Panasonic AG-HPX370 User Manual
AG-HPX370 series
Memory Card Camera Recorder
(AG-HPX370/371/372/374)
A Breakthrough P2 Cam with High Image Quality and High Sensitivity.
*Shown above with Standard Lens,Permanetly-set Viewfinder, Optional Microphone, and Optional Battery.
HIGH QUALITY & HIGH SENSITIVITY
A New Full-HD U.L. T. (Ultra Luminance Technology) Image Sensor Rivals the Image Quality and Sensitivity of High-End Professional Camera Recorders.
Newly developed 1/3-inch U.L.T. image sensor
AG-HPX370 series
Comparison of Recorded Images
1/2-inch MOS
equipped camera
Panasonic’s AG-HPX370 series P2 HD camera recorder moves you up to a whole new
level of production quality. A new, state-of-the-art 2.2 megapixel 3-chip U.L.T.
(Ultra Luminance Technology) imager produces stunning HD content in a wide range
of shooting conditions, with the F10* sensitivity and image quality of larger imagers.
With a superior 10-bit, 4:2:2, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra codec, the
HPX370 series can record more image detail more accurately. Ready for global
production, the HPX370 series offers international HD and SD standards, including
1080i and 720p as well as industry-standard DVCPRO HD. Data is recorded onto
reliable P2 memory cards. With its superb image rendering, long recording time, easy
operation and flexible adaptability to IT, the AG-HPX370 series is a powerful answer
to today's advanced video production demands. It also offers low operating costs and
high environmental performance.
*F10 sensitivity in 1080/59.94i and F11 sensitivity in 1080/50i at 2,000 lx.
Reuse
Initialization
P2 Card
P2 Memory Card Recorder: Lower Operating Costs, Better for the Environment
P2 Reduces Total Cost of Ownership
(1) Faster, easier editing because digitization is not necessary
(2) Lower media costs because memory cards
are reusable
(3) Lower maintenance costs because there is
no moving mechanism
By reducing editing, media and maintenance
costs, P2 can help improve your bottom line.
Users can also take advantage of a special fiveyear free-repair service program that Panasonic
offers for P2 HD equipment.
The P2 Card Helps Preserve the Environment:
Repeated Reusability and Low Power Consumption
Allowing repeated file copying and initialization,
a single P2 card can be used and re-used,
again and again. When combined with an
IT-based workflow that requires no dubbing,
P2 cards can greatly reduce storage media
expenses. And because a memory card
recorder has no moving mechanism, it uses less
power. For example, the AG-HPX370 series
uses about 51% less power than the tapebased AJ-HDX900 camcorder.
Camera Section
The AG-HPX370 series features a newly developed camera section with a 2.2-megapixel image sensor
and 20 bit digital signal processor. Image quality is outstanding.
Newly Developed U.L.T.*1 Image Sensor with F10*2
Sensitivity and Superb Image Quality
High levels of sensitivity and image
quality have been achieved with a
new high-sensitivity photodiode and
low-noise pixel transistor, both based
on low-noise analog process
technology that was accumulated in
Panasonic CCD camera development.
Plus, the same levels of sensitivity and
image quality that are found in
Interlace mode are now possible in
Progressive mode thanks to P.A.P.
(Progressive Advanced Processing),
a 3D adaptive processing technology.
*1: Ultra Luminance Technology
*2:F10 sensitivity in 1080/59.94i and F11 sensitivity in 1080/50i at 2,000 lx.
AG-HPX370 series 1/2-inch MOS equipped camera
Newly developed 1/3-inch
U.L.T. image sensor
*Shooting conditions: Gain: 0 dB,
Lens aperture: Open,
Illumination: 60 lx
Fujinon High-Performance 17x Zoom Lens
The AG-HPX370 series comes equipped with a Fujinon 1/3-inch 17x
zoom lens. Optimized for use with the AG-HPX370 series, this highperformance HD lens incorporates advanced broadcast lens technologies
to achieve a compact size, light weight, F1.6 at 4.5 mm f-value at the
wide end, and excellent zoom response. The zoom is comfortable to grip
and use. Also, quick zoom and auto cruising zoom functions can be
allocated to the VTR and RET switches.
Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)
This exclusive technology sets up a conversation between lens and
camera which allows for a highly sophisticated algorithm to be deployed
that will automatically compensate the registration error that is caused
mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimize the circumjacent blur.
Simulation Showing the CAC (Chromatic Aberration Compensation) Effect
Full screen CAC OFF CAC ON
Filter: Clear,
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 images that result are enhanced by a
visually wide dynamic range.
*The DRS function does not operate in 1080/25p, 1080/24p or 1080/30p mode.
Simulation Showing
DRS OFF DRS ON
3-Position Gain Selector / 24dB Gain-Up Function
There is a 3-position gain selector, with L, M and H settings. To each
setting you can assign a gain value from −3 dB to 12 dB, in 3 dB steps.
There is also a USER button –- just give it a quick touch to instantly boost
the gain by 24 dB.
Newly Developed 20 bit Digital Signal Processor
The AG-HPX370 series
incorporates a high-performance
20 bit DSP that handles image
rendering processes such as
gamma and various detail
enhancement functions with
exceptional precision. Consuming
less power than conventional
processors, the new DSP
contributes to the AG-HPX370
series outstanding environmental
performance.
Blown highlights are suppressed.
Blocked shadows are suppressed.
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
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-HPX370 series is equipped with highly accurate flash
band detection and compensation software* on the camera’s signal
processing LSI. 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 Senser
Output
Image
1 1
2 2
3 3
Flash Band
Compensation
Process
After
Compensation
Scene File Dial
Set this 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. You can also store and load the settings to and from
an SD card.
• 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 this 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.
Slow, Synchro and High-Speed Shutter
The shutter speed can be set between 1/6.25 second on the slow end in
50Hz mode (1/6 second in 59.94Hz mode) and 1/2000 second on the
fast end. Used with the variable frame rate function, this allows you to
create a blurring effect or crystal-clear stop-motion of sports action. The
AG-HPX370 series also features a synchro scan function for capturing
screen shots from a computer monitor.
Advanced Image Adjustments Built-In
• Matrix setting including a Cine-Like mode
• Adjustable H detail level, V detail level, detail coring and
skin tone detail
• Adjustable chroma level, chroma phase, color temp and
master pedestal
• Knee point settings: Auto, Low, Mid and High
• User files can be saved to an SD card and shared with other cameras.
User files are separate from Scene Files.
• 4-position (off, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) optical neutral density
filter wheel
Cine-like Functions
The gamma, variable frame rate and other advanced functions let you capture images with a
cinema-like feel, expanding your creative and expressive possibilities.
7-Mode Gamma for Richer Gradation
Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has
equipped the AG-HPX370 series with advanced gamma functions that
address seven different shooting scenarios and enhance your creative
abilities. This includes the Cine-Like Gamma, which produces the
characteristic tone of film recordings.
AG-HPX370 series 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: Provides more contrast and color gradation
B.PRESS: Provides more contrast and blacks in low contrast scenes
CINE-LIKE D: The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize dynamic range
CINE-LIKE V: The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize contrast
HD NORM Mode CINE-LIKE D Mode
20-Step Variable Frame Rate
Like the VariCam, the AG-HPX370 series allows undercranking and
overcranking common in film cameras, to create fast-motion and slowmotion effects. In 720p mode,* the frame rate can be set to any of
20 steps.
*In 1080 and 480 modes, the frame rate can be set only to 25p, 24p or 30p.
VFR in 59.94 Hz ModeVFR in 50 Hz Mode
Frame
12p 208% (Quick)
15p 167% (Quick)
18p 139% (Quick)
20p 125% (Quick)
21p 119% (Quick)
22p 114% (Quick)
23p 109% (Quick)
24p 104% (Quick)
25p 100% (Standard)
26p 96% (Slow)
27p 93% (Slow)
28p 89% (Slow)
30p 83% (Slow)
32p 78% (Slow)
34p 74% (Slow)
37p 68% (Slow)
42p 60% (Slow)
45p 56% (Slow)
48p 52% (Slow)
50p 50% (Slow)
rate
Effect of 25p
standard
Frame
12p 200% (Quick) 250% (Quick)
15p 160% (Quick) 200% (Quick)
18p 133% (Quick) 167% (Quick)
20p 120% (Quick) 150% (Quick)
21p 114% (Quick) 143% (Quick)
22p 109% (Quick) 136% (Quick)
24p 100% (Standard) 125% (Quick)
25p 96% (Slow) 120% (Quick)
26p 92% (Slow) 115% (Quick)
27p 89% (Slow) 111% (Quick)
28p 86% (Slow) 107% (Quick)
30p 80% (Slow) 100% (Standard)
32p 75% (Slow) 94% (Slow)
34p 71% (Slow) 88% (Slow)
36p 67% (Slow) 83% (Slow)
40p 60% (Slow) 75% (Slow)
44p 55% (Slow) 68% (Slow)
48p 50% (Slow) 63% (Slow)
54p 44% (Slow) 56% (Slow)
60p 40% (Slow) 50% (Slow)
rate
Effect of 24p
standard
Effect of 30p
standard
• Normal cinematic shooting (at 24 fps, 25
fps or 30 fps) refers to the same rate as used in
film cameras. The AG-HPX370 series can record
in 1080/24p (over 60i) or 480/24p (over 60i) mode, as
well as 720/24p mode. 25 fps or 30 fps is the standard frame rates
used in the production of TV commercials, music clips and video
software. The AG-HPX370 series can also record in 1080/25p (over 50i),
1080/30p (over 60i), 576/25p (over 50i) or 480/30p (over 60i) mode, as
well as 720/25p and 720/30p mode.
• Higher-speed shooting (at over 25 fps*) produces slow-motion effects.
This is especially effective for high-action scenes like car chases or
crashes, or to create a dramatic impact in a scene.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50Hz
mode, anything over 26 fps will be overcranked.
• Lower-speed shooting (at under 22 fps*) lets you attain a fast-motion
effect. This technique can be combined with a warp-speed effect to give
special emphasis to flowing water, fast-moving clouds, etc.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50 Hz
mode, anything under 24 fps will be undercranked.
Native and Over-50p/60p Modes
• 720p Native Mode
In Native mode, the AG-HPX370 series records images at the frame rate
set in the camera. For example in 24 pN mode, it only records 24 frames
instead of the normal 60 frames*. Using the AG-HPX370 series to play
back the recording at the normal rate, you can preview the speed effect
right on the spot, without using a frame rate converter. Native mode also
extends the recording time of a P2 card.
*In 25 pN mode in 50 Hz system mode, AG-HPX370 series records only 25 frames instead of
the normal 50 frames
• 720p over 50p/60p Mode
This is a mode for recording 50p-converted or 60p-converted video.
For example, in 24p mode, it records 60 frames by applying a 2:3
pulldown. The recording time is the same as in 1080i or 720p mode, but
the unit can output a DVCPRO HD stream from the IEEE 1394 connector
as it records.*
This lets you produce a backup copy using a connected external
P2 recorder such as AJ-HPM200 or AG-HPG20, DVCPRO HD recorder.
*Only when the recording format is DVCPRO HD. There is no output when the AVC-Intra codec
is used.
*24p = 23.98p, 30p = 29.97p, 60p = 59.94p and 60i = 59.94i
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