Panasonic AJ-HDC27H User Manual

AJ-HDC27H

Variable Frame-Rate HD Camera-Recorder

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Panasonic continues to expand the boundaries of video
production with breakthrough digital image technologies that
put more expressive power in the hands of movie, TV
commercial, and episodic TV programme cinematographers.

Introducing the AJ-HDC27H, the second-generation variable
frame rate HD camera-recorder that's suitable for producing
all types of image content.

The AJ-HDC27H combines variable frame rates that emulate
the speed effects of a film camera with cine gamma image
quality that offers the sufficient latitude to take full advantage
of the full dynamic range of film theater projection.
No wonder more and more production companies have turned
to variable frame rate as their HD camera with film sensitivity
and a system capable of dramatically reducing movie
production costs.

The AJ-HDC27H inherits the basic design and features of its
predecessors while adding enhancements geared to today's
latest production needs. Everything from image quality to
functions and operating ease has been fine-tuned. Capturing
smooth, beautiful images, the new variable frame rate debuts
as a low-cost, high-quality solution to production of content
from movies and TV programmes to commercials and
music clips.

New AJ-HDC27H Functions and Specifications

•Newly developed 3CCD system

•12-bit A/D converter

•New high-resolution emulation mode

•Lens files can be written to an SD Memory Card

•Two individual HD-SDI outputs

•Frame rate switching can be assigned to a user button

Panasonic Keeps Evolving
Digital Video with the Sensitivity of Film

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Variable Frame Rate

The Panasonic AJ-HDC27H is the video camera able to
emulate the "undercranking" and "overcranking" technique
of film cameras to slow down or speed up images. By
varying the frame rate from 4 to 60 fps and adjusting the
shutter speed from 3.0º to 350.0º (0.8% to 97.2%) of the
frame rate, you can create a wide range of cinematic
effects. And since the VTR section records at a constant
60 fps, you can edit offline with a conventional DVCPRO
HD VTR.

VARIABLE FRAME RATE

Offers Advanced Speed Effects and
Produces All Types of Content – Only the Panasonic

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4-fps 12-fps 24-fps 36-fps 48-fps 60-fps

6X 2X 1X 0.67X 0.5X 0.4X

NormalUndercranking Overcranking

Normal Speed

Recording

Playback

Quick Motion Slow Motion

Normal Shooting at 24 fps (for Film) or 25 fps

(for TV programme)

Normal cinematic shooting is done at true 24 fps, the same

rate as in film cameras, or at the 25 fps used for TV

programmes and commercials. Discrete

720p images and a specially

developed film gamma curve create

images with the same tonal

characteristics as film.

Lower-speed Shooting at 4 to 23* fps

For example, shooting at 12 fps lets you attain a 2x fast­motion effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps.
This technique can be combined with zooming to create a
warp-speed effect, such as for giving special emphasis to
flowing water, fast-moving clouds, or a person standing still
amid a bustling crowd. Decrease the shutter speed for a strobe
effect, or increase it for a ghost effect. The expressive
possibilities are endless.

*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 25 fps, anything under 24 fps
will be undercranked.

Higher-speed Shooting at 25* to 60 fps

For example, shoot at 48 fps to attain a 1/2x slow-motion
effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps. This is
especially effective for high-action scenes such as car chases
or spectacular crashes, or for scenes with great dramatic
impact. Unlike the slow motion captured at playback speed by
ordinary video cameras, the AJ-HDC27H captures highly dense
frames to provide a smooth, naturally flowing slow-motion
effect with vivid picture quality.

*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 25 fps, anything over 26 fps
will be overcranked.

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Film Gamma Selection

The extremely wide reproductive range of film is the key to
its lush expression. Panasonic's new gamma curves —
developed specifically to allow a CCD camera to produce
the tonal qualities of film — now bring film's natural
shading and rich coloration to the video camera.
The AJ-HDC27H also lets you switch between video and
film gamma modes. Film modes include "Cine Gamma" for
film using ARRI laser recorder, High End TV Production, for
monitoring and CRT base film recorders. Select the mode
that suits your production. The ISO640-equivalent
sensitivity — which surpasses even film cameras —
combines with the brightness and superior picture quality
to produce an essentially "grainless, high-sensitivity film"
effect.

CINE GAMMA

Video with the Same Latitude as Film – Only Panasonic