Panasonic AG-HPX250 User Manual

AG-HPX250

P2 Handheld Memory Card Camera Recorder

(AG-HPX250P, AG-HPX250EJ, AG-HPX250EN)

1

Shoulder-Type Performance and Functions

Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixels) & 10 bit 4:2:2 Full Sampling Recording

in a Professional Handheld Camera Recorder

The high-performance AG-HPX250 P2 handheld fills out the P2HD Series by incorporating the newest technologies throughout —
in the lens, camera and recorder sections. The newly developed 22x zoom lens covers a wide shooting range, from wide-angle to
telephoto, and features three manual rings for precise control. Imaging is optimized by the high-sensitivity, low-noise 1/3-type

2.2-megapixel U.L.T. (Ultra Luminance Technology) 3MOS image sensor. And the AG-HPX250 is the first handheld model to
support AVC-Intra codecs. This combination produces a level of performance that rivals many full-size shoulder-type camera
recorders, and adds the high-quality acquisition of Full-HD (1920 x 1080) and 10 bit, 4:2:2 full sample, broadcast-level images.
Image expression is also boosted by the Variable Frame Rate (VFR) function, and system expansion for broadcasting and other
production applications is provided by multi-camera synchronizing. The stylish design of the AG-HPX250 adds further to both
mobility and operating ease, and opens a new stage for news gathering and image acquisition.

28 mm to 616 mm, 22x Zoom Lens

2.2-Megapixel U.L.T. Image Sensors

1920 × 1080 10 bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra Codec

22x Panasonic Lens — Zooming in on New Levels of Image Expression

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Packed with Panasonic Optical Technology

The high-performance zoom lens was developed specifically for
professional HD video production. While inheriting the wide-angle
capabilities of the DVX and HVX Series, it adds the same level of
operating ease as you'd expect from an interchangeable lens model for
broadcasting and other professional uses. Combining 18 lens elements in
12 groups, this advanced lens unit further adds a UHR (Ultra High
Refractive) glass element, a low dispersion element and aspherical
lenses. This newest optical technology can provide high resolution.
In addition, it is combined with a unique Panasonic digital signal
processing technology called Chromatic Aberration Compensation
(CAC) to minimize color bleeding in the surrounding image and achieve
rich expression with finely rendered nuances and excellent shading.
Zooming from 28mm to 616mm (35mm equivalent), this 22x zoom lens
covers a wide field of view, from wide-angle to telephoto, without a
conversion lens.

Wide 28 mm Tele 616 mm (22x) 22x optical zoom x

10x digital zoom (220x)

Three Manual Rings — Zoom, Focus and Iris

The lens unit is provided with three rings — a mechanical (cam-driven)
zoom ring, a focus ring, and an iris ring. You can operate them manually
almost like an interchangeable lens including rugged operation of
zoom ring.

Optical Image Stabilizer, Digital Zoom, and ND Filter

• Hand-shake correction with the Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS).

• Digital Zoom function.* It can be assigned to an user button and close

up to 2x, 5x, and 10x. In combination with the optical zoom, this
function provides a telephoto capability up to 220x.

• Four-position (OFF, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) optical neutral density

filter wheel.

* The digital zoom cannot be used while operating the Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) or Scan Reverse

functions. If either function is operated while digital zooming, the zoom will be automatically turned off.

Also, Flash Band Compensation (FBC) will not operate while digital zooming.

Focus Ring Zoom Ring

Iris Ring

High-Sensitivity, Low-Noise U.L.T. Image Sensor

U.L.T. Image Sensor

High-Sensitivity F10*, 2.2-Megapixel, Low-Noise U.L.T. Image
Sensor and Optimized Signal Processing Circuit

The AG-HPX250 features the Ultra Luminance Technology (U.L.T.)

1/3-type 2.2-megapixel 3MOS image sensor that is incorporated in our

shoulder-type P2HD camera recorders. This advanced image sensor is set
to maximize the performance of the lens and signal processing circuit
under standard shooting conditions. Progressive Advanced Processing
(PAP) technology, which is driven by 3D adaptive processing, has also

been further refined to enable high-sensitivity F10*, low-noise shooting

in dimly lit places.

*AG-HPX250 sensitivity is selectable, F10 is PAP Filter Type1 and F7 is PAP Filter Type2 in 59.94Hz mode.
In 50Hz mode, F11 is PAP Filter Type1 and F8 is PAP Filter Type2. The default setting is PAP Filter Type2.

because the exposure timing differs for each line, when an external flash
is used, it tends to produce images where the brightness is divided
between the top and bottom of the image. This is called the flash band
effect. The AG-HPX250 is equipped with highly accurate flash band

detection and compensation software. By generating pairs of frames

containing flash bands, and frames in which a flash extends from the
previous frame to the entire screen, and then using the compensation

process to adjust the level, the flash band effect of MOS-based imagers

is eliminated.

Flash

Time Flow

MOS
Image Sensor

Output
Image

1 1

Flash Band

Compensation

2 2

3 3

Process

After
Compensation

Flash Band Compensation

In contrast with the CCD image sensor, which accumulates still images

of single frames that are exposed with identical timing, the MOS image

sensor uses a rolling shutter system that sequentially scans each line of
pixels. This lowers power consumption and enables high-speed drive, but

MOS Output Imager After Compensation Imager

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The High-Quality DSP Matches Image Processing and Quality to match Each Shooting Situation

20 bit Digital Signal Processor

The AG-HPX250 incorporates a
high-performance 20 bit DSP that
handles image rendering processes
such as gamma and various detail
enhancement functions with
exceptional precision.

Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)

In scenes with mixed contrast, such as when panning from indoors to
outdoors, the DRS function automatically suppresses blocked shadows
and blown highlights. A gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to
match the contrast of each pixel, and applied in real time. When dark,
bright, and intermediate shades are all contained in the same scene, this
produces excellent gradation for each shade and minimizes blocked
shadows and blown highlights.

* The DRS function does not operate in 1080/24p, 1080/25p or 1080/30p mode.

DSP Processor

HD NORM mode

AG-HPX250 Gamma Modes

HD NORM: Suitable for standard HD recording.
LOW: Works to flatten out a high contrast scene.
SD NORM: Normal setting for SD.
HIGH: Expands the tone of dark parts and makes a brighter image.

The contrast softens.

B.PRESS: Makes the contrast sharper than LOW.
CINE-LIKE D: The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize dynamic range.
CINE-LIKE V: The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize contrast.

Other Camera Image Settings

• Variable shutter speed from 1/6 to 1/2000 sec. plus
Synchro Scan function.

• Matrix setting including a Cine-Like mode

• Adjustable H detail level, V detail level, detail coring and

DRS OFF DRS ON

7-Mode Gamma for Richer Gradation

Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has
equipped the AG-HPX250 with advanced gamma functions that address
seven different shooting scenarios, including two Cine-Like Gammas.

skin tone detail.

• Adjustable chroma level, chroma phase, color temp and
master pedestal.

• Knee point settings: Auto, Low, Mid and High.

CINE-LIKE D mode

Rapid Response with Agile Shooting Assist Functions

Focus Assist Functions

Press the Focus Assist button and the center section of the screen

expands in size, making it easier to determine if the focus is correct.

Also, the Focus Bar that visually indicates the focus level can be

displayed on the screen.

Focus Assist OFF Focus Assist ON

Scene File / User File

Set Scene dial for an instant set of shooting conditions. Six preset files
are provided, and you can change any of the six file names and their

settings as desired. One set can be stored internally in the AG-HPX250,
and four sets on an SD Memory Card. One file with camera setting values
can also be stored internally, and four files on an SD Memory Card.

Scene File Description

F1: — Standard settings
F2: FLUO. Indoor shooting under fluorescent lights
F3: SPARK Highlighting subjects at receptions, events etc.
F4: B-STR Enhanced gradations of luminance in low light scenes
F5: CINE V Cine-Like setting shifted to prioritize contrast*
F6: CINE D Cine-Like setting shifted to prioritize dynamic range*

* Selecting a scene file does not change the video recording format. If you want to switch to 25p, 24p

and 30p, you must do so as a separate procedure.

3-Position Gain Selector plus 30dB Super Gain Function

There is a 3-position gain selector, with L, M and H settings. To each
setting you can assign a gain value from 0, +3, +6, +9, +12, +15 and
+18 dB. There is also a Super Gain such as +24 dB and +30 dB.

Simplified Waveform and Vectorscope Display

The AG-HPX250 has Waveform and Vectorscope Display functions for the
captured video signal on the LCD monitor.

Waveform Vectorscope

Five User Buttons

There are a total of five User buttons: User Main, User 1 to 3 on the top
panel, and User 4 on the rear of the AG-HPX250. Based on user's

requirements, customized operation can be set by assigned 18 versatile
functions to these user buttons.

User button allotment function

SPOTLIGHT, BACKLIGHT, ATW, ATW LOCK, S.GAIN, D.ZOOM, Y GET, DRS,
TEXT MEMO, SLOT SEL, SHOT MARK, MAG A. LVL, LVL METER, PRE REC, WFM,
LAST CLIP, FBC, LCD B.L.