Panasonic AG-HMC153, AG-HMC152, AG-HMC154 User Manual

AG-HMC150 series

Memory Card Camera-Recorder

(AG-HMC152/AG-HMC153/AG-HMC154)

High Image Quality and
Advanced Functions
in an AVCCAM
Camcorder
with Easy
Mobility
and Solid­State
Reliability

The powerful new tapeless AG-HMC150 series joins the Panasonic line of professional HD

camcorders. This new AVCCAM camcorder features highly-acclaimed functions for the

popular AG-DVX100 Series of DV-tape based camcorders to tapeless HD recording.

Using the cost-saving AVCHD format to record onto SDHC or SD Memory Card media,

the AG-HMC150 series produces exceptional images and responds to creative production needs.

It also features a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle lens — widest in a professional camera of

this class — and a newly developed 1/3-inch 16:9 progressive CCD. It further enhances image

quality by adding a higher-quality PH mode to the clean, extended-time recording abilities of

the AVCHD format. The AG-HMC150 series handles full-pixel (1920 x 1080/1280 x 720) 25p

progressive recording, and includes cinelike gamma and other versatile functions to meet

the special needs of creative image production.

Memory-Card Recording Lowers Costs and Helps the Environment

The SDHC/SD Memory Card media for the AVCCAM camcorder is totally free from abrasion and dropout. There is
no drive mechanism required, as there is for tape and disc-based recorders, so power consumption is low and size
and weight are reduced. Malfunctions are less likely to occur, and there is no need to replace heads or transport
components. This translates into lower costs and easier maintenance, greater energy savings,
and less waste when the unit is eventually disposed of. All of these features help to conserve
the environment. Panasonic is a leader in creating and promoting the advantages of memory­card recording, both in its AVCCAM camcorders and P2 HD broadcast and professional
systems, through a program called the AVCCAM 3-Year Warranty Repair Program.

AVCCAM 3-Year Warranty Repair Program <http://panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e>

AVCCAM users can join this service program by simply registering on the following website after
purchasing a system. There are no annual fees required. Membership benefits include 3-year limited
warranty, AVCCAM product information, and integrated management and AVCCAM products by
means of an equipment management system.

*AG-HMC150 series users qualify for a 3-year warranty on repairs. See the back page for details.

A Camera Block with the Same Design as P2 HD Broadcast Systems Boosts the Quality of HD Images

ø 53mm

Light axis

28mm Wide-Angle, 13X Zoom Leica Dicomar® HD Lens

Configuration of the 13-power zoom lens

The wide-angle zoom lens that became so popular in the HVX200
Series has been downsized, lightened, and further widened in this 13X
zoom lens. The new lens structure combines 13 lens elements in 10
groups, with 3 aspherical lenses. The diameter of the front lens element
has been reduced from 67 to 53.2 mm, while still achieving a 28mm
wide angle (35mm equivalent), the widest of the class.*
The new lens covers most shooting situations without requiring a wide­angle conversion lens. Its minimum object distance (MOD) of about 0.6
meter at the telephoto setting helps to maximize the handheld
camcorder’s inherent mobility.
The same cam-driven zoom ring that was so popular in previous models
ensures accurate zooming. The Leica Dicomar lens incorporates Leica
optical technology and know-how throughout. A multi-coating process
minimizes flare and ghosting. This results in sharp, crisp, beautifully
rendered images with delicate nuances and exceptional shading.

*HD camcorders with integrated lens and 1/3-inch CCD, as of July 2008 (according to a Panasonic
survey)

Image of an angle of view equivalent to 32.5 mm Image of an angle of view equivalent to 28 mm

New Progressive CCD Raises Sensitivity and Lowers Noise and Smear

The new 1/3-inch 16:9
progressive CCD on the
AG-HMC150 series further raises
image quality. It combines a
significantly improved S/N ratio
and better low-light performance
than previous models. Backed by
a high-performance digital signal
processor, the CCD brings higher
quality to HD images to meet the
demands of broadcasters and
high-end video producers.

High-Resolution Native Progressive 1080/50p Scan

Progressive to interlace conversion, cross conversion and down
conversion all start with the 1080/50p scan. That initial 1080p native
progressive scan offers the highest level of vertical resolution possible at
this level of camera. Keep in mind that the camera does not record this
signal but uses it as a basis for all captures. The result is an HD or SD
recording with a level of image quality that cannot be matched by
electronically processed scans.

DSP with 14-Bit A/D Conversion and 19-Bit Processing

The digital signal processor
developed for the AG-HMC150
series video signals uses 14-bit A/
D conversion and 19-bit inner
processing to attain
unprecedented accuracy. It is
from this capture that all other
signals are made. The DSP
performs a variety of adjustments,
including eight types of gamma
settings, for each of the R, G and
B channels. It also converts the signals to HD or SD format. With a
performance equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end HD
cameras, this DSP delivers beautiful images in all video formats.