.

Input control commands can be made by the AC8PJ's integrated 3-inch touch panel LCD and Smart Touch. The camcorder is Eye-Fi SD card compatible, making the transfer of recordings via a wireless network to devices like a PC or a file-sharing site like YouTube or Vimeo fast, simple and convenient. Interfaces include HDMI TypeA, Microphones (stereo mini), Headphone (stereo mini), USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Host/Device, AV, and Video Component.

Other key features include a powerful 5-Access Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) that thoroughly suppresses blurring all the way from wide-angle to powerful zoom shots; and a manual, multi-purpose lens ring that provides fine adjustments and precise control of Focus, Zoom, Iris, White Balance and Shutter speed (a fast, accurate auto focus is also available). An illuminating LED ring allows recording verification and serves as a tally light to make shooting smoother. Other functions encompass the ability to back up hours of footage to an external portable HDD via USB; a Level Function mode that automatically detects and corrects the tilting of captured images; and a large lens hood that blocks light more effectively to reduce lens flare.

The AC8PJ weighs only five pounds, and measures 8.07 inches (W) x 8.54 inches (H) x 18.85 inches (D). The camcorder captures still images of 16:9, 20.4 megapixels [6016 x 3384 resolution], or a 4:3, 15.1 megapixels [4480 x 3360 resolution] still image. In simultaneous record mode, it can take a 16:9, 9.4 megapixels [4096 x 2304] still image or a 4:3, 1.4 megapixels [1440 x 1080] still image. A new high-performance stereo microphone is included, and standard accessories comprise an AC Adaptor, AC Cable, Rechargeable Battery Pack [2900 mAh/Lithium-ion], AV Cable, USB Cable, External Stereo Microphone, Lens Cap and Eye Cup.

LINK:	http://sportsvideo.org/main/blog/2013/10/panasonic-launches-1080p-capa...
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